On To The Summit We Reach The Top Solutions

ICE BREAKERS [PAGE 15]

Ice Breakers | Q 1 | Page 15

Discuss with your partner and complete the web of different activities related to climbing.

Solution :

1. Bouldering

2. Scrambling

3. Mountaineering

4. Hill walking

5. Ice climbing

Ice Breakers | Q 2 | Page 15

There are certain prerequisites for Mountaineering. With reference to the following points, develop a short dialogue between you and your friend about mountaineering.

Solution :

Ashish: Hey Mayank ! when is your next plan for mountaineering?

Mayank: Yes, I am planning for some days in September – October. Are you interested in joining?

Ashish: Yes, I am. But I’m not very confident.

Mayank: Then we will go to Mount Kilimanjaro to start with. But before that you must begin with small practices like walking, stair climbing and may be uphill hiking a bit.

Ashish: What are the usual equipments that we need? You must be having most of them?

Mayank: Honestly speaking, we need a lot of equipments and yes, I have some. But let’s visit a mountaineering equipment shop one day to get an idea of the latest ones, convenient as well as inexpensive. I have the basic ones like tent, headlight, map, compass, cap, jackets, gloves, sunscreen, lip balm, etc.

Ashish: Oh ! You have quite a lot. Let’s visit the shop tomorrow.

Mayank: But you need to talk to a fitness expert to get the guidance because a fit climber spends less energy. He will suggest what type of fitness regime we should follow as well as can recommend a good trainer.

Ashish: Yes, I know. Mental and physical fitness are the main ingredients for the success of a mountaineer. Tomorrow, I’ll come to your place and we’ll plan everything. We have to start as soon as possible.

Mayank: You are most welcome. See you tomorrow.

Ice Breakers | Q 3 | Page 15

Discuss with your partner the various hazards and risks that a mountaineer/ trekker has to face in an expedition.

______________________________________________________

Solution :

Mountaineering is considered one of the most exciting yet dangerous sports in the world. The dangers involved in mountaineering are: rockfall, avalanches, inclement weather, equipment failure, falls due to inattention, fatigue or inadequate training, summit fever, and altitude sickness.

BRAINSTORMING [PAGES 21 - 24]

Brainstorming | Q (A1) | Page 21

Summarize to the class in your own words the highly risky and dangerous journey of Tenzing and Hillary from the base to the top of Mt. Everest.

Solution :

Tenzing and Hillary set out from Camp Nine early on Friday morning to continue their journey to the Top. Tenzing was determined to conquer the peak even at the cost of his life. They took turns to take the lead because the one that follows has the difficult job of acting as the anchor for the team. Tenzing was carrying the flags of Great Britain, Nepal, India, and the United Nations in order to plant them at the summit. After an hour of steady climbing, they had to cut across the south face and begin climbing the west side where they had to cross a steep line of rocks. This proved to be difficult and thus took some time. However, once they had cleared these, they only had to make it past a snow-covered incline. This became progressively easier as the steepness of the incline decreased as they neared the top. Although the last sixty or seventy feet up the top were not very dangerous, they maintained the same steady pace and reached the small, flattened summit almost together. The rope that was tied between them was a symbol of their teamwork and companionship.

Brainstorming | Q (A2) (i) | Page 21

Complete the web highlighting the feelings/emotions of Tenzing after reaching the summit.

Solution :

Brainstorming | Q (A2) (ii) | Page 21

Glance through the text again and explain the qualities of Tenzing Norgay. Pick lines that show his unique qualities. One is done for you.

Sr No.	Qualities	Lines
1.	Patriotic	I told Colonel Hunt that I was carrying the Indian flag with me and I would like it to be on the top with other flags.
2.
3.
4.

Solution :

Sr No.	Qualities	Lines
1.	righteous	Thus, we will not take part in any controversy. As the statement says, Hillary and I embraced when we reached the top.
2.	spiritual	My first thought on reaching the top was a sense of gratitude to God
3.	Family-oriented	My youngest daughter, Nima, had given me a pencil before I left home.
4.	A good friend	As I stood at the top, I remembered him and felt that he was with me.

Brainstorming | Q (A2) (iii) (i) | Page 21

Write down the significance of the following in the context of 'On to the Summit': Red Scarf.

