Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand was the first person to reach the summit of the highest mountain in the world, Mt Everest together with Tenzing Norgay, a Nepalese Sherpa in the year 1953. But who got there first, guess we will never know. Considering the effort they put in and the challenges they faced on the way to the peak of Everest, it is quite a record that they broke. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay are two legendary mountaineers who made history by becoming the first people to successfully reach the summit of Mount Everest. Their remarkable feat on May 29, 1953, captivated the world’s attention and inspired countless individuals to pursue their own dreams of adventure and exploration.
Born in Auckland, New Zealand, on July 20, 1919, Sir Edmund Hillary developed an interest in climbing at a young age. He quickly became known for his skill and determination on the mountains and was invited to join the British Everest reconnaissance expedition in 1951, which marked the beginning of his quest to reach the world’s highest peak.
Tenzing Norgay, born on May 29, 1914, in Nepal, was a Sherpa mountaineer who had already participated in several Everest expeditions before joining forces with Hillary. He was well-known for his knowledge of the mountain.
Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth, has captivated the imagination of adventurers and explorers for generations. The idea of scaling its treacherous slopes and reaching its summit has always been a daunting challenge, but for two legendary mountaineers, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, it was a dream that they refused to give up on even though some claim George Mallory and Irvine were the first persons to reach the summit of Everest.
Early Life and Career of Sir Edmund Hillary
Sir Edmund Hillary was born on July 20, 1919, in Auckland, New Zealand to Percival Augustus and Gertrude Hillary. He grew up in a family of modest means but was always fascinated by the outdoors and nature. As a young boy, he would often go on long hikes and camping trips, developing a deep love for the mountains and the wilderness.
Hillary’s passion for climbing started in New Zealand, where he began to hone his skills on the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled and determined mountaineer, and his achievements on the mountains soon earned him national recognition.
Initially small in stature, he experienced a growth spurt and reached six feet and 2 inches (188 cm) and discovered his talent for boxing. At the age of sixteen, while on a school trip to Mount Ruapehu, a passion for trekking was sparked within him. Ultimately deciding to forgo formal education, Edmund began work as a beekeeper in 1938 after attending Auckland University College for two years. In 1939, he conquered Mount Oliver in New Zealand, which left a lasting impact on him. During World War II, Hillary enlisted in the New Zealand Air Force and bravely fought alongside the Allied forces. Sustaining injuries during battle, he eventually recovered and continued to pursue his adventures. In 1949, he successfully climbed Mount Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand, before taking on various European mountains. The experience gained from scaling glaciated New Zealand peaks proved invaluable as he prepared for future expeditions in the Himalayas. Following his mountaineering accomplishments, Edmund received an esteemed invitation to join a British expedition led by Sir John Hunt in the Himalayas.
Tenzing Norgay’s Life and Career
Tenzing Norgay was born on May 29, 1914, in the Khumbu region of Nepal. He was part of the Sherpa community, known for their exceptional mountaineering skills and their intimate knowledge of the Himalayas.
Tenzing started his career as a porter and worked on several expeditions as a high-altitude porter and guide. He soon gained a reputation as a skilled mountaineer, and his strength and resilience in the high-altitude conditions of the Himalayas made him a valuable asset to any climbing team.
He was the 11th child among 13 siblings of Tibetan descent, born to Gang La Mingma and Dokmo Kinzom. Initially named Namgyal Wangdi, he later adopted the name Tenzing Norgay, which translates to “wealthy-fortunate-follower-of-religion.” Although his family sent him to Tengboche Monastery with hopes of making him a monk, he ultimately left the monastery behind. In his teenage years, he ran away from home twice – first to Kathmandu, and then to Darjeeling. At the age of twenty, Tenzing Norgay seized an opportunity to join the 1935 British Mount Everest reconnaissance expedition led by Eric Shipton, an acclaimed English mountaineer of the Himalayas. Initially not the first choice for the team, Tenzing was recommended by his friend Ang Tharkay after other members of the expedition failed medical tests. It is said that Shipton was particularly impressed by Tenzing’s winning smile. Notably, Tenzing Norgay also participated in a Swiss expedition in 1952, during which he reached an altitude of 28,210 feet alongside Raymond Lambert, just below the summit of Mount Everest, which stands at 29,035 feet in height.
