The Story of Conquering Everest
Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, has been a symbol of challenge for mountaineers for centuries. Its summit, standing at 29,029 feet, is the ultimate achievement for those who aspire to conquer it. The first successful ascent of Mount Everest is a historic moment, one that marked a new era in mountaineering.
On May 29, 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Mount Everest, becoming the first people to conquer the world’s highest peak. The story of their successful ascent is one of determination, skill, and courage. In this article, we explore the history of the conquest, the climbers who made it possible, and its impact on mountaineering.
The Journey Begins: Early Attempts to Scale Everest
Mount Everest was first sighted by Western explorers in 1841, but it wasn’t until 1921 that the first attempt to climb it was made. A British reconnaissance expedition led by George Mallory was sent to explore the mountain, but they were forced back by bad weather and difficult terrain.
Several expeditions followed in the next two decades, but none of them were able to reach the summit. Mallory himself made two more attempts, but he perished on the mountain in 1924. The early attempts were hampered by limited technology, lack of knowledge about the mountain’s terrain, and inadequate preparation. However, these expeditions set the foundation for the successful conquest of Everest that was to come.
The Race to the Top: The First Successful Ascent
In the early 1950s, the British decided to make another attempt on Everest. A team led by Colonel John Hunt was organized, and in 1953 they set out on their expedition. The team had the benefit of modern technology, including oxygen tanks, better climbing equipment, and a detailed knowledge of the mountain’s geography.
The team reached the South Col on May 26, and on May 29, Hillary and Norgay began their ascent. They climbed through the notorious Khumbu Icefall, over the South Summit, and up the Southeast Ridge to the summit. At 11:30 am, Hillary and Norgay stood on the summit of Mount Everest, the first people in history to do so. The news of their achievement spread quickly, and they became international heroes overnight.
Meet the Climbers: Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay
Sir Edmund Hillary was a New Zealand mountaineer and explorer. He had already made several successful climbs in the Himalayas before being selected for the 1953 expedition. Tenzing Norgay, on the other hand, was a Sherpa from Nepal with extensive experience in the Everest region. He had participated in several previous expeditions to Everest, and his knowledge of the mountain was invaluable to the team. Together, Hillary and Norgay formed a strong partnership, and their successful ascent of Everest made them both famous.
The Discovery of the True Summit
There has been controversy over the exact location of the summit of Everest. The original survey conducted by the British in the 1950s placed the summit at a point known as "South Peak." However, subsequent surveys have shown that the true summit is actually about 30 feet higher, at a point known as "Hillary Step." This discovery was made in 1999 by an American climbing team led by Bradford Washburn.
The controversy has led to debates about whether Hillary and Norgay actually reached the true summit, or whether they stopped short of it. However, most experts agree that they did reach the true summit, even if they didn’t know it at the time.
Controversies Surrounding the Conquest
The conquest of Everest has not been without controversy. One of the main controversies concerns the role of the Sherpas, who have traditionally served as guides and support staff for Western climbers. Many Sherpas have died while working on Everest, and some have criticized the Western climbers for not doing enough to ensure their safety.
Another controversy involves the use of oxygen. Hillary and Norgay used oxygen tanks to help them breathe at high altitude, but some purists argue that this is not true mountaineering. Finally, there is controversy over the location of the true summit, as discussed above.
The Impact of the Conquest on Mountaineering
The conquest of Everest was a turning point in the history of mountaineering. It showed that it was possible to conquer the highest peaks in the world with the right technology, preparation, and determination. It also inspired a new generation of climbers to push the limits of what was possible.
Since 1953, the number of successful ascents of Everest has increased dramatically, and climbers have developed new techniques and technologies for tackling the mountain. The conquest of Everest also paved the way for exploration and mountaineering in other parts of the world.
The Legacy of Hillary and Norgay
The legacy of Hillary and Norgay is significant. They showed that it was possible to achieve great things with perseverance and skill, and their achievement inspired a generation of climbers. In addition, their successful partnership showed that cooperation and mutual respect are essential for achieving difficult goals.
After their successful ascent of Everest, Hillary and Norgay continued to be active in mountaineering and exploration. Hillary became a philanthropist and helped to establish schools and hospitals in Nepal, while Norgay continued to serve as a guide and mentor to other climbers.
Changes in Everest Climbing Since 1953
Since the conquest of Everest, climbing the mountain has become much more accessible. The development of new technologies, such as satellite communication and weather forecasting, has made it easier to plan and execute expeditions.
However, the increase in the number of climbers has also led to overcrowding, littering, and environmental damage. In recent years, there have been efforts to regulate the number of climbers and to promote sustainable practices on the mountain.
Commemorating the Conquest: Traditions and Celebrations
The conquest of Everest is commemorated in many ways. In Nepal, there is a holiday called Everest Day, which is celebrated on May 29. The day is marked by ceremonies and processions to honor the climbers who have made successful ascents.
In addition, there have been several films and books about the conquest of Everest, including Jon Krakauer’s "Into Thin Air" and the IMAX film "Everest."
Documenting the Conquest: Films, Books, and Media
The conquest of Everest has been extensively documented in films, books, and other media. The first film to document an Everest expedition was "The Conquest of Everest," which was released in 1953. Since then, there have been numerous documentaries and feature films about Everest, including "Everest," "Touching the Void," and "Sherpa."
In addition, there have been many books written about the conquest of Everest, including Hillary’s own account, "High Adventure," and Krakauer’s "Into Thin Air."
Conclusion: The Enduring Significance of the Conquest
The conquest of Everest remains one of the most significant events in the history of mountaineering. It showed that humans are capable of achieving great things, and it inspired a new generation of climbers to push the limits of what was possible.
However, it also raised questions about the ethics of mountaineering, the role of technology in adventure sports, and the impact of tourism on remote regions. These questions continue to be relevant today, and the conquest of Everest remains a symbol of the human spirit of exploration and adventure.