It will be 56 years ago, today, when the New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and the Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first people to ever reach the summit of Mount Everest.

These two men, with their team camped further down the mountain, managed to climb up the south face of the mountain located on the Nepal-Tibet border.

By the 50th anniversary of the ascent (May 2003), over 1,300 people had managed to reach the summit enduring the gruelling conditions.

Mount Everest was named after Sir George Everest who was the surveyor-general of India and the first to produce detailed maps of the Indian subcontinent.

More recently, Air Ambulance Chief Executive, Andy Williamson and his wife Linda, managed to climb Everest within 13 days to raise over £11,000 for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance services.

They were joined on the climb and in the fundraising by friends and a group of twelve other people from around the world.

Andy commented on this achievement:

“I have to admit when I decided to take up the challenge it seemed a good idea at the time. However, climbing Everest was quite certainly the most difficult and demanding physical and mental task I have ever undertaken. But through all the pain, discomfort, cold and boredom came a massive sense of achievement.

“We were delighted to raise so much money for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance which are both fantastic charities run entirely on voluntary donations. We feel proud to have done our bit to ensure this vital service keeps on going. Our fundraising activity will help to keep the helicopters and crew in the air and saving lives.”

Visiting Nepal is a holiday that you will never forget.  All those that visit this beautiful and spellbinding country are mesmerized by the impressive mountains, expansive rivers, exotic wildlife and flora and beautiful glaciers.  It has all the ingredients to captivate its visitors!  Nepal is situated between China at its North and India south of its borders.  It offers unadulterated luxury for traveling families.

You’ll need to get clued up about the weather in Nepal before you venture out there.  You need to aim fro the dry season to be able to fully enjoy the wonders of this country so pick a time between October and November. 

Getting around in Nepal you’ll find plenty metered taxis but these can put a dent in your finances so you may want to consider metered tempos instead.  There is also the option of hiring a car with a driver or if you’re adventurous you can rent motorcycles.  The latter option is not for the faint hearted and can be quite dangerous.

There’s plenty of accommodation options to choose from.  You’ll find decadent hotels and your low-cost budget types. 

Places not to miss are Pokhara or Devil’s Fall, Machan Wildlife Park and Fewa Lake to name but a few.