Solution :

The author was wearing a red scarf at the summit which was given to him by his great friend, Lambert. Lambert had been the leader of the 1952 Swiss Expedition to the summit, of which the author had been apart.
The author had worn the scarf all the way up the mountain from Darjeeling as a mark of respect and admiration for his friend.
In his moment of historic success, not only did the author remember his close friend, but also wished he were there.
By wearing the scarf, the author acknowledged Lambert‘s contribution to the journey and stated that it gave him a feeling of having his friend with him at the top.
Thus, the scarf was a tribute to his friend.

Brainstorming | Q (A2) (iii) (ii) | Page 21

Write down the significance of the following in the context of 'On to the Summit': husiar.

Solution :

The word, 'husiar‘ means 'caution‘.
The climb down from the summit was more difficult and dangerous than the climb up.
There was a greater danger of slipping and falling into the Kangshung glacier below.
Thus, even though climbing down took less time than climbing up, the author and Hillary had to be comparatively more cautious.
With regard to this, the author notes that they needed 'husiar‘ while coming down.

Brainstorming | Q (A2) (iii) (iii) | Page 21

Write down the significance of the following in the context of 'On to the Summit': Kerosene flavoured tea.

Solution :

After their historic conquer of Everest, the author and Hillary met other teammates on their way down, with whom they shared the news of their victory.
As they got nearer to Camp Eight, one of the teammates, Noyce, brought them tea.
Mountaineers often use kerosene stoves for cooking which leaves the smell of the fuel in the food.
The tea was thus kerosene flavoured because Noyce had made in a hurry on the stove. This shows his excitement and eagerness to meet the author and Hillary and congratulate them on their success.
In spite of the unpleasant smell of the tea, the author drinks it, which highlights his acknowledgment of the efforts of his friend and the bond of their friendship. It also shows that the author was too happy to worry about the taste of the tea.

Brainstorming | Q (A2) (iii) (iv) | Page 21

Write down the significance of the following in the context of 'On to the Summit': Ice axe.

Solution :

The ice axe is a hiking and climbing tool, typically used to help the mountaineer while ascending.
In the given extract, the author uses one end of the ice axe to hold the flags of Great Britain, Nepal, the United Nations, and India, up high at the summit.
It is important to note that since the journey up the mountain was dangerous and tiring, the author did not carry any special instrument to help him hoist the flags.
However, at the top of the summit, his will to plant the flags was so strong that he used whatever resource he had to make it happen. As a mountaineer, his ice axe was the most obvious tool for the job. Thus, the ice axe became part of the great moment.
This moment was captured by Hillary as proof and memory of their historic feat.

Brainstorming | Q (A2) (iii) (v) | Page 21

Write down the significance of the following in the context of 'On to the Summit': Anchor.

Solution :

An anchor is a device or method used to support the climber‘s weight. It is primarily used as protection from falling.
In the given extract, Tenzing and Hillary are described as a two-man rope team. They were joined by a safety rope to protect them from a fall.
The author notes that on their ascent to the top, his partner, Hillary, and he, would take turns to lead the climb.
In such a situation, the one who follows acts like an anchor and must support the weight of the leading climber in case of a slip or fall. This is a difficult job and therefore was performed by both of them in an alternate fashion.
Given the life–saving nature of the technique, it is clear that the two of them had to trust each other with their lives, and hence, the author implies that they were each other‘s anchors.

Brainstorming | Q (A3) (i) | Page 21

Add suitable suffixes (-tion,- ly, -ment, -ous) and prefixes (un, il, im) to the words given below. One is done for you.

Sr. No	Word	Prefix	Suffix
1.	absolute	_______________	absolutely
2.	fulfill
3.	determine
4.	danger
5.	tight
6.	clear
7.	sure
8.	legal
9.	legitimate
10.	possible

Solution :

Sr. No	Word	Prefix	Suffix
1.	absolute	NA	absolutely
2.	fulfill	unfulfill	fulfillment
3.	determine	undetermined	determination
4.	danger	endanger	dangerously
5.	tight	untighten	tightly
6.	clear	unclear	clearly
7.	sure	unsure	surely
8.	legal	illegal	legally
9.	legitimate	illegitimate	legitimately
10.	possible	impossible	possibly

Brainstorming | Q (A3) (ii) | Page 22

By filling appropriate letters in the blank spaces, you will get a past participle from it. Use the word as an adjective in your own sentence. One is done for you.

(a) s _ _ n _ d

Word- signed. The advocate took all the signed documents to the court.

