Mount Everest has been the subject of human fascination for centuries. On May 29, 1953 two mountaineers – Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary climbed the Mount Everest, and etched their names in history by achieving the first summit of the world’s highest mountain. In honour of this feat, May 29 is celebrated each year as the International Everest Day. It was the Nepalese government who decided to observe the day on the passing away of the legendary Sir Edmund Hillary. The Everest Day celebrations include memorial services, processions and marquee events in the Everest Region and adjoining areas in Kathmandu. The day reminds us of the remarkable achievement of two extra-ordinary humans whose grit and determination to scale the mountain peak defied all odds.