Did they make it then, 29 years before Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay?

ECONOMIST: Madness and its men

He returned in 1953, when he and Tenzing made their ascent -- spending 15-30 minutes at the summit.

CNN: Everest legend Edmund Hillary dies

Hillary left a crucifix at the top of the mountain and Tenzing, in keeping with his Buddhist beliefs, left an offering of food.

CNN: Everest legend Edmund Hillary dies

Since New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and Nepali Tenzing Norgay first summited the roof of the world in 1953, nearly 6, 000 people have attempted the climb to the summit.

BBC: Everest's growing problem

On May 29, 1953, Hillary and Tenzing became the first men known to have climbed the 29, 035 feet to the top of Everest and safely return.

CNN: Everest legend Edmund Hillary dies

On May 29, 1953, Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa guide, became the first men to climb the 29, 035 feet to the top of Everest and safely return.

CNN: Final farewell for Edmund Hillary

It wanted photos of famous partners in exploration:the Apollo 11 crew of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, and Sir Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa guide, Tenzing Norgay.

FORBES: Image Enhancement

Hillary took a picture of Tenzing at the peak but, because the Sherpa guide did not know how to use a camera, there are no pictures of Hillary there.

CNN: Everest legend Edmund Hillary dies