(b) p_ _ z _ d

(d) b _ i _ e_

Solution :

Word – signed. The advocate took all the signed documents to the court.

Word – prized. The pen I lost was a prized one.

Word – fastened. Rohit fastened the dog‘s leash to a nearby pole for a few minutes while he visited the store.

Word – boiled. We used to drink boiled water.

Spot the error. One is done for you. I was not afraid to die that day. Correct Sentence- I was not afraid to die that day.

Brainstorming | Q (A3) (iii) (a) | Page 22

Tenzing and Hillary made an pact at the office of the PM of Nepal.

Solution :

Tenzing and Hillary made a pact at the office of the PM of Nepal.

Brainstorming | Q (A3) (iii) (b) | Page 22

I has to bring my ice axe down with me.

Solution :

I had to bring my ice axe down with me.

Brainstorming | Q (A3) (iii) (c) | Page 22

Tenzing have spent a night with Camp Eight.

Solution :

Tenzing has spent a night at Camp Eight.

Brainstorming | Q (A3) (iii) (d) | Page 22

Pact was signed from Tenzing and Hillary.

Solution :

A pact was signed between Tenzing and Hillary.

Brainstorming | Q (A3) (iii) (5) | Page 22

I and Hillary were in no mood of talking.

Solution :

Hillary and I were in no mood for talking.

When Tenzing and Hillary reached the summit, Tenzing in utter joy said, “We have done it.” In this sentence, the subject (we) is the doer of the action while (achieving the feat) is the subject. The verb of passive voice is formed by using the correct form of the verb ‘to be’ + past participle of the main verb. Construct the sentence accordingly.

Brainstorming | Q (A4) (a) | Page 22

Now carefully go through the changes in both the sentences and do the changes accordingly in the remaining sentence.

We have done it.

It has been done by us.

We made a pact.

Solution :

A pact was made by us.

Brainstorming | Q (A4) (b) | Page 22

Now carefully go through the changes in both the sentences and do the changes accordingly in the remaining sentence.

We have done it.

It has been done by us.

I offered the silent prayer in my heart.

Solution :

A silent prayer was offered in my heart by me.

Brainstorming | Q (A4) (c) | Page 22

Now carefully go through the changes in both the sentences and do the changes accordingly in the remaining sentence.

We have done it.

It has been done by us.

Colonel Hunt gave me three flags.

Solution :

Three flags were given to me by Colonel Hunt.

Brainstorming | Q (A4) (d) | Page 22

Now carefully go through the changes in both the sentences and do the changes accordingly in the remaining sentence.

We have done it.

It has been done by us.

I was carrying the Indian flag.

Solution :

The Indian flag was being carried by me.

Brainstorming | Q (A4) (e) | Page 22

Now carefully go through the changes in both the sentences and do the changes accordingly in the remaining sentence.

We have done it.

It has been done by us.

I took photographs of Tenzing holding aloft the flags.

Solution :

Photographs of Tenzing holding aloft the flags were taken by me.

Brainstorming | Q (A4) (f) | Page 22

Now carefully go through the changes in both the sentences and do the changes accordingly in the remaining sentence.

We have done it.

It has been done by us.

I remembered him.

Solution :

He was remembered by me.

Brainstorming | Q (A4) (g) | Page 22

Now carefully go through the changes in both the sentences and do the changes accordingly in the remaining sentence.

We have done it.

It has been done by us.

We spent the night at Camp Eight.

Solution :

The night was spent by us at Camp Eight.

Brainstorming | Q (A5) (i) | Page 22

After reading the text one can easily understand that there is a lot of risks involved in mountaineering. Write in short about any adventure sport that you like and the risk involved in it.

Solution :

Scuba Diving – A Risky Adventure

Adventure sports come with their dose of thrill and excitement. Not only do they give one an adrenaline rush, but also keep them longing for more. An adventure sport that I really like is scuba diving. Not only is it a test of one‘s swimming abilities but also a treat for the eyes. Deep diving into the ocean leaves the diver spellbound as he encounters the marine flora and fauna. But, like any other adventure sport, scuba diving presents its own set of risks. A limited supply of oxygen and concentration of other gases as one descends into the depths makes the diver vulnerable to a variety of health risks such as decompression sickness, drowning, etc. In addition, there is always the looming fear of the predatory creatures of the ocean. Wild sea creatures, though non-aggressive, can prove dangerous when fussed with. With good training and a little daring attitude, one can see a completely different world; and that is definitely worth a try! Risks are inevitable, but one must choose wisely. Scuba diving may not be the least risky sport, but it surely deserves a shot! As the famous novelist Douglas Coupland quotes, ''Adventure without risk is Disneyland.''

