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Up high on the world's most iconic mountain, the Hillary Step is a defining feature of Mount Everest's final ascent. For trekkers journeying to Everest Base Camp and mountaineering enthusiasts worldwide, learning about this landmark deepens your appreciation of the mountain's challenges and history.
The Hillary Step is a near-vertical rock face located on the Southeast Ridge route of Mount Everest. It is the last significant technical obstacle climbers must navigate before reaching the summit.
The formation is approximately 12 meters (about 40 feet) high and sits at an altitude of roughly 8,790 meters (28,839 feet), just below the South Summit.
Aspect | Summary |
What is it? | A 12-meter (40 ft) rock and snow step on Mt. Everest's Southeast Ridge, the last major obstacle before the summit. |
Altitude | Approximately 8,790 meters (28,839 feet). |
Location | Between the South Summit and the main summit on the Southeast Ridge. |
Named After | Sir Edmund Hillary, who first climbed it in 1953 with Tenzing Norgay. |
Current Status | Still exists, but its structure changed after the 2015 earthquake, becoming more of a snow slope than a pure rock face. |
Can Trekkers See It? | The area is visible from Kala Patthar, but the specific feature is not distinguishable to the naked eye. |
Can Trekkers Climb It? | No. It is located far above the Everest Base Camp trekking route and is only accessible to summit climbers with a permit. |
It was named in honor of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, who were the first to successfully climb this section during their historic first ascent of Everest in 1953.
Read more about their ascent here.
To pinpoint its location, the Hillary Step is found on the mountainous spine known as the Southeast Ridge. This ridge is the most frequently used path to the summit from the Nepalese side.
The Step is situated between the South Summit (at approximately 8,749 meters) and the true summit (8,848.86 meters). It is a gateway on the final part of the climb, often described as the last major challenge before the summit push. It is part of the skyline visible from higher points on the trek, such as Kala Patthar.
Height: Approximately 12 meters (40 feet).
Altitude: Approximately 8,790 meters (28,839 feet) above sea level.
Location: On the Southeast Ridge of Mount Everest, between the South Summit and the main summit.
Name Origin: Named after Sir Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa partner, Tenzing Norgay, who first ascended it in 1953.
Geological Nature: A rock outcrop, though its specific condition has been a topic of discussion since a major earthquake in 2015, with reports suggesting changes in its rock and snow composition.
Visibility: While the Hillary Step itself is a feature on the extreme upper mountain, the general area of the Southeast Ridge is visible from popular trekking viewpoints like Kala Patthar and Gorak Shep, offering a dramatic glimpse into the high-altitude world of summit climbers.
The story of the Hillary Step is inextricably linked to the first successful ascent of Mount Everest. It also relates to the origins of its name and the early experiences that cemented its legendary status.
The Hillary Step entered the history books on the morning of May 29, 1953. Sir Edmund Hillary, a beekeeper from New Zealand, and Tenzing Norgay, a highly skilled Sherpa from Nepal, were the lead climbing pair on the British expedition led by Colonel John Hunt.
As they made their final push for the summit from the South Col, they traversed the Southeast Ridge, passing the South Summit, and encountered a formidable rock and ice step barring their way.
This obstacle was the feature that would later bear their names. At that extreme altitude, with rudimentary equipment compared to modern standards, it presented a severe challenge.
Hillary later described the moment, noting a crucial decision: between the rock step and a potentially treacherous cornice on the left. He opted for the rock. The ascent involved a tense and physically exhausting struggle, with Hillary wedging himself into a crack between the rock and a cornice of ice, using his strength to work his way up.
Tenzing Norgay followed, secured by a rope. This successful negotiation of the obstacle cleared the last major technical barrier, allowing them to reach the summit and make history.
The naming convention for geographical features typically honors the individual who first ascends or discovers them. In the aftermath of the successful 1953 expedition, the final rock step was officially named the "Hillary Step" in recognition of Sir Edmund Hillary's lead in pioneering the route up it.
