The Conquest of Everest on This Day in History

This Day in History: Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest on this day in 1953. They didn't spend much time there, only 15 minutes. Norgay left chocolates there for the gods. You could argue that Mt Everest is not really the tallest mountain in the world. Mauna Kea in Hawaii is taller (33,500 feet) but most of that is underwater.

Over 4,000 people have attempted to climb Everest, and 1 in 10 successful summits ends in death. Over 300 people have died on Everest, there are around 200 dead bodies still on the mountain, most of whom died as a result of  avalanches. One of the most famous bodies on Everest is an unidentified climber that has been given the nickname "Green Boots." The term Green Boots originated from the green Koflach mountaineering boots on his feet. All expeditions from the north side encounter the body curled in the limestone alcove cave at 27,900 ft. The bodies are left on the mountain because of the expense and danger of retrieving them. One 2017 retrieval cost $200,000.

One of the deadliest seasons on Everest was in 1996 where eight climbers caught in a blizzard died on Mount Everest while attempting to descend from the summit. Another 12  died trying to reach the summit. In April 2015, 22 people died from an avalanche due to the Nepal earthquake.

Marco Siffredi, a professional snowboarder, rode down Everest successfully in 2001. He returned a year later to try a steeper descent. His body has never been found.

Everest has been summited more than 7,000 times by more than 4,000 people, and there is garbage and feces left on the mountain as proof of this.

It takes 10 weeks to climb, and it will cost you $30,000 USD (on transportation, guides, training, and professional gear).

There is 66% less oxygen in each breath on the summit than at sea level, and the base camp has wifi.

3 Mysterious Events That Have Been Reported On Mount Everest