Brainstorming | Q (A5) (ii) | Page 23

Give your opinion: Whether we should or should not participate in adventure sports because __________________.

Solution :

I firmly believe that we must participate in adventure sports. Though adventure sports come with their fair share of risks, they also provide us with a sense of adventure that cannot be obtained through other sports. In addition, they test our physical and mental abilities and thus make us stronger. Due to their risky nature, they also train us to have quick responses and presence of mind as there is always a fear of something going wrong in the flash of a second. Moreover, they help us overcome our deepest fears which, in turn, gives us the courage to tackle any obstacle in life.

Brainstorming | Q (A6) (i) | Page 23

Tenzing and Hillary created history by reaching the summit of Mt. Everest. There are many mountains in Maharashtra where one can fancy his or her chances of climbing them. Imagine that you have climbed a mountain and are immensely thrilled and excited. Write a letter to your friend about it.

Solution :

A/9,501,

Srushty Apartments,

Andheri (W).

15th July 2019

Dear Veu,

I hope this letter finds you in the pink of health. I apologize for not having written to you for so long.

I recently had the pleasure of undertaking the Kalsubai Trek and I am very excited to tell you about my experience. Kalsubai, at an elevation of 1646 meters, is the highest point in Maharashtra.

We chose to take the train since railway tickets proved to be cost-effective. We set out on our journey on Saturday morning and reached Kasara Railway station by 7 a.m. Local taxis ferrying trekkers to the base village, Bari, were readily available. The trekking trail was about 6.4 km long and popular among trekkers. Iron ladders were built along the vertical hill slopes for a safe ascent. Owing to the monsoon showers, the path got trickier as we climbed since the rocks were slippery and visibility was limited.

However, the sheer joy of trekking and experiencing nature in all its glory was worth every minute of the experience. The lush green paddy fields, the view of the water-falls, and the sight of the Bhandardhara Dam left us mesmerized.

We reached a peak after 4 hours of trekking and were spellbound by the magnificent view from the top. It felt like we were at the top of the world! The light drizzle and the cold winds added to the joy of the experience.

Knowing your love for adventure, I am sure you would enjoy such an experience. Hopefully, we can plan something together soon.

Yours faithfully,

Rushi

Brainstorming | Q (A6) (ii) | Page 23

You are the college representative and your Principal has assigned you the task of writing a letter to the Divisional Officer, Satpuda Mountain Ranges, Nagpur, seeking permission for the mountaineering expedition to be organized by your college.

Solution :

Bhavan's College,

Kothrud,

Pune – 38

15th June 2019

The Divisional Officer,

Satpuda Mountain Ranges,

Nagpur

Subject: Seeking permission for organizing a mountaineering expedition in the Satpuda Mountain Ranges

Respected Sir,

I, Rahul Sharma, am writing to you in my capacity as the college representative of Bhavan's College to seek your permission to organize a mountaineering expedition in the Satpuda Ranges.

The Student Council Committee has chalked out a 3-day expedition from 10th July to 12th July.

The enrolment is open to senior students only and the aim is to give the students an opportunity to witness the beauty of nature while giving them a taste of adventure. A total of 20 students accompanied by the faculty head of the Sports Department and the Assistant-In-Charge for Sports will be part of this expedition. We also intend to visit the Melghat Tiger Reserve and the Narnala Fort situated in the vicinity. In addition, we wish to survey the local flora and fauna of the area and interact with the local inhabitants.

We are committed to making this a learning experience and welcome any suggestions that you might have. I hope that you will grant us permission to explore the beauty of the Satpuda ranges.

Yours sincerely,

Rahul Sharma

(College Representative, Bhavan's College)

Brainstorming | Q (A6) (iii) | Page 23

Convert the letter into an e-mail format.

