May 29
Hillary and Tenzing Become First to Summit Everest
New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay completed the first confirmed ascent of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953.
Summary
After years of failed expeditions and the tragic 1920s attempts that claimed several lives, the 1953 British Mount Everest expedition under John Hunt sought to achieve the first confirmed ascent of the world's highest peak. New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay were part of the climbing team that established a series of high camps along the South Col route. On May 29, after a grueling push from their final camp, the pair reached the summit at approximately 11:30 a.m., planting flags of Britain, Nepal, India, and the United Nations. They spent only about 15 minutes on the top before descending, having taken photographs and left a small cache of supplies. News of the success reached Britain on the day of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, amplifying its celebratory impact.
Context
Mountaineers had pursued the summit of the world's highest peak since the 1920s, when British teams approached from the north through Tibet. Those early efforts, hampered by weather, equipment limitations, and political restrictions, ended in failure and loss of life. By the early 1950s, the closure of the Tibetan route shifted attention to Nepal's southern flanks, where a Swiss expedition in 1952 had reached within roughly 800 feet of the top and demonstrated the viability of the South Col approach.
What Happened
The 1953 British expedition, organized by the Joint Himalayan Committee and commanded by Colonel John Hunt, arrived in Nepal with a large team that included experienced climbers and Sherpa support. Over several weeks the party established a ladder of camps from Base Camp through the Khumbu Icefall, across the Western Cwm, and up the Lhotse Face to the South Col at approximately 26,000 feet. On May 26 a first summit bid by Charles Evans and Tom Bourdillon reached the South Summit but was forced to retreat when an oxygen set failed.
Aftermath
Hillary and Tenzing left their high camp at about 27,900 feet early on May 29. They surmounted the steep rock feature later known as the Hillary Step and stood on the summit at 11:30 a.m. After taking photographs and planting flags of Britain, Nepal, India, and the United Nations, they descended after roughly fifteen minutes on top. Word of the success reached London on June 2, the day of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, and was greeted as a welcome symbol of national achievement.
Legacy
The ascent marked a milestone in postwar exploration and elevated public interest in mountaineering while underscoring the indispensable role of Sherpa climbers. Subsequent decades brought both repeated ascents and growing commercial activity on Everest, prompting ongoing debates about environmental impact and access. The 1953 climb remains the benchmark first confirmed summit and a reference point for all later Himalayan endeavors.
Why It Matters
The ascent symbolized postwar optimism and human endurance, inspiring global interest in mountaineering and high-altitude exploration. It strengthened ties between Nepal and Western nations while highlighting the essential role of Sherpa guides in Himalayan climbing. Subsequent decades saw the mountain become a site of both achievement and environmental concern as commercial expeditions proliferated.
Related Questions
Who led the 1953 British Everest expedition?
Colonel John Hunt commanded the team that included Hillary and Tenzing.
What route did Hillary and Tenzing use to reach the summit?
They climbed the South Col route from the Nepalese side after earlier northern approaches had been closed.
How did the timing of the ascent affect its reception in Britain?
The news reached London on June 2, coinciding with Queen Elizabeth II's coronation and adding to the national celebrations.
Why is the 1953 ascent considered the first confirmed summit?
Previous expeditions had come close but none had photographic or other conclusive proof of reaching the highest point until Hillary and Tenzing.
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Sources
- On This Day - What Happened on May 29, Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed 2026-07-11.