 |
Tenzing NorgayNepalese Sherpa, climber, conqueror of Everest
Date of Birth: 15.05.1914
Country:  India |
Content:
- Climb to the Summit of the World
- Early Life and Everest Expeditions
- Personal Hardships and Return to Everest
- Final Ascent and Triumph
- The Hillary Step
- Post-Summit Life and Legacy
Climb to the Summit of the World
Nepalese Sherpa climber Tenzing Norgay holds a place in history as one of the first two men to summit Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth.
Early Life and Everest Expeditions
Born in Tengboche, Nepal, in May 1914, Tenzing Norgay was one of 13 children in a Sherpa family. He began his climbing career in 1935 as part of an expedition led by Eric Shipton, and later participated in three more British expeditions in the 1930s.
Personal Hardships and Return to Everest
In the early 1940s, Norgay served as a batman for a British major. He returned to Darjeeling in 1947 after his first wife's death. Despite financial difficulties, Norgay's unwavering determination drove him to attempt Everest again in 1947, but the expedition was unsuccessful due to severe weather.
Final Ascent and Triumph
In 1953, Norgay embarked on his seventh Everest expedition as part of a team led by John Hunt. It was during this expedition that he met Edmund Hillary, the other climber who would share his historic triumph. On May 29, 1953, after a grueling ascent, Norgay and Hillary became the first men to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
The Hillary Step
The final leg of the ascent proved particularly challenging due to a 12-meter vertical rock face, later known as "Hillary Step." Norgay's extraordinary climbing skills and Hillary's unwavering determination allowed them to overcome this obstacle.
Post-Summit Life and Legacy
Following his Everest triumph, Norgay became a celebrated mountaineer and played a key role in developing the tourism industry in Nepal. He established the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) to train future generations of climbers. Norgay passed away in Darjeeling in 1986, leaving behind a legacy of courage, perseverance, and the spirit of exploration.