Name

Address ] Sender

Date

Receiver's designation

Address

Salutation

Subject:

Respected Sir/Madam,

Introductory paragraph (purpose)

_____________________________________________________

Main body (information/explanation/elaboration)

_____________________________________________________

Concluding paragraph (opinion/request)

_____________________________________________________

Complimentary close

_____________________________________________________

Signature

_____________________________________________________

List of enclosures

_________________

Solution :

Thanking you,

Name:

Nirmal Vaibhav

Address:

Bhavan's College

Kothrud,

Pune – 38

Date:

15th June 2019

Receiver's designation:

The Divisional Officer

Address:

Satpuda Mountain Ranges,

Nagpur

Subject:

Seeking permission for organizing a mountaineering expedition in the Satpuda

Salutation:

Respected Sir/Madam,

Introductory paragraph (purpose)

I, Rahul Sharma, am writing to you in my capacity as the college representative of Bhavan's College to seek your permission to organize a mountaineering expedition in the Satpuda Ranges.

Main body (information/explanation/elaboration)

The Student Council Committee has chalked out a 3-day expedition from 10th July – 12th July. The enrolment is open to senior students only and the aim is to give the students an opportunity to witness the beauty of nature while giving them a taste of adventure.

A total of 20 students accompanied by the faculty head of the Sports Department and the Assistant – In-Charge for Sports will be part of this expedition.

Concluding paragraph (opinion/request)

We are committed to making this a learning experience and welcome any suggestions that you might have. I hope that you will grant us this permission to explore the beauty of the Satpuda ranges.

Complimentary close

Yours sincerely

Signature

Nirmal Vaibhav

(College Representative, Bhavan's College)

List of enclosures

Letter of Permission from the Principal

Brainstorming | Q (A7) | Page 24

Go to your college library or surf the internet for names of various mountaineers who have successfully climbed Mt. Everest. Write in your notebook about their struggles, the interesting anecdotes they have shared, their failures, and the message that we get from their lives. Submit them to your teacher.

Solution :

Students are supposed to attempt the above activity on their own.

COMPARISONS [PAGE 24]

Comparisons | Q 1.1 | Page 24

Look at the sentences given below. Find out which one is correct. If the sentence is wrong give reasons.

Sunita is the quieter of four sisters.

Sunita is the quietest of the four sisters.

Solution :

Sunita is the quietest of the four sisters.

Explanation:

When there is a comparison of more than two nouns, the superlative form (quietest) of the adjective must be used.

Comparisons | Q 1.2 | Page 24

Look at the sentences given below. Find out which one is correct. If the sentence is wrong give reasons.

Anil’s computer is more new than mine.

Anil’s computer is newer than mine.

Solution :

Anil’s computer is newer than mine.

Explanation:

The rule for choosing the right form of the adjective is that if the word has one syllable (new), the comparative form is created by adding 'er‘ to the word.

Comparisons | Q 1.3 | Page 24

Look at the sentences given below. Find out which one is correct. If the sentence is wrong give reasons.

I have the wonderfullest of mother in the world.

I have the most wonderful mother in the world.

Solution :

I have the most wonderful mother in the world.

Explanation:

The rule for choosing the right form of the adjective is that if the word has more than two syllables (wonderful has three), the comparative form is created by adding 'most‘ before the word.

Comparisons | Q 1.4 | Page 24

Look at the sentences given below. Find out which one is correct. If the sentence is wrong give reasons.

Aditi is more carefuller than Mary.

Aditi is more careful than Mary.

Solution :

Aditi is more careful than Mary.

Explanation:

The rule for choosing the right form of the adjective is that if the word has two syllables (careful has two), the comparative form is created by adding 'most‘ before the word.

When we compare two nouns, we use comparative adjectives. When we compare more than two nouns, we use superlative adjectives.

For Example. –

Comparisons | Q 2.1 | Page 24

a. Milind is taller than John.

b. Zakir is the tallest of the three brothers.

Look at the following sentence and observe the changes in the sentence. Discuss the changes and note your responses:

Atul is not as bright as Milind in studies.

Solution :

The form of the adjective (bright) was positive in the first sentence because there is no difference between the qualities of the two nouns that are being compared.

Comparisons | Q 2.2 | Page 24

a. Milind is taller than John.

b. Zakir is the tallest of the three brothers.

Look at the following sentence and observe the changes in the sentence. Discuss the changes and note your responses:

The dining room is brighter than the kitchen.

Solution :

In the third sentence, the superlative form of the adjective (brightest) is used because there is a comparison between more than two nouns

Comparisons | Q 2.3 | Page 24

a. Milind is taller than John.

b. Zakir is the tallest of the three brothers.

