High praise for Everest conqueror Hillary

Mount Everest conqueror Edmund Hillary was lauded today for his skill, courage and endurance in being the first to climb the world’s tallest peak in the Himalayan mountains nearly 50 years ago.

New Zealander Hillary, with Nepalese Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay, reached the summit of the 29,035ft summit on May 29, 1953.

Now 83, Hillary has spent 40 years doing development work with Nepalese Sherpas through his Himalayan Trust, helping about 100,000 people in the Solu Khumbu area, south of Everest.

At a reception at New Zealand’s parliament in Wellington, to mark the impending anniversary, prime minister Helen Clark said Hillary’s achievements as a climber, explorer and aid worker had been immense.

The celebration was held today because Hillary will spend the anniversary in Katmandu.