The Quest for Mount Everest
In 1951, Hillary was invited to join the British Everest reconnaissance expedition, which marked the beginning of his quest to reach the summit of Mount Everest. He was part of a team that surveyed the mountain and assessed the feasibility of an ascent.
During this expedition, Hillary met Tenzing for the first time, and the two men quickly developed a strong bond. Hillary was impressed by Tenzing’s skills and knowledge of the mountain, and Tenzing was inspired by Hillary’s determination and perseverance.
The two men joined forces in 1953 as part of the ninth British expedition to Everest. They were part of a team of climbers, sherpas, and support staff who worked tirelessly for weeks to prepare for the final push to the summit.
The First Climb to the Summit of Everest
The climb to the summit of Mount Everest is one of the most difficult challenges in mountaineering. The route to the top is treacherous, with sheer cliffs, icy slopes, and unpredictable weather conditions.
Hillary and Tenzing started their final push towards the summit on May 28, 1953. They climbed through the night, battling exhaustion, altitude sickness, and freezing temperatures. As the sun rose on May 29, they reached the South Summit, a key milestone on their journey.
From there, they made their way along the narrow ridge towards the summit. The final push was grueling, but Hillary and Tenzing never wavered. They pushed themselves to the limit, using all their skills and experience to reach the top.
Finally, at 11:30 AM on May 29, 1953, Hillary and Tenzing reached the summit of Mount Everest. They had achieved what many had thought was impossible, becoming the first people in history to stand on top of the world.
How old was Sir Edmund Hillary when he became the first person to summit Everest?
At the time Edmund Hillary became the first person to summit Mount Everest, he was at the young age of 33 years. This was even before he was knighted to become Sir Edmund Hillary and he worked as a bookkeeper. It is also worth noting that this was his fourth Himalayan expedition within two years.
Did Sir Edmund Hillary use a supplemental oxygen bottle when he climbed Everest?
At the time, Sir Edmund Hillary was summiting Everest, no other human being had been ever recorded to achieve this feat, so Edmund Hillary and his sherpa Tenzing Norgay, used oxygen to help them to summit Everest.
How Hillary and Tenzing met each other
Sir John Hunt had a strong desire to have a Sherpa on his team, and he was well aware of Tenzing’s experience from previous expeditions. Tenzing had actually climbed 4000 feet higher than any other member of Sir John Hunt’s team. The Everest expedition led by John Hunt involved setting up a series of camps, ultimately reaching the challenging South Col at an altitude of 26,000 feet. With careful planning, John Hunt formed two teams to ascend the peak – the first team consisted of Tom Bourdillon and Charles Evans, while the second team included Tenzing and Hillary. Despite facing setbacks, such as a malfunctioning oxygen bottle for Bourdillon and Evans, the team persevered. Finally, on the 29th of May 1953, Hillary and Tenzing successfully reached the summit of Everest, the tallest mountain in the world.
Celebrations at the first Everest summit
Tenzing and Edmund stood at the summit of Mount Everest for about fifteen minutes. During their time there, Edmund took a photograph of Tenzing holding his ice axe. Some sources suggest that Tenzing never used a camera himself, which is why he didn’t capture a photo of Edmund. However, according to Tenzing’s autobiography, it was actually Edmund who didn’t want his picture taken. They also took photos looking down the mountain to provide evidence of their accomplishment. Tenzing left chocolates as an offering at the summit, while Edmund left a cross given to him by John Hunt, the leader of the expedition. After their victorious climb, Tenzing and Edmund were frequently asked about who was the first to reach the peak. Tenzing acknowledged that Edmund was ahead of him, but emphasized the importance of their teamwork. Following their achievement, they gained worldwide recognition. Queen Elizabeth II knighted both Edmund Hillary and John Hunt. Tenzing was awarded the George Medal for his contributions. King Tribhuvan of Nepal honored him with the Order of the Star of Nepal, while the Indian Government bestowed upon him the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in India. Interestingly, the highest known mountain on Pluto, the dwarf planet, has been named Tenzing Montes. Additionally, Edmund Hillary’s image is featured on New Zealand’s five-dollar bill.
What did Edmund Hillary and Tenzing do on the peak of The Everest?
