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Take a deep breath and rise above the clouds to enjoy some of the most elusive snapshots ever captured. Veiled in mist and riddled with glaciers and pitfalls, Everest has captivated throngs of climbers for over half a century. Spanning 70 years and nine expeditions, this robust gallery from the Royal Geographic Society takes you back to the early days -- before Tenzing and Hillary first summited the ultimate peak. With images of Buddhist monasteries -- Rongbuk on the north side and Thyangboche on the south -- the spirituality of Tibet and Nepal resonates in these photos. The sacred mountain is home to devout Sherpas whose prayer flags and Mani walls signify devotion to their Lamas. Beyond Everest's notable names and would-be conquerors, maps, lithographs, and early reconnaissance missions lend a grander context to the most sought-after summit.