The Most Famous Person to Have Climbed Mount Everest, Ranked

Choose the person you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 25, 2024 07:47
Mount Everest has long captured the fascination of adventurers and spectators alike. Determining who the most recognized climber might be involves not just acknowledging personal achievements but also considering their impact on the climbing community and beyond. This opens a dialogue about what truly makes one climber stand out from another. By participating in the ranking, each visitor contributes to a collective assessment, shedding light on the individuals whose stories inspire and resonate the most. This dynamic tally not only reflects popular opinion but also educates about the diverse figures who have scaled the world's highest peak. It's intriguing to see how opinions vary and what attributes are valued by the voting public.

Who Is the Most Famous Person to Have Climbed Mount Everest?

  1. 1
    72
    points
    Sir Edmund Hillary

    Sir Edmund Hillary

    First person, along with Tenzing Norgay, to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
    • Nationality: New Zealander
    • Summit Date: May 29, 1953
  2. 2
    30
    points
    Tenzing Norgay

    Tenzing Norgay

    First person, along with Sir Edmund Hillary, to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
    • Nationality: Nepalese/Tibetan
    • Summit Date: May 29, 1953
  3. 3
    20
    points
    Reinhold Messner

    Reinhold Messner

    First person to climb Mount Everest solo and without supplemental oxygen.
    • Nationality: Italian
    • Summit Date: August 20, 1980
  4. 4
    20
    points
    Erik Weihenmayer

    Erik Weihenmayer

    First blind person to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
    • Nationality: American
    • Summit Date: May 25, 2001
  5. 5
    17
    points
    Apa Sherpa

    Apa Sherpa

    Holds the joint record for reaching the summit of Mount Everest the most times (21 times).
    • Nationality: Nepalese
    • Summit Dates: Multiple, first in 1990
  6. 6
    17
    points
    Junko Tabei

    Junko Tabei

    First woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
    • Nationality: Japanese
    • Summit Date: May 16, 1975
  7. 7
    3
    points
    Jordan Romero

    Jordan Romero

    Became the youngest person to climb Mount Everest at age 13.
    • Nationality: American
    • Summit Date: May 22, 2010
  8. 8
    2
    points
    Kami Rita

    Kami Rita

    Holds the joint record for reaching the summit of Mount Everest the most times (21 times).
    • Nationality: Nepalese
    • Summit Dates: Multiple, first in 1994
  9. 9
    1
    points
    Bachendri Pal

    Bachendri Pal

    First Indian woman and the fifth woman in the world to climb Mount Everest.
    • Nationality: Indian
    • Summit Date: May 23, 1984
  10. 10
    0
    points
    Elizabeth Hawley

    Elizabeth Hawley

    Noted for her comprehensive and authoritative record-keeping of expeditions on Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest.
    • Nationality: American
    • Significance: Historian and chronicler

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous person to have climbed Mount Everest. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or person is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 4917 views
  • 182 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each person once every 24 hours. The rank of each person is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Person to Have Climbed Mount Everest

Sir Edmund Hillary
Rank #1 for the most famous person to have climbed Mount Everest: Sir Edmund Hillary (Source)
Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth, has long drawn climbers from around the world. Among these adventurers, one individual stands out in history as the most famous. This climber's journey to the summit is a tale of determination, skill, and endurance.

Born in a small town, the climber grew up with a deep love for the mountains. As a child, they often explored nearby hills and dreamed of greater heights. This passion for climbing grew stronger with age, leading to many expeditions in various mountain ranges. Each climb honed their skills and prepared them for the ultimate challenge.

The climber's preparation for Everest was meticulous. They trained for years, building physical strength and mental resilience. Their training included scaling smaller peaks, enduring harsh weather conditions, and learning to navigate treacherous terrains. The climber also studied the history of Everest, learning from the successes and failures of those who came before.

The climber's journey to Everest began with assembling a dedicated team. This team included experienced guides, porters, and support staff. Each member played a crucial role in the expedition. The climb required careful planning, with attention to every detail, from equipment to nutrition.

Reaching the base camp was the first major milestone. From there, the team faced the daunting task of acclimatizing to the high altitude. This process involved climbing to higher camps and then returning to lower ones to rest. It was a slow, grueling process, but essential for survival.

The final push to the summit tested the climber's limits. They faced extreme cold, fierce winds, and the ever-present risk of avalanches. Oxygen levels were dangerously low, making each step a monumental effort. Despite these challenges, the climber pressed on, driven by an unyielding will to succeed.

As they neared the summit, the climber faced the most perilous part of the ascent. This section, known as the "death zone," claimed many lives over the years. Yet, with careful pacing and unwavering focus, the climber navigated this treacherous stretch.

Finally, after hours of relentless climbing, the climber reached the peak. Standing at the highest point on Earth, they experienced a profound sense of achievement. This moment was the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication.

The climber's successful ascent of Everest captured the world's imagination. Their story inspired countless others to pursue their own dreams, no matter how impossible they seemed. The climber became a symbol of human potential and the power of perseverance.

In the years following their historic climb, the climber continued to share their experiences. They wrote books, gave lectures, and mentored aspiring mountaineers. Their legacy lives on, not just in the annals of mountaineering history, but in the hearts of those they inspired.

The climb of Everest remains a monumental achievement. The climber's journey to the top stands as a testament to what humans can achieve when they set their minds to it. Their story is a beacon of hope and a reminder that the highest peaks are within reach for those who dare to climb.

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