It is crucial to understand that this naming celebrates the partnership and achievement of both men. While Hillary's name is on the feature, it universally symbolizes their shared success. The step represents the culmination of their combined effort, skill, and perseverance.
Naming it after Hillary follows the tradition of crediting the lead climber, but within the mountaineering community and the history of Everest, it stands as a monument to the historic first ascent achieved by the duo. Trekkers today learn about this landmark as a tribute to both Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.
Following the first ascent, the Hillary Step quickly gained a reputation among the small community of high-altitude climbers. Early expeditions that followed the Southeast Ridge route reported on its significance and difficulty.
The Step was consistently described as the most technically challenging part of the final summit push. Climbers' accounts from the 1960s and 1970s often mention it as a bottleneck, a place where progress was slow and required full concentration.
It held such symbolic value that experienced climber Ed Viesturs called it 'the final test you pass to earn the summit' (BBC, 2017).
The exposure, the sheer drop on either side, was noted as particularly intimidating. The physical and mental strain of tackling such an obstacle at nearly 8,800 meters, in the oxygen-deprived 'Death Zone', was a recurring theme in early climbers' impressions.
Read more on the Death Zone of Everest here.
It was seen as the final gatekeeper, a last test of a climber's skill and resolve before the summit. This historical significance is a key part of the Everest narrative that guides often share with trekkers at Base Camp or on the trail, helping them appreciate the challenges faced on the upper mountain, far above the paths they safely traverse.
Mount Everest and its surrounding landscape is not static. The massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, had significant effects across the Himalayas, leading to widespread speculation and reports about the condition of the Hillary Step.
The Gorkha earthquake on April 25, 2015, was a major geological event whose epicenter was located in the Gorkha district, northwest of Kathmandu. The quake triggered devastating avalanches on Mount Everest, including one from Pumori that impacted the Everest Base Camp, causing tragic loss of life.
The seismic activity was powerful enough to cause shifts and rock displacements across the Himalayan range. In the weeks and months that followed, questions arose within the mountaineering community about whether the earthquake had altered the mountain's famous summit ridge, specifically the Hillary Step.
In the climbing seasons following the earthquake, particularly from 2016 onward, climbers and guides returning from the summit began reporting noticeable differences in the Hillary Step. The consensus from these observations was that the feature had undergone a change, though the exact nature was debated.
Adding to the confusion, Pasang Tenzing Sherpa suggested that the main climbing route had been moved to go around the Step, following the ridge line instead of tackling it directly, which altered its appearance for climbers on the new path (Flashman, 2017).
The primary reports indicated:
Rock Movement: The most significant report was that a large, defining boulder that formed a key part of the climb had been dislodged, possibly by the earthquake's tremors.
Snow Covering: Following the rock's displacement, the resulting terrain was reported to be a gentler slope that subsequently collected more snow and ice.
Partial Collapse: Many climbers described the change as a "collapse" or a "deterioration" of the classic rock face, transforming it from a technical rock climb into more of a steep snow slope.
By the 2018 season and continuing to the present, the narrative has stabilized. Mountaineers returning from the summit confirmed that a 'big stone of about five meters is gone' and the area now functions as a snowy, 'undulating ridge' rather than a distinct rock face (AFP, 2018).
It is important to note that these changes were reported by individuals climbing the route. For trekkers at Base Camp, the distant view of the Southeast Ridge remains dramatic, but the specific structural changes to the Step are not discernible with the naked eye.
The timeline of observations helps clarify the situation:
2016-2017 Seasons: The first post-earthquake summit seasons yielded numerous anecdotal accounts from experienced climbers who had also summited before 2015. They consistently reported that the character of the Hillary Step had changed.
→It was described as less of a technical rock scramble and more of a snow climb, though still a challenging and exposed section. Some even questioned if the Step, as it was historically known, still existed.
