He was indeed the first person along with Tensing Norgay to reach to summit, he always credited Norgay with as much credit as he was due, which was as much as he got. he considered Tensing Norgay as his climbing partner not just a native guide. He was not the leader of the expedition, the leader was a man by the name of Hunt.
He followed up his climb by creating a charitable fund for the sherper people of Napal, and built many hospitals and schools in the area. this he always considered the more important task.. He continued to visit the area for most of his life, and only stopped when he was unable to climb to high altertudes due to an illness in later life.

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