Look at the following sentence and observe the changes in the sentence. Discuss the changes and note your responses:

Anne is the brightest girl in class.

Solution :

In the third sentence, the superlative form of the adjective (brightest) is used because there is a comparison between more than two nouns.

Comparisons | Q 3 | Page 24

Make a list of adjectives in three different forms of comparison. Use different texts to find these.

Solution :

	Positive Degree	Comparative Degree	Superlative Degree
i.	brave	braver	bravest
ii.	good	better	best
iii.	less	lesser	least
iv.	difficult	more difficult	most difficult
v.	little	less	least
vi	popular	more popular	most popular
vii.	many	more	most
viii.	crazy	crazier	craziest
ix.	famous	more famous	most famous
x.	lovely	lovelier	loveliest

Fill in the blank with comparative, superlative, and positive forms of the correct adjective in the bracket.

Comparisons | Q (a) | Page 24

You are very naughty. You are _____________ your brother (clever).

Solution :

You are very naughty. You are more clever than your brother.

Comparisons | Q (b) | Page 24

The tiger is the _____________ animal in the zoo (dangerous).

Solution :

The tiger is the most dangerous animal in the zoo.

Comparisons | Q (c) | Page 24

This is _____________ a road in town. (busy)

Solution :

This is the busiest road in town.

Comparisons | Q (d) | Page 24

My new house is ______________ the one I used to live in. (big)

Solution :

My new house is bigger than the one I used to live in.

Comparisons | Q (e) | Page 24

He is the _______________ boy in class. (forgetful)

Solution :

He is the most forgetful boy in class.

Chapter 1.2: On To The Summit : We Reach The Top

Tenzing Norgay (29 May1914- 9 May 1986), known by birth as Namgyal Wangdi and often referred to as Sherpa Tenzing, was a Nepali-Indian Sherpa mountaineer. He was one of the first two individuals known to reach the summit of Mount Everest, which he accomplished with Edmund Hillary on 29 May 1953

Tenzing describes the climb to the top and all events occurred during the historic climb. The article also describes what brought him to climbing mountains

On To The Summit : We Reach The Top Notes

When we left Camp Nine on Friday morning, I was determined to get to the top on this day. That morning I remember thinking, “I was to get to the top even if I die.” I was not afraid to die that day. We set out early and all the way from Camp Nine to the peak we alternated. I would take the lead and then Hillary.

The man who follows when climbing has a difficult job both in climbing up and climbing down. He is the anchor. The man going in the lead cuts the steps and breaks the way. In my pocket I had four flags. When we were still at Camp Four, Colonel Hunt gave me three flags, those of Britain, the United Nations and Nepal. He charged me with the duty of planting them on the top of the world.

“These three flags are in your care,” he said. “When you and Hillary reach the top, put them at the peak. I am sure that you and Hillary are going to do it.”

I told Colonel Hunt that I was carrying the Indian flag with me and I would like to be on the top with the other flags. I had to ask Colonel Hunt’s permission in his capacity as leader of the expedition.

Indian Flag Colonel Hunt said, “By all means, I am glad to know that you brought an Indian flag”. After one hour of steady going, we cut across from the south face and started up the west side where we had to pass up a steep line of rocks. This was slow and difficult. Once we had cleared these, there was nothing barring our way to top but a snow-covered incline, sloping less and less as it neared the top.

These last sixty or seventy feet up the top were not very dangerous. But we kept up the same steady pace. And we reached the small, flattened summit almost together : During the last fifty feet from the peak, Hillary and I were moving about twenty feet apart. We were tied together with a rope. Most of the time the rope was loose, but when we went over dangerous ground, we drew it taut.

This rope was a symbol. It tied us together. One could not move without the other. We were not two individuals, but a team. I have been asked many times, “Who was first?” When we were within reach of the summit, I did not think of who was going to be “first.” I am sure that Hillary was not thinking that. Climbing takes all your attention. You have many more important worries.

What does it matter whether I reached the top first or Hillary? Our main thought was that both of us reach the top. We had to. One couldn’t do it alone. If there had been a difference of one thousand feet between us, then one could make the claim that he was first. But even then, only the man behind him could confirm the distance between the two of them

When we reached Kathmandu we discovered that a controversy had arisen. We talked it over, Hillary, Colonel Hunt and I. We agreed that all the talk was childish. So we made a pact, and each of us signed it in the office of the Prime Minister of Nepal. Each one signed his own statement. I have a copy of Hillary’s statement which I carry in my pocket. It reads: “Kathmandu, June 22, 1953.” “On May 29th, Tenzing Sherpa and I left our high camp on Mt. Everest for our attempt on the summit.