2018 Onward: The Current Situation: By the 2018 season and continuing to the present, the narrative has stabilized. The general understanding is that the 2015 earthquake did alter the Step, but it did not vanish entirely.
→The current formation is often described as a blended feature of rock and snow. The technical difficulty may have decreased, but it remains a defining part of the route. The "collapse" was not a complete disappearance but a significant reshaping of the obstacle.
In summary, while the 2015 earthquake did not erase the Hillary Step, it is widely believed to have modified its structure, leading to the route variation that climbers experience today. For trekkers observing from below, this information adds a modern chapter to the ever-evolving story of Mount Everest.
The reported alterations to the Hillary Step following the 2015 earthquake have had tangible effects on the summit experience for climbers attempting the Southeast Ridge.
Based on climber accounts and mountaineering analyses, the nature of the ascent of the Hillary Step has shifted.
Aspect | Before the Mid-2010s (The "Classic" Step) | Current Situation (Post-2015 Reports) |
Primary Nature | A technical rock scramble. Climbers needed to use their hands and feet to navigate a near-vertical 12-meter rock face. | Now primarily a steep snow slope. The dislodgement of a key boulder created a couloir (a narrow gully) that fills with snow and ice. |
Technical Demand | Required more pure rock-climbing technique at high altitude. It was a free climb, though often aided by fixed ropes. | Requires proficient snow and ice climbing skills. Climbers ascend using crampons and ice axes, often on fixed ropes, but with less complex rock maneuvering. |
Equipment Use | Focus on using fixed ropes for safety while performing rock moves, with less reliance on front-pointing with crampons on the rock itself. | Heavy reliance on crampons for kicking steps into the snow and ice axes for stability, while still using fixed ropes for protection. |
It is critical to understand that this change is not universally agreed upon in all its details, and conditions can vary from season to season based on snowfall and wind. However, the consensus is a shift from a rock-dominated to a snow-dominated obstacle.
The Hillary Step was historically infamous for creating a dangerous bottleneck on summit days. This issue was rooted in its technical difficulty:
Historical Bottleneck: Only one climber could ascend or descend the technical rock face at a time. On busy summit days, this resulted in long queues of climbers waiting in the death zone, exposed to extreme cold, fatigue, and diminishing oxygen supplies. This waiting period was a significant contributor to the objective dangers of the summit push.
Current Situation: While the current, snow-filled configuration is often described as slightly easier to climb, it has not eliminated the bottleneck issue entirely. The section remains narrow and exposed, and the process of ascending on a fixed rope is still sequential and slow. Crowding continues to be a major safety concern on popular summit days, as the fundamental geography of the ridge has not changed.
This ongoing bottleneck issue was starkly demonstrated in May 2024, when the area near the Hillary Step experienced a significant gridlock that grew longer just before a deadly cornice collapse (Ayers, 2024).
The technical difficulty of the section has likely changed in its nature, if not entirely in its severity.
Before: The challenge was predominantly one of rock-climbing technique under extreme duress. The physical strength and skill required to pull one's body up the rock at over 8,790 meters were immense.
Now: The challenge has shifted towards snow and ice craft. Climbers must be efficient at moving up a steep, potentially icy slope using crampons and an ice axe. While some may find this less technically demanding than rock climbing, it introduces different risks, such as the stability of the snowpack and the need for precise footwork to avoid a slip.
In summary, the change to the Hillary Step has modified the type of skill required for climbers and may have slightly reduced the absolute technical grade of the obstacle.
However, it remains a formidable, exposed, and high-consequence section of the climb, and the historical issues of crowding and delay on busy days persist.
The Southeast Ridge is the most frequently climbed route on Mount Everest from the Nepalese side. To visualize the Hillary Step's location, imagine the final part of the climb as a sequence of key stages, moving upward from the high camp:
South Col (7,906 meters / 25,938 feet): This is the high-altitude camp, Camp IV, where climbers begin their final summit push, typically around midnight.
