Which of the following statements are correct in respect of 'International Everest Day'-2024?

(1) May 29th of every year is observed as 'International Everest Day' in memory of Tenzing Norgay

(2) This day was first observed by Nepal in the year 2008 in commemoration of Tenzing Norgay who passed away on this day

(3) Since its inception, this annual observance has become a global celebration of human endurance resilience and the spirit of exploration

(4) Edmund Hillary was a Swiss National

The correct answer is 1 and 3.

Key Points

• International Everest Day is observed on May 29th every year.
• The day commemorates the first successful ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay of Nepal on May 29, 1953.
• In 2008, Nepal decided to observe the day after Sir Edmund Hillary died.
• This day has become a global celebration of human endurance, resilience, and the spirit of exploration.

Additional Information

• Tenzing Norgay
  • He was a Nepali-Indian Sherpa mountaineer who was one of the first two individuals known to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
  • Tenzing Norgay was a key figure in the successful 1953 British expedition to Everest led by John Hunt.
  • In recognition of his achievements, he was awarded the George Medal by the British government.
• Sir Edmund Hillary
  • He was a New Zealand mountaineer, explorer, and philanthropist.
  • Along with Tenzing Norgay, he is credited with the first successful ascent of Mount Everest.
  • Hillary devoted much of his life to helping the Sherpa people of Nepal through the Himalayan Trust, which he founded.
• Mount Everest
  • Mount Everest is Earth's highest mountain above sea level, located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas.
  • The China-Nepal border runs across its summit point.
  • Its elevation (snow height) of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 ft) was most recently established in 2020 by the Chinese and Nepali authorities.