The First Conquest of Everest

New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay were the pioneers who reached the summit.

The first plan of climbing on this huge mountain range was developed in 1893 and the first try to conquer the summit was taken in 1921, but brave attempt of mountaineers and their 50 followers failed.

Only 30 years later Hillary and Tenzing climbed to almost nine thousand kilometres height and thus conquered the highest peak of the Himalayas on the border of Nepal and India.

The news of this reached the rest of the world only on June 2, the day of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. The Queen of Britain awarded Hillary with knighthood and he was granted a right to add the title Sir to his name. Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, who was not a citizen of the British Commonwealth, received a medal from the Queen.

Since the first ascent to Chomolungma till today more than 200 people died on its slopes. Even the most expensive and modern equipment does not always guarantee success on the highest peak in the world. Nevertheless, every year about 500 people try to conquer Everest.

Climbing takes about 2 months including acclimatization and setting of camps. On average mountaineers lose 10-15 kg of weight after conquering the mountain. Countries which home approaches to the top, charge big money for climbing. It is cheaper to conquer Everest from Tibet.