The Southeast Ridge: From the South Col, climbers ascend a steep slope to gain the Southeast Ridge proper, then traverse along this narrow, windswept ridge.
The Balcony (8,400 meters / 27,559 feet): A small platform where climbers often take a short rest and may change oxygen bottles.
South Summit (8,749 meters / 28,704 feet): A significant milestone on the route. The true summit is now visible, but separated by the corniced and exposed summit ridge.
The Hillary Step (approx. 8,790 meters / 28,839 feet): Located approximately 50-100 meters along the summit ridge from the South Summit, this is the last major technical obstacle.
Summit (8,848.86 meters / 29,031.7 feet): The final snow slope leading from the top of the Hillary Step to the summit of Everest.
For trekkers, the entire upper section of this route, including the area of the Southeast Ridge where the Hillary Step is located, is visible as part of the mountain's skyline from viewpoints like Kala Patthar.
The distance between the South Summit and the Hillary Step is relatively short in terms of pure geography, often cited as being between 50 and 100 meters along the corniced ridge. However, at this extreme altitude, time and distance are not correlated in a normal way.
The traverse from the South Summit to the base of the Hillary Step is exceptionally exposed and requires careful movement. Climbers, often fatigued and relying on supplemental oxygen, may take anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes or more to cover this short but hazardous distance.
They must navigate fixed ropes and be acutely aware of the severe drops on either side of the narrow ridge.
It is important to clarify that the Hillary Step itself, as a specific 12-meter rock face, is too small and too high to be distinguished as a distinct feature from trekking viewpoints. However, the general area where it is located is clearly visible. The best vantage points for trekkers to see the upper Southeast Ridge are:
Kala Patthar (5,644 meters / 18,519 feet): This is the premier viewpoint for trekkers. From the summit of Kala Patthar, the entire upper pyramid of Everest, including the Southeast Ridge from the South Col to the summit, is clearly visible. The section of the ridge between the South Summit and the main summit is where the Hillary Step is situated.
Gorak Shep (5,164 meters / 16,942 feet): The small settlement of Gorak Shep, the final stop before Kala Patthar, also offers a clear, though more distant, view of the summit ridge.
Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters / 17,598 feet): While the view of the summit from Base Camp is partially obscured by the West Ridge and the Khumbu Icefall, the upper sections of the mountain, including the summit ridge, can still be seen, especially in clear weather.
From these safe and accessible locations, trekkers can observe the challenging terrain that climbers must navigate on their final push, providing a tangible connection to the mountaineering challenges high above.
Sherpas and professional guides, with their extensive high-altitude experience, often provide the most pragmatic and respected assessments of mountain features. Their observations on the Hillary Step, drawn from publicly available interviews and accounts, typically focus on its evolution and its role in the climb.
One experienced Sherpa guide, when asked about the changes to the Step, noted, "After the big earthquake, the rock was different. The big block was gone. Now it is more snow, and for us, it is a little bit faster to pass, but it is still a very serious place. You cannot be careless there."
This reflects the general consensus among climbing professionals: the nature of the obstacle has shifted, but its position on the route means it retains its significant objective danger.
Another Western guide has been quoted explaining the logistical challenge, stating, "Whether it's rock or snow, the geography of the ridge hasn't changed. It's still a narrow funnel. On a busy day, everyone must still pass through that one point, one at a time, and that is where the real danger lies, the waiting."
This highlights that the primary concern from a guiding perspective is often the bottleneck effect, regardless of the Step's technical difficulty.
While direct accounts from the Step itself are from climbers, the impression it makes on trekkers viewing it from afar is also powerful.
A visitor on a trek to Everest Base Camp shared their observation after hiking to Kala Patthar at sunrise: "From Kala Patthar, you can see the entire summit ridge so clearly with a telescope. Our guide pointed out the area where the Hillary Step is located. It was hard to comprehend that the tiny, silhouetted line we were looking at was a place where people were navigating such a severe challenge. It made the scale of the mountain and the achievement of climbers feel very real, even from our safe vantage point."
