Exploration And Discoveries Questions Medium
The major discoveries made by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in Mount Everest exploration include:
1. Successful summit: On May 29, 1953, Hillary and Norgay became the first individuals to successfully reach the summit of Mount Everest. This achievement was a significant milestone in the history of mountaineering and exploration.
2. South Col route: Hillary and Norgay discovered and pioneered the South Col route, which is now the most commonly used route to reach the summit of Mount Everest. This route starts from the Southeast Ridge and passes through the treacherous Khumbu Icefall and the challenging Lhotse Face.
3. Tenzing Norgay's ice axe: During their ascent, Norgay left his ice axe on the summit as a symbol of their achievement. This act has since become a tradition among climbers, who often leave personal items or memorabilia on the summit as a tribute to their accomplishment.
4. Oxygen equipment: Hillary and Norgay also made significant advancements in the use of oxygen equipment during high-altitude climbing. They used closed-circuit oxygen sets, which allowed them to breathe a mixture of oxygen and other gases, enabling them to reach higher altitudes with reduced risk of altitude sickness.
5. Cultural impact: The successful ascent of Mount Everest by Hillary and Norgay had a profound cultural impact, not only in the field of mountaineering but also in global perceptions of human capabilities. Their achievement inspired countless individuals to push their own limits and explore new frontiers.
Overall, the major discoveries made by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in Mount Everest exploration include their successful summit, the establishment of the South Col route, advancements in oxygen equipment, and their cultural impact on the world.