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Edmund Hillary

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description Edmund Hillary Overview

Sir Edmund Hillary was a New Zealand mountaineer and explorer who, with the Sherpa climber Tenzing Norgay, reached the summit of Mount Everest on 29 May 1953 as members of a British expedition. He later participated in the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition and reached the South Pole overland in 1958. Through the Himalayan Trust, he also supported the construction of schools, hospitals, and other facilities in Nepal's Khumbu region.

help Edmund Hillary FAQ

Did Edmund Hillary or Tenzing Norgay step onto Everest's summit first?

Hillary and Tenzing reached the summit together as a climbing team on 29 May 1953. Both men declined to turn the achievement into a contest over who took the literal first step.

What is the Hillary Step?

The Hillary Step was a steep rock obstacle high on Everest's southeast ridge that Hillary climbed shortly before the summit. Climbers later reported that the feature was substantially altered, or possibly destroyed, after the 2015 Nepal earthquake.

What did Edmund Hillary do after climbing Everest?

Hillary devoted decades to projects supporting Sherpa communities through the Himalayan Trust. The organization helped build schools, hospitals, bridges, and airfields in Nepal's Khumbu region.

Did Edmund Hillary also reach the South Pole?

Yes, Hillary led a New Zealand party to the South Pole overland in January 1958 during the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition. His team used modified Ferguson tractors for the journey.

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