The Journey to the Summit: Edmund Hillarys Everest Ascent
The Journey to the Summit: Edmund Hillary's Everest Ascent
The shortest answer to the question, 'How long did it take Edmund Hillary to reach the summit of Mount Everest?'
The answer, according to the records, is 1 second. This iconic moment occurred just before Hillary pulled his leg up to place it on the top of the world, making it 15 hours from the early morning push from their last camp at the South Col starting from May 29, 1953.s
The 1953 Expedition
Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay embarked on a monumental journey that took them seven weeks to reach the summit starting from Base Camp. This 1953 expedition was a collaborative effort involving 362 local porters, 20 climbing Sherpas, and 13 British and New Zealand climbers. By modern standards, this team was colossal, a stark contrast to the previous attempts by various countries that had failed.
Back in February 1953, the British climbers set sail from England, making an ocean voyage that was both slow and stress-free. This provided the team with a chance to bond and get to know each other after their arrival in Kathmandu. They then embarked on a trek towards the base of Mount Everest, reaching Base Camp on April 12.
Building the Path to the Summit
Days turned into weeks as the team worked tirelessly. The area now known as Base Camp was established, and the climbers started creating a route through the treacherous Icefall. Ladders and tree trunks were used to anchor paths over crevasses, ensuring a relatively safe passage for the ascent. On April 22, the team reached the top of the Icefall and set up Camp 3 at 6,150 meters, which is now known as Camp 1.
The next month saw the team pushing higher the numbers dwindling as they lugged up equipment and descended to recover and replenish supplies. Two groups successfully reached the South Col, the area that was known in 1953 as Camp 8. As they approached the South Col, they pitched a tent to serve as their starting point for the final push. Just 350 meters separated them from the summit, but they established a camp at 8,500 meters, known as Camp 9, to provide a launchpad for the final ascent.
The Final Ascent
Two British climbers pushed forward with oxygen tanks, passing the previous Swiss mark and getting within 100 meters of the summit. However, exhausted and with unreliable oxygen equipment, they had to turn back. To prepare for the next 2-man attempt, an advance team of 3 climbers carried supplies up to Camp 9. On May 29, at 6:30 am, Hillary and Tenzing took off from Camp 9, and five hours later, they made history, reaching the summit at 11:30 am.
Historical Context
The historical photograph of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay at Camp 9 serves as a testament to their journey. Jamling Tenzing Norgay, Tenzing Norgay's son, captured the image which has become iconic in the history of mountaineering. This photograph stands as a symbol of human perseverance and the achievement of a dream that had eluded many for decades.
The journey to the summit is not just a matter of time and altitude but a testament to the human spirit and the power of teamwork and dedication. Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's achievement on May 29, 1953, remains one of the most celebrated feats in the history of mountaineering.