Tenzing Norgay
1914–1986 · Sherpa/Tibetan (Nepal/India) · Modern Era
Known for: With Edmund Hillary, first confirmed person to summit Everest—a legendary mountaineer who attempted the peak seven times
Tenzing was a Sherpa of Tibetan origin who grew up in the shadow of Everest and attempted it six times before succeeding with Hillary. He was the most experienced Everest climber alive when they finally summited on May 29, 1953.
He refused to say which of the two reached the summit first—'It was a team effort.' He became a global celebrity torn between India and Nepal, both claiming him. He became director of field training at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling and devoted his life to the Sherpa community.
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