| Born: 1914. This is an approximation based on the Tibetan lunar calendar. At the time of Tenzing's birth, the Sherpas did not keep written birth records.
Birthplace: Tsa-chu, Nepal.
Raised in: Thami, Nepal (a village near the border of Tibet, and close to Mt. Everest).
Family: One of 13 children.
Languages: Spoke seven languages, but never learned how to write.
Work: 1933 moved to Darjeeling, India, to work as a trekking porter.
War Years: Indian army ski instructor.
Everest Trips:
1935 — First expedition, accompanying Eric Shipton.
1953 — Reaches summit at age 39.
After Everest: Opened mountaineering school in Darjeeling, India, to train other locals as mountaineering guides. |
Nepal