Ailing Everest hero arrives in Nepal

A visibly exhausted Sir Edmund Hillary, confined to a wheelchair, arrived in Nepal today to take part in celebrations to commemorate his conquest of Mount Everest a half century ago.

“I am very happy to be back,” said Sir Edmund, 83, who felt unwell but smiled broadly after airline staff carried him down the airliner steps.

“He is not feeling well and exhausted after attending all the programs in India,” said Ang Tshering, president of the Nepal Mountaineering Federation.

But Tshering said he expected Sir Edmund to be rested in time for the festivities, which begin on Tuesday with the New Zealander at the head of a horse-drawn carriage procession through Nepal.

Sir Edmund and sherpa Tenzing Norgay, who died in 1986, reached the 29,035 foot Mount Everest summit on May 29 1953.

Because of his age, Sir Edmund does not stand for long periods of time, and has trouble walking.

He had already cancelled his plans this year to go up to the Everest region, where he funds a school and development programs.