Sir Edmund Hillary: Conquering Mount Everest – A Biography

The fearless explorer who conquered Mount Everest and inspired generations.

How Do You Learn Best?

Note: You can explore any or all of these paths in any order you prefer!

Sir Edmund Hillary: Conquering Mount Everest – A Biography in 10 Minutes

Introduction

Introduction

Sir Edmund Hillary was a legendary figure known for his daring and adventurous spirit. Throughout his life, he embarked on numerous expeditions and conquests that pushed the boundaries of human achievement. From scaling the highest peaks in the world to exploring the most remote corners of the Earth, Sir Edmund Hillary was the epitome of an adventure seeker.

One of Sir Edmund Hillary's most famous accomplishments was becoming the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. This historic feat, achieved in 1953 alongside Tenzing Norgay, solidified his place in history as a fearless explorer. But his thirst for adventure did not stop there.

In addition to his mountaineering exploits, Sir Edmund Hillary also undertook numerous other expeditions, including journeys to the South Pole and the Ganges River. His love for the great outdoors and his relentless pursuit of new challenges made him a true pioneer of exploration. Join us as we delve into the epic adventures of Sir Edmund Hillary and uncover the remarkable legacy of this fearless adventurer.

Tenzing Norgay

Tenzing Norgay

Tenzing Norgay was Sir Edmund Hillary's trusted Sherpa guide during their historic ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. Together, they became the first individuals to reach the summit of the world's highest mountain.

Reinhold Messner

Reinhold Messner

Reinhold Messner is a renowned mountaineer and adventurer who has also achieved remarkable feats in the world of mountain climbing. He is known for his solo ascent of Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen, as well as his numerous other daring expeditions.

Peter Hillary

Peter Hillary

Peter Hillary is the son of Sir Edmund Hillary and has followed in his father's footsteps as an adventurer and mountaineer. He has climbed many of the world's highest peaks and has continued his family's legacy of exploration and discovery.

Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner

Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner

Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner is an Austrian mountaineer who has achieved great success in the world of high-altitude climbing. She is known for being the first woman to climb all 14 of the world's 8000-meter peaks without the use of supplemental oxygen.

The Early Years

The Early Years

Sir Edmund Hillary was born in New Zealand in 1919 and grew up exploring the outdoors. He developed a love for adventure and the mountains at a young age, which would shape his future endeavors.

Mount Everest Expedition

Mount Everest Expedition

In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest. This historic achievement made Hillary a global hero and solidified his reputation as an accomplished mountaineer.

Exploring Antarctica

Exploring Antarctica

After conquering Everest, Hillary led an expedition to Antarctica in 1957. He became the first person to reach the South Pole overland since the famous explorers Amundsen and Scott.

Philanthropic Efforts

Philanthropic Efforts

Throughout his life, Sir Edmund Hillary dedicated himself to helping the Sherpa people of Nepal. He established schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure to improve their quality of life.

Conquering New Heights

Conquering New Heights

Hillary continued to pursue his passion for adventure well into his later years. He summited many other peaks around the world and even traveled to the North Pole.

Legacy

Legacy

Even after his passing in 2008, Sir Edmund Hillary's legacy lives on. His name is synonymous with courage, determination, and a spirit of exploration that continues to inspire people around the world.

Sir Edmund Hillary was a true adventure seeker who pushed the limits of human exploration. From conquering Mount Everest to exploring the South Pole, his daring spirit and determination inspired many to reach for their own dreams.

His legacy lives on through his incredible feats and the impact he had on the world of adventure and exploration. Sir Edmund Hillary will always be remembered as a pioneer in the world of extreme adventures.

1 / 19

Lesson Details & Resources

In a Nutshell

  • Who: New Zealand mountaineer and explorer
  • When: Lived: 1919 – 2008
  • Known For: Being one of the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest
  • Legacy: Establishing the Himalayan Trust to help the Sherpa community in Nepal

Timeline of Sir Edmund Hillary: Conquering Mount Everest – A Biography

July 20, 1919

Born in Auckland, New Zealand

1943

Joins the Royal New Zealand Air Force

1944-1945

Serves as a navigator in World War II

1951

Participates in the Mount Everest Reconnaissance Expedition

May 29, 1953

Summits Mount Everest with Tenzing Norgay

1953

Receives knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II

1958

Becomes the first person to reach both the North and South Poles

1960

Establishes the Himalayan Trust to help the Sherpa people of Nepal

1956-1958

Leads the New Zealand section of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition

1955

Publishes his autobiography 'High Adventure'