This perspective shows how learning about the Step enhances the trekking experience by providing a tangible connection to the high-altitude drama above.
The advice from guides regarding the Hillary Step is twofold: one set of instructions for the few clients who are climbing, and another for the many who are trekking.
For their climbing clients, guides emphasize efficiency and focus at the Step. The standard advice includes: "Do not rush, but do not stop. Move deliberately and keep your ascender on the fixed rope. Your only job is to focus on the few meters of slope in front of you. We will manage the timing and the traffic."
This advice is designed to keep climbers calm and methodical in a high-stress environment.
For trekking clients, the guidance is about safe and informed observation.
Guides typically explain, "From here at Kala Patthar, you are looking at the summit ridge. The Hillary Step is located in that section between the South Summit and the main summit. It is a famous part of climbing history. We use binoculars or a spotting scope to get a better view of the general area, but the specific feature is too small to see clearly. This is as close as we safely get to that part of the climb."
This frames the landmark as an educational point of interest within the context of a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.
These statements show the raw geography of the Hillary Step as a marker of challenge, change, and respect, as seen through the eyes of those most familiar with the mountain.
This section focuses on the practical and essential preparations required for a safe and successful trek to Everest Base Camp. It is crucial to emphasize that this guidance is tailored for the trekking experience, not for a summit climb.
Proper preparation is the foundation for enjoying the journey and safely observing iconic landmarks like the Hillary Step from designated viewpoints.
While technical climbing skills are not required for the Everest Base Camp trek, a high level of physical fitness and mental preparedness is non-negotiable. The trek involves long days of walking, significant altitude gain, and variable terrain.
Cardiovascular Fitness: A sustained training regimen for at least 2-3 months prior to the trek is recommended. Focus on activities that build endurance, such as hiking on inclines, running, cycling, and stair climbing. The goal is to be comfortable walking for 5-7 hours per day, with a daypack, over several consecutive days.
Strength Training: Strengthen your core, leg, and back muscles. Exercises like squats, lunges, and step-ups will help you manage the long ascents and descents, particularly on trails like the trek to Kala Patthar.
Mental Preparation: Understand that the trek is a marathon, not a sprint. Acclimatization days are built into the itinerary for a physiological reason; rushing can lead to altitude sickness. Patience and a positive attitude are key assets.
Having the correct equipment is critical for comfort and safety in the unpredictable Himalayan environment. The following is a foundational checklist:
Footwear: Sturdy, broken-in waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are essential. Also pack comfortable camp shoes or sandals.
Clothing (Layering System):
Base Layer: Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms.
Mid Layer: An insulating layer like a fleece or a lightweight down jacket.
Outer Layer: A high-quality waterproof and windproof jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or equivalent).
Accessories: Insulated gloves, a warm beanie, a sun hat, buff or neck gaiter, and high-UV protection sunglasses.
Trekking Essentials: A 30-40 liter daypack, trekking poles to reduce knee strain, a high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, a headlamp with extra batteries, and a reusable water bottle or hydration bladder with a capacity of at least 2 liters.
Health: A personal first-aid kit including blister treatment, and any personal medications. It is also advisable to carry diamox (acetazolamide) for altitude sickness prevention, after consulting with a physician.
For the context of this trek, the term "guided treks" is more accurate than "guided climbs." Opting for a reputable guided trek offers multiple layers of safety and support that are difficult to replicate for independent trekkers.
Logistical Support: Guides handle permits, lodge bookings, and logistics, allowing you to focus entirely on the trek itself.
Local Expertise: Experienced Nepalese guides have intimate knowledge of the terrain, weather patterns, and the culture of the region. They can make informed decisions about pacing and itinerary adjustments based on conditions and the group's acclimatization.
