MAY 29TH, 1953  |  MOUNT EVEREST, NEPAL

At 11:30 AM on May 29th, 1953, New Zealand-native Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay successfully climbed the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest. After decades of brave but unsuccessful attempts by expeditions from around the world, these two climbers, supported by a climbing team of 40 others and a supply team of nearly 400, were able to finally reach the highest point on Earth. 

They became overnight celebrities and were received as heroes, demonstrating the power of international cooperation. Their efforts also paved the way for future successful expeditions, with over 5,000 people having summited since 1953. 

Hillary’s and Tenzing’s legacies extend beyond climbing as well, as they founded philanthropic organizations that are dedicated to supporting the local Nepalese community. For more information on these organizations, please visit:

HIMALAYAN TRUST: https://himalayantrust.org/

TENZING NORGAY SHERPA FOUNDATION: http://tenzingfoundation.org/

AMERICAN HIMALAYAN FOUNDATION: https://www.himalayan-foundation.org/