Sir Edmund Percival Hillary

Early Life

  • Full Name: Sir Edmund Percival Hillary
  • Born: July 20, 1919, in Auckland, New Zealand
  • Died: January 11, 2008, in Auckland, New Zealand
  • Profession: Mountaineer, explorer, philanthropist, beekeeper
  • Nationality: New Zealander (Kiwi)
  • Started climbing in New Zealand"s Southern Alps before gaining recognition through Himalayan expeditions

First Ascent of Mount Everest (1953)

On May 29, 1953, Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first humans to reach the summit of Mount Everest (8,848 m).

  • The expedition was led by British mountaineer John Hunt
  • Summit time: 11:30 AM
  • Hillary"s famous words:
    "We knocked the bastard off."
  • Regarded as one of humanity"s greatest exploration feats

Relationship with Nepal

Hillary formed a lifelong bond with Nepal and the Sherpa community. He dedicated much of his life to humanitarian efforts in the region.

Himalayan Trust (Founded in 1960)

  • Built 30+ schools in remote villages
  • Constructed hospitals and Lukla airstrip
  • Provided clean water and reforestation programs
  • Supported scholarships for Sherpa children
"I have had more satisfaction from building schools and hospitals than from reaching the summit of Everest."

Lukla Airport

Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla is named in honor of both climbers. It serves as the gateway to Everest Base Camp.

Honors & Recognition

  • Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953
  • Member of the Order of New Zealand and Order of the Garter
  • Featured on the New Zealand $5 note (only living Kiwi to do so)
  • Ambassador of goodwill between New Zealand and Nepal

Final Years & Legacy

Hillary passed away in 2008 at age 88. A state funeral was held in New Zealand. A memorial chorten (Buddhist stupa) was erected in Khumjung, Nepal.

His legacy lives on in the hearts of the Sherpa people and through schools, clinics, forests, and humanitarian contributions.

His Impact on Nepal

Contribution Impact
Education Dozens of schools in Solukhumbu
Healthcare Hospitals in Khunde and Phaplu
Infrastructure Lukla Airport, suspension bridges
Cultural Ties Strengthened New Zealand-Nepal relations
Sherpa Welfare Advocated for Sherpa climbers' recognition and rights