What was the over-covering feeling when major Ahluwalia set his foot on everest?

Major Ahluwalia felt happy and sad at the same time. He was overwhelmed with the feeling that he had climbed the greatest mountain peak in the world, but he was also sad that there will be nothing greater to climb on. He was filled with humility and also felt small and lonely looking at the vast cover of the mighty mountains around. He describes it as an "ennobling, enriching experience" to look down from the mountain peak.