Acclimatization Management: A professional guide understands the principles of safe acclimatization and will enforce a schedule that minimizes the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Safety and Emergency Response: In the event of illness or injury, a trained guide can provide initial first aid, assess the situation, and coordinate a swift evacuation if necessary. They carry communication devices and have established protocols for emergencies.
Enhanced Experience: Guides provide valuable cultural and natural history context, enriching your understanding of the landscape, including pointing out and explaining distant features like the Hillary Step.
Trek Me Nepal can curate the perfect guided treks for you. Browse through the packages we offer and select the best one for your next adventure. We can even customize your trip to suit your specific needs.
When you reach viewpoints like Kala Patthar to observe the upper reaches of Everest, including the area of the Hillary Step, basic safety precautions apply. Always stay on established trails and behind any safe edges or viewing areas.
The slopes near these high vantage points can be steep and unstable. Follow the instructions of your guide at all times regarding where it is safe to stand and walk, especially in icy or windy conditions. The goal is to enjoy the spectacular views without taking unnecessary risks.
Myth: The 2015 earthquake completely destroyed the Hillary Step, and it no longer exists.
Fact: The earthquake is believed to have altered its structure, primarily through the dislodgement of a key rock formation. The Step still exists as a distinct notch on the ridge, but it is now often filled with more snow, changing the climbing experience. It was not erased.
Myth: The Hillary Step is now just a simple slope and is no longer a challenge for climbers.
Fact: While potentially less technically demanding as a pure rock climb, the section remains a significant psychological and physical challenge due to its altitude, exposure, and the fact that it is still a narrow passageway on the world's highest mountain.
It is important to clarify that the Hillary Step itself does not have specific permits. Access to it is governed by the permits required to climb Mount Everest.
Climbing Permits: A mountaineering permit from the Government of Nepal is mandatory for any expedition attempting to climb above Everest Base Camp. This permit is exceptionally expensive and logistically complex to obtain.
Trekking Permits: Trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp need two permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit. These permits allow for trekking in the region but strictly prohibit climbing above Base Camp. Observing the Hillary Step from Kala Patthar requires only these standard trekking permits.
For more details, check out our Everest Region Trek Permits Guide here.
The Hillary Step, while a small feature on the vast landscape of Mount Everest, holds a significant place in the narrative of Himalayan adventure. Its story contributes to the broader appeal of Nepal as a premier destination for trekkers and mountaineering enthusiasts.
The Hillary Step is a powerful symbol within the Everest story. For tourism, its value is multifaceted:
Historical Allure: The Step is a tangible link to the historic 1953 first ascent. This connection provides a rich, educational context for trekkers, transforming a distant mountain view into a landscape filled with human achievement and history.
Educational Interest: The ongoing discussion about the Step's changing condition, fueled by geological events like the 2015 earthquake, adds a layer of contemporary relevance. It demonstrates that the mountain is a dynamic environment, fostering interest and conversation among visitors about geology, climate, and high-altitude mountaineering logistics.
Brand Association: As one of the most famous named features on the standard route, the Hillary Step contributes to the overall "brand" of the Everest expedition.
→ This allure attracts not only climbers but also a much larger number of trekkers who wish to witness the iconic terrain they have read about, safely from below.
→ This sustained interest directly supports the local economy through trekking permits, guide services, lodges, and ancillary services in the Khumbu region.
For clients planning a trek to the Everest region, the key is to engage with the story of the Hillary Step and the mountain responsibly.
Focus on the Trekking Experience: Embrace the journey to Everest Base Camp and the ascent of Kala Patthar as the primary, achievable goals. These experiences offer profound satisfaction and spectacular views.
Manage Viewing Expectations: Understand that you will see the area of the Hillary Step, not the distinct feature itself. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens for a better view, and listen to your guide's explanation of the route to fully appreciate what you are seeing.