1985-1988

Serves as New Zealand's High Commissioner to India, Nepal, and Bangladesh

January 11, 2008

Dies in Auckland, New Zealand

2017

The Edmund Hillary Fellowship is established to support social entrepreneurs

2008

The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre is opened in New Zealand

2003

The Sir Edmund Hillary Mountain Legacy Medal is created to honor sustainable mountain development

2010

The Sir Edmund Hillary Primary School is opened in Nepal

2019

The Sir Edmund Hillary Archive is established at the Auckland Museum

2016

The Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate is founded in New Zealand

2008

The Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation is established to continue his philanthropic work

1972

The Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre is founded in New Zealand

Vocabulary List

Mountaineer
Sir Edmund Hillary was a renowned mountaineer who was the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
Explorer
As an adventurer and explorer, Sir Edmund Hillary traveled to remote and challenging locations.
Pioneer
Sir Edmund Hillary was a pioneer in mountaineering and exploration, breaking new ground in the field of adventure.
Adventurer
Sir Edmund Hillary was known for his adventurous spirit and willingness to take on new challenges.
Expedition
Sir Edmund Hillary led multiple expeditions to the Himalayas and other remote regions.
Summit
Reaching the summit of Mount Everest was a lifelong goal for Sir Edmund Hillary.
Challenge
Sir Edmund Hillary was always seeking new challenges and opportunities for exploration.
Courage
Sir Edmund Hillary demonstrated great courage in his expeditions and mountaineering pursuits.
Resilience
Sir Edmund Hillary showed resilience in the face of adversity and difficult conditions during his adventures.
Legacy
Sir Edmund Hillary left behind a lasting legacy as one of the greatest adventurers of his time.

Key Facts

This is the information used in the fact matching game

  • Sir Edmund Hillary was a New Zealand mountaineer, explorer, and philanthropist.
  • He was one of the first two individuals known to reach the summit of Mount Everest, along with Tenzing Norgay.
  • Hillary completed numerous expeditions to the Himalayas, including a search for the yeti.

  • He was also an accomplished beekeeper and established several schools and hospitals in Nepal.
  • Hillary was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his achievements in mountaineering and philanthropy.
  • He was born on July 20, 1919, in Auckland, New Zealand.

  • Hillary's interest in mountaineering began at a young age, and he joined a climbing club while in college.
  • He served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force during World War II.
  • In addition to Everest, Hillary also climbed numerous other peaks in the Himalayas, including Lhotse and Makalu.

  • He founded the Himalayan Trust, which has helped improve the lives of people in remote mountain communities in Nepal.
  • Hillary wrote several books about his adventures, including 'High Adventure' and 'No Latitude for Error.'
  • He was a member of the first successful expedition to the South Pole by vehicle in 1957-1958.

  • Hillary was also involved in conservation efforts in New Zealand, including helping to establish the Fiordland National Park.
  • He received numerous awards and honors during his lifetime, including the Order of the Garter and the Order of New Zealand.
  • Hillary passed away on January 11, 2008, at the age of 88.

  • His legacy lives on through the work of the Himalayan Trust and the Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation.
  • Hillary's achievements have inspired generations of adventurers and explorers.
  • He was known for his humility and dedication to helping others, both in Nepal and in his home country of New Zealand.

Analysis & Significance

Major Accomplishments

Sir Edmund Hillary was the first person, along with Tenzing Norgay, to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953, a feat that solidified his place in history as one of the greatest mountaineers of all time. He also dedicated his life to humanitarian efforts, building schools and hospitals in Nepal through his Himalayan Trust.

Impact on the World

Sir Edmund Hillary’s successful ascent of Mount Everest inspired generations of explorers and adventurers to push the boundaries of what was thought possible. His philanthropic work in Nepal improved the lives of countless individuals and continues to make a lasting impact on the region to this day.

Enduring Legacy

Sir Edmund Hillary is remembered as a humble and courageous individual who embodied the spirit of exploration and the importance of giving back to those in need. His legacy lives on through the schools and hospitals he helped build in Nepal, as well as the continued inspiration he provides to those who dare to dream big and make a difference in the world.

Sir Edmund Hillary: Conquering Mount Everest – A Biography Games

Was This Lesson Helpful?

Please log in or sign up to rate this lesson. 

Take Your Learning Offline

Want a convenient, print-ready study guide for this lesson? Become a Memory Wizards Pro member to unlock the downloadable " Memory Scrolls" for this topic and our entire library!

  • ✓ Complete Vocabulary Lists
  • ✓ Key Facts & Timelines
  • ✓ Beautifully Formatted for Print & Mobile
Upgrade to Pro

You must be logged in to provide feedback. Please log in or create a free account.

Scroll to Top