[Glenn]

I read once that none of them had ever even considered it because they saw no point in risking their lives without reason.

The mountain was/is a religious item for them, I believe.

[wagglebee]

That too.

[angkor]

The mountain was/is a religious item for them, I believe.

Everest = Sagamartha (Nepali) = Great Mother Goddess.

You don't want to go messing around with the Great Mother Goddess unless there's a darned good reason for it, like making more money in a month as a porter or guide than you would in a year otherwise.

Aside from Kathmandu, the Khumbu region is the most prosperous and well-educated in Nepal (Hillary Schools). Trekking and mountaineering are huge money makers for the region. Lots of Sherpas speak competent English, and their physiology gives them a completely unique ability to go to high altitude (5,000 meters++).

The Great Mother Goddess has been very good indeed to the Sherpas.