Tuesday marks 65 years since New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and Nepali Sherpa Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Mt Everest - the highest peak in the world - on May 29, 1953.
To mark the anniversary, a group of New Zealanders are taking on the Summit Anniversary Trek through the Himalayas, and volunteering at schools set up by Sir Edmund following his famous ascent.
The group of 26 Kiwis are on a 19-day gruelling trek up to Everest's base camp to mark the anniversary.
Sir Edmund, who died in 2008, devoted the rest of his life humanitarian work, building schools and medical clinics in Nepal.
"Now with that foundation of infrastructure, we're looking at the quality in the classroom and I think he would be really pleased with what we're doing now," said project manager Michael.
"It reinforces that legacy."
In 2015, the schools were badly damaged in the 7.8 Nepal earthquake that killed almost 9000 people, and these Kiwis are now digging in to install new water systems, helping with the rebuild.
"We have been assisting with breaking up stones and carrying stones to site for the new classrooms," says trekker Robyn.
"[It's] such a wonderful opportunity to visit this area," adds trekker Val.
Sir Edmund's legacy is living on - inspiring other New Zealanders to follow in his famous footsteps.
Newshub.
