In 1951 a French expedition attempted to traverse the ridge between Nanda Devi and Nanda Devi East for the first time, resulting in the death of two members. Tenzing Norgay was a part of the support team; he and Louis Dubost climbed Nanda Devi East to look for the missing pair. Tenzing later stated that it was the most difficult climb of his life, even more difficult than Everest.[6]