Student Article
Tenzing Norgay: The Sherpa Mountaineer Who First Conquered Everest
Endurance (noun): The ability to continue despite difficulty or fatigue.
Reputation (noun): The general opinion about someone based on past actions.
Perilous (adjective): Full of danger or risk.
Recognition (noun): Acknowledgment or reward for achievement.
Autobiography (noun): A book someone writes about their own life.
Tenzing Norgay’s journey from a remote Himalayan village to the summit of the world’s tallest mountain is a story of ambition, endurance, and quiet heroism.
A humble beginning
Born around 1914 to a Tibetan yak herder, Tenzing — originally named Namgyal Wangdi — left home at 19 and began working as a porter in Darjeeling, India. He soon built a reputation as one of the Himalayas’ most experienced climbers.
A well-known climber
By 1953, Tenzing had joined multiple expeditions to Mount Everest. His unmatched familiarity with its perilous slopes made him the natural choice when British expedition leader John Hunt began assembling his team to finally conquer Everest. Tenzing was not only selected as one of 20 Sherpa guides but was appointed Sherpa leader of the 400-person mission.
Tenzing and Hillary’s partnership
New Zealander Edmund Hillary, upon meeting Tenzing, was immediately struck by his presence and reputation. Though initially passed over in favor of climbers Tom Bourdillon and Charles Evans, Tenzing and Hillary became the second team to attempt the final ascent after the first pair had to turn back — less than 328 feet (100 meters) from the summit — due to oxygen issues.
The summit and their celebration
At 6:30 a.m. on May 29, 1953, Tenzing and Hillary launched their historic climb from Camp IX. They reached the summit and stayed briefly, planting flags of the United Kingdom, Nepal, and the United Nations, taking photos, and leaving small offerings. Neither claimed solo credit. “We both together,” Tenzing said, emphasizing unity over personal glory.
Recognition and legacy
Despite the global attention, Tenzing received less formal recognition than his Western counterparts. While Hillary and Hunt were knighted, Tenzing was awarded the George Medal — only after Queen Elizabeth II reportedly intervened. Many questioned why he wasn't knighted, especially since others from Nepal had received that honor before.
Tenzing’s lasting impact
Tenzing returned to Darjeeling and became director of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. He later launched his own trekking company, helping others chase their dreams just as he had. Reflecting on his incredible life in his autobiography, Man of Everest, he marveled at how far he had come: “From a mountain coolie… to a wearer of a coat with rows of medals who is carried about in planes.”
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Endurance (noun): The ability to continue despite difficulty or fatigue.
Reputation (noun): The general opinion about someone based on past actions.
Perilous (adjective): Full of danger or risk.
Recognition (noun): Acknowledgment or reward for achievement.
Autobiography (noun): A book someone writes about their own life.