As we climbed upwards to the South Summit, first one and then the other would take a turn at leading. We crossed over the South Summit and moved along the Summit ridge. We reached the summit almost together. We embraced each other overjoyed at our success, then I took photograph of Tenzing holding aloft the flags of Great Britain, Nepal, the United Nations and India.” (Signed: E.P. Hillary) There is another paper like this in English, signed by me.

Thus, we will not take part in any controversy. As the statement says, Hillary and I embraced when we reached the top. We did as well as our bulky equipment would let us. I remember saying to him: “We have done it.” But we couldn’t hear. We had our oxygen mask on. First Thought My first thought on reaching the top was a sense of gratitude to God, that after having failed six times, He had blessed me with fulfillment of this desire I had held so long.

I placed on the summit the offerings to God that I had carried with me. This is in accord with my religion. Both my wife and I are Buddhists. I could not kneel because of my clothes and equipment. But I offered a silent prayer in my heart. The offerings were biscuits, candy and a little blue pencil. My youngest daughter, Nima, had given me the pencil before I left home. She asked me to put it on the top of the mountain as her offering.

It was an ordinary blue pencil, not even a long one, but it was one of her prized possessions. As I put it down, I pointed it out to Hillary. He gave me a big smile, showing that he understood. Then I got out the flags which I had on piece of string about four feet long.

I fastened one end to my ice axe and Hillary took pictures as I held it up. As I had to bring my ice axe down with me, I buried one end of the string in the ice on the top, and the other in snow on the slope down below. When we left, they were lying flat against the summit. I was very thirsty. I took out a water tumbler for a drink, but found the water in the metal container had frozen so I couldn’t quench my thirst.

I ate some biscuits and offered some to Hillary. I was wearing a red scarf which my great friend Lambert (leader of the 1952 Swiss expedition) had given me last year. It was just a year ago, on May 28th, when we were standing at 28,215 feet, that he gave me the scarf. I wore it all the way up the mountain from Darjeeling. As I stood at the top, I remembered him, and felt that he was with me. I felt absolutely fit at the summit. My mind was absolutely clear.

I didn’t feel tired I felt exhilarated. It was a very clear sensation. Below, all the hills and mountains looked like Gods and Goddesses to me. The plains below looked like so many broken pieces of the map. Two or three people could stand there on the roof of the world if you cut ice. Twenty or 30 feet below the top, there was enough flat square for two people to sleep.

You could pitch one tent there. The summit is flat on one side and steep on the other. There is snow on the northern side, rocks on the South and East and snowy rock on the West. We stayed on the top a little more than fifteen minutes. We were lucky that there was no gale, or it would have swept us off. My next thought was how to get down safely.

On the descent from the summit, I was walking behind Hillary. I was following him and holding the rope tightly, and my determination was to make sure he descended safely. I must say that the climb down was more difficult and dangerous than the climb up. If you slipped down, you would go into Kangshung glacier and there would be no trace left of you. More Caution Needed Of course it took less time climbing down, but you needed more “husiar” (caution).

When I reached Camp Nine, my first thought was: “Thank God we have been spared an accident, and if up to now there have been no accidents I hope there will be none in future.” I had always prayed to God and he had saved me. At Camp Nine, Hillary and I were in no mood for any talking. We just attended to our own things. We stayed there about half an hour.

We boiled some snow to make lemon water and drank it. When we left, we took only our sleeping bags and left everything else behind in the tent. From Camp Nine to Camp Eight, where we spent the night, was an easier job. Just above Camp Eight where the others could see us. I raised my arm with my thumb up. (C.W.F.) Noyce and (W.G.) Lowe saw us and their faces flushed with joy.

In this way I was able to tell them of our success. As we got nearer to Camp Eight, Lowe came to meet us and came up about 300 feet with tea and coffee. Another 50 feet down, we met Noyce who brought us more tea. This tea smelled kerosene. Apparently it had been made in a hurry and some how some kerosene got into the welcome cup. But I thought since the gentleman had taken so much trouble to bring it, I was going to enjoy it whatever the smell. -Tenzing Norgay (From archives of TOI