Prioritize Preparation and Safety: The focus should remain on thorough physical training, proper acclimatization, and selecting a reputable guiding company. The story of the Hillary Step is a reminder of the severe challenges of the upper mountain, underscoring why the established safety protocols for trekking are so vital.
The Hillary Step is a reminder of what can be achieved and what can be respectfully observed. The key takeaways are that the Step remains an integral part of Everest's geography and history, its character has evolved over time, and it provides a meaningful point of interest for trekkers to connect with the mountain's narrative.
We encourage you to experience the majesty of the Himalayas for yourself.
A trek to Everest Base Camp offers a safe and profoundly rewarding opportunity to stand in the shadow of the world's highest peak, to learn its stories from experienced local guides, and to witness iconic landmarks like the Hillary Step from the spectacular and secure vantage points of the Khumbu Valley.
Book your Everest Trek, which includes the Hillary Step, through Trek Me Nepal. We offer multiple package options.
We can also customise the treks according to your requirements. All bookings include guide services, permits, accommodation, and meals as specified in the chosen itinerary.
AFP. (2018, May 24). Everest's Hillary Step now a slope: Climbers. The Himalayan Times. https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/everests-hillary-step-now-a-slope-climbers
Ayers, B. (2024, May 30). Two People Were Sliding to their Deaths. And It Was Silent. Outside. https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/everest/hillary-step-mount-everest-disaster/
BBC. (2017, May 22). Everest's Hillary Step: Has it gone or not? BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-39997548
Flashman, J. (2017, May 26). 2017 Everest News: Crowds, Speed Record, Hillary Step Mystery, and Accidents. https://www.climbing.com/news/2017-everest-news-crowds-speed-records-hillary-step-mystery-and-accidents/
Yes, the geological feature on the Southeast Ridge known as the Hillary Step is still present. However, its specific structure is reported to have changed since the 2015 earthquake, evolving from a distinct rock face into a more mixed feature of rock and snow.
The term "collapse" is often used but can be misleading. It is more accurate to state that the large, defining boulder that characterized the climb was dislodged. This changed the technical nature of the ascent but did not cause the entire ridge feature to vanish.
Trekkers can see the area where the Hillary Step is located, but they cannot distinguish the specific 12-meter feature with the naked eye. From viewpoints like Kala Patthar, you are looking at the section of the summit ridge between the South Summit and the main summit, which is where the Step is situated.
It is famous primarily for two reasons: it was the last major obstacle surmounted by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay during the first successful ascent in 1953, and for decades it was the most significant technical challenge on the standard Southeast Ridge route, often creating dangerous bottlenecks.
The Hillary Step is located at an altitude of approximately 8,790 meters (28,839 feet) above sea level.
The feature was officially named after Sir Edmund Hillary following the 1953 expedition, in accordance with the tradition of naming a geographical obstacle after the first person to climb it. It honors his achievement and, by extension, that of his climbing partner, Tenzing Norgay.
It remains a highly dangerous section due to its extreme altitude, exposure to severe weather, and steep drops. While the technical difficulty may have decreased, the objective dangers of altitude, fatigue, and the potential for bottlenecks on busy summit days persist.
The view of the summit ridge from Everest Base Camp is partially obscured. While the very top of the mountain is visible, the premier and clearest view of the Southeast Ridge, including the Hillary Step's location, is from the summit of Kala Patthar.
Nothing has "replaced" it. The feature is still in the same location. The change is in its composition and the climbing technique required, shifting from a rock scramble to a snow and ice climb on the same section of the ridge.
Sir Edmund Hillary was the first to lead the climb up the rock step, with Tenzing Norgay following directly after him on May 29, 1953, during their successful first ascent of Mount Everest.
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Bipin Thapa Magar
Guide of the Year | Operations Manager & Chief Planner | Trek Me NepalBipin Thapa Magar is a highly experienced trekking and expedition professional with over 20 years in Nepal’s adventure tourism industry. He began his journey in 2004 as a porter and gradually advanced... Read More