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Biographies Unit Biographies

Tenzing Norgay 1914-1986
Tiger of the Snows

Tenzing Norgay (NAWR gay) was born in Nepal, a country in Asia. Norgay lived in a mountain village. When he was a boy, he took care of his family's animals. Norgay had always wanted to climb Mount Everest. Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.

For years no one knew if it was possible to reach the top of Mount Everest. This mountain is very snowy and icy. The air is so thin, people find it hard to breathe. In 1953, Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary became the first climbers to reach the top of Mount Everest. Norgay was the first one to place his foot on the peak. Norgay became a hero. Some people call him Tiger of the Snows.

Comprehension Check

What did Tenzing Norgay want to do as a boy?

Critical Thinking

Why do you think people call Norgay Tiger of the Snows?