They gazed at the magnificent view, exchanged congratulations, waved a few flags, Hillary captured some moments in photographs. Hillary realized that Tenzing was unfamiliar with using a camera and decided it wasn’t the right time to teach him. Tenzing possibly offered a prayer and a small tribute before they descended. Hillary recounted this scene in his book “The View From The Summit”, emphasizing a feeling of relief rather than jubilation. It’s important to remember that little was understood back then about surviving in high altitudes. Hillary and Tenzing knew they had to return to their camp before nightfall, navigating the treacherous Hillary Step to get there. They completed only the necessary rituals dictated by their respective traditions before beginning the descent. The absence of a photo of Hillary on the summit sparked controversy later on, as Tenzing couldn’t take one and selfies were not yet a thing.
How did Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary prove that they climbed Mt. Everest?
Establishing the first successful climb of a mountain peak can be tricky until someone else has replicated the achievement. Hillary captured images at the top, notably one of Norgay standing proudly on it. Yet, these photos were not truly verified until other climbers had reached the summit and could verify their accuracy. Leaving a marker behind can also serve as proof. Hillary and Norgay left candies and a small metal cross buried in the snow at the peak, which were later discovered by subsequent climbers.
How many climbers went up Mt. Everest with Edmund Hilary and Tensing Norgay?
The team was made up of 13 expedition members, with Hillary being one of them. Some members stayed back at base camp to support those attempting the climb. Sherpas were recruited to assist with the expedition, including the experienced Tensing. Some Sherpas were skilled climbers while others served as porters and helpers in camp. Initially, Bourdillon and Evans attempted the climb but had to turn back from the south summit due to time constraints. Hillary and Tensing then successfully reached the summit two days later. If Bourdillon and Evans had more time, they could have been the first to summit.
How was it that Edmund Hillary, a foreigner, was [supposedly] the first man to climb Mt. Everest when his local guide Tenzing Norgay’s people had presumably lived near the mountain for thousands of years?
The Sherpas had no interest in climbing to the summit of Chomolungma, as they did not see any appeal in it. The sport of mountaineering in Europe originated from the spare time provided by the Industrial Revolution. Some individuals became curious about the view from the top of mountains and started exploring nearby peaks, eventually expanding their expeditions to other countries. Wealthy mountaineering enthusiasts were attracted to the Himalayas and began conquering its peaks. They discovered that Sherpas were excellent as porters and guides on the lower slopes due to their superior endurance at high altitudes compared to Europeans. Sherpas, on the other hand, were more focused on making a living and had little motivation to explore until the arrival of affluent mountain climbers, which sparked their interest in mountaineering. In contrast, Ed Hillary had ample leisure time and the stunning Southern Alps in New Zealand to hone his mountaineering skills. Chosen by John Hunt along with Tenzing Norgay for a summit attempt after a previous failed attempt, Hillary and Tenzing successfully reached the peak. Despite pressure from nationalists to claim he reached the summit first, Tenzing resisted and emphasized the team effort. Even with the expedition’s statement and Hillary’s account emphasizing teamwork, some nationalists persistently sought to determine who reached the summit first. Finally, Hillary clarifies that after surmounting various obstacles, he reached the summit of Everest with Tenzing’s support.
How long did it take Edmund Hillary to reach the summit of Mount Everest?
Edmund Hillary reached the summit of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953, seven weeks after reaching Base Camp. Accompanied by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, they made history by becoming the first climbers to successfully reach the highest point on Earth. This achievement marked the culmination of months of preparation and a grueling ascent through treacherous terrain and extreme weather condition.
The Details:
In 1953, an expedition was organized with a total of 362 local porters, 20 climbing Sherpas, and 13 climbers from Britain and New Zealand. The goal was to have only 2 or 3 individuals reach the summit of the mountain. This team was considered massive according to today’s standards. Prior to this attempt, eight other expeditions from different nations had been unsuccessful in reaching the summit. The year before, in 1952, a Swiss expedition had come within 250 vertical meters of the summit along the south-east ridge, marking the highest point reached by a human at that time.
February 12 1953:
The team of British climbers departed from England, opting for a maritime journey despite the faster option of air travel. The leader believed that the leisurely sea voyage would allow the group to foster camaraderie and build stronger bonds. Once they reached Kathmandu, they immediately began hiring over 350 locals to help transport 5,000kg of essential equipment and supplies into the challenging terrain of the Khumbu Valley.
March 10:
The expanded group departed from Kathmandu and embarked on a journey towards Mount Everest.
April 12:
The leading team arrived at the spot called “Base Camp” and set up their initial tents on the Khumbu glacier. They began to carve out a path through the Icefall by securing ladders and tree trunks over the various crevasses to make the journey relatively safer.
April 22:
The group successfully climbed to the top of the Icefall and set up Camp 3 at 6,150m (referred to as Camp 1 nowadays). In the following weeks, the 20 Sherpas and climbers steadily ascended, carrying equipment up and down the mountain to replenish supplies. As they climbed higher, their numbers gradually decreased. By May 22, two members of the team had reached the South Col at 7,950m and established Camp 8 (now known as Camp 4). A Camp 9 was created even higher up, above the Balcony at 8,500m, within the treacherous death-zone. This harsh environment served as a base camp for their final push to the summit, only 350m away.
May 26:
Two climbers from Britain, utilizing oxygen tanks, embarked on a journey towards the summit. They surpassed the Swiss point and advanced to within 100m of reaching the peak. However, due to extreme fatigue and malfunctioning oxygen gear, they were forced to turn back in order to avoid the high likelihood of death. The day after, in readiness for the upcoming 2-person expedition, a group of three climbers transported 20kg of supplies each to Camp 9. Hillary and Tenzing trailed behind them, gathering the necessary equipment and oxygen tanks that were left at various supply stations along the route.
May 29:
Equipped with guidance from the initial duo, Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa set off on their endeavor from Camp 9 at 6:30 in the morning. After five hours, the two individuals achieved a historic milestone.
The Legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay
The achievement of Hillary and Tenzing was a testament to the power of human perseverance and cooperation.
Hillary and Norgay’s successful climb of Mount Everest marked a turning point in mountaineering history. Their accomplishment sparked a surge of interest in high-altitude climbing, and soon after, expeditions began attempting to climb other Himalayan peaks.
Moreover, Hillary and Norgay’s successful climb of Everest paved the way for other expeditions to the mountain. Today, thousands of people attempt to summit Mount Everest every year, making it one of the most popular and well-known mountaineering destinations in the world.
However, despite the increased popularity of climbing Everest, the risks associated with such an endeavor remain high. Climbing the mountain requires significant physical and mental strength, as well as specialized equipment and training. Additionally, climbers must contend with harsh weather conditions, high altitude sickness, and the inherent dangers of climbing in extreme environments.
Despite these challenges, many people continue to be drawn to the allure of climbing Everest. For many, reaching the summit represents the ultimate test of human endurance and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
In conclusion, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s historic climb of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953, marked a major milestone in mountaineering history. Their bravery, perseverance, and spirit of cooperation have continued to inspire people around the world to pursue their own dreams of adventure and exploration. Their legacy lives on, and the celebration of International Everest Day serves as a reminder of their incredible achievement and the power of human determination.
Who reached the summit of Everest first, Sir Edmund Hillary or Tenzing Norgay?
Even when Hillary and Tenzing departed the summit, their fame grew. “When we came out toward Kathmandu, there was a very strong political feeling, particularly among the Indian and Nepalese press, who very much wanted to be assured that Tenzing was first,” Sir Edmund remembers today. “That would imply that Nepalese and Indian climbers were on par with foreign climbers.” This made us feel rather uneasy at the time. Tenzing, John Hunt, and I had a quick meeting. We promised not to reveal who was the first to foot onto the peak.
“To a climber, it makes little difference who steps foot first. Often, the person who puts in the most effort steps back and lets his partner stand on top first.”
Tenzing stated in his memoirs in the biography, Tiger of the Snows, that Hillary had actually preceded him.
Neither man foresaw how much the attractiveness of that patch of snow five miles in the sky would increase as a result of their achievement. “Tenzing and I both thought that once we’d climbed the mountain, no one would ever try again,” Sir Edmund acknowledges today. “We couldn’t have been more mistaken.”
Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first people to successfully climb Mount Everest on May 29, 1953.
What does climbing Mount Everest entail?
Climbing Mount Everest requires significant physical and mental strength, specialized equipment and training, and the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions and high altitude sickness.
Why is climbing Mount Everest so popular?
Climbing Mount Everest represents the ultimate test of human endurance and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for many people.
How did Hillary and Norgay’s climb of Mount Everest inspire others?
Their achievement inspired countless individuals to pursue their own dreams of adventure and exploration, as well as to embrace the spirit of cooperation and friendship.
What is International Everest Day?
International Everest Day is celebrated every year on May 29 to honor Sir Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay, and all the mountaineers who have dared to dream of reaching the top of the world.
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