Hillary Step on Mount Everest: Before & After Collapse, Location, and Climbing Realities

What Is the Hillary Step on Mount Everest?

Origin of the Name “Hillary Step” and Its Connection to Sir Edmund Hillary

The Hillary Step of Mount Everest is named for Sir Edmund Hillary, the New Zealand mountaineer who was the first person to stand at the summit of Everest on May 29, 1953, along with Tenzing Norgay. They encountered a 12-meter steep rock wall near the top of the southeast ridge of Everest on that climb. Hillary moved first to climb it, using cracks in the rock some for support, standing on Tenzing's shoulders, and defeating that obstacle. After that, they only had a short walk along the ridge to reach the true summit.

Later climbers, in recognition of its role in the historic ascent of Everest, named it the Hillary Step, which then became one of the most recognized points of interest on Everest for decades, depicting the most difficult as well as the successful climb of the mountain's first ascent.

Exact Location and Height of the Hillary Step on Everest’s Southeast Ridge

The location of Hillary steps along the southeast ridge of Mount Everest, between the South Summit and the main summit. Climbers will meet it at approximately 8,790 meters (28,839 feet) above sea level. The height of the Hillary Step was nearly 12 meters (39 feet), and it presented as a steep rock face that required technical climbing. It was in the "death zone," and was the last leg before reaching the highest point on earth.

Why Is the Hillary Step So Famous Among Climbers?

The Role of the Hillary Step in the First Ascent of Everest in 1953

In the first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953, the Hillary Step was the last major challenge before reaching the summit. When Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay climbed the southeast ridge, they encountered the nearly vertical 12-meter rock wall at about 8,790 meters in altitude, where they found the Step very difficult because of its steepness and limited space and air in the death zone.

Hillary was able to make its way up the Step firstly by wedging himself into a narrow crack in the rock and Tenzing followed, pulling Tenzing up by rope. In climbing the portion of the mountain once they cleared that section, there was a much less difficult ascent to the top. Climbing the Hillary Step was a key point that contributed to their success and marked the moment when the dream of climbing the highest peak on Earth became reality.

Every climber following on the southeast ridge route of Everest has had to pass this same portion of the mountain since, which confirms why the original Hillary Step Everest 1953 climb is one of the most significant events in climbing history.

Symbolism and Psychological Challenge of the Hillary Step for Climbers

More than a physical barrier, the Mount Everest Hillary Step was a psychological barrier. Below the summit, a few short meters below, the step was both danger and opportunity. Many climbers remarked that the Hillary Step was the hardest experience of the Everest climb, not just because of its steep rock face, but because of the pressure of being close to the top. 

For climbers, the Hillary Step was a worthy achievement because it meant they were close to the summit. A climber's mistake at this very moment could be so costly that they may lose weeks of effort during the climb. Often, the narrow paths posed the challenge of waiting in long queues that created additional stress, which led to exhaustion in the death zone.

Over the years, the Hillary Step became a symbol of determination and endurance to Everest climbing. For so many mountaineers, the crossing of the Hillary Step was not just a physical milestone but a mental triumph over the forces of fear, exhaustion, and doubt.

Technical Challenges of the Hillary Step

Why the Hillary Step Was Considered the Hardest Part of the Everest South Col Route?

The Hillary Step on Mount Everest was one of the most challenging parts of the South Col route. It was about 12 meters high, but the steepness and narrowness of the step made it hard to climb. It required a technique for nearly vertical climbing with very little oxygen, taken at the height of approximately 8,790 meters (28,839 feet).

The mixture of high altitude, cold temperature, and physical exhaustion made it one of the hardest parts of climbing Everest. Climbers needed strength and precise technique to pass the step safely. Even small errors could be dangerous; falling from the ridge on either side was fatal. For all these reasons, it was usually considered the final major obstacle to the summit.

Traffic Jams and Dangers Climbers Faced at the Hillary Step Before 2015

Prior to 2015, the Hillary Step on Mount Everest was very narrow, allowing just one climber at a time. Crowded summiting periods resulted in long lines and climb jams, which required climbers to sit in thin air and freezing temperatures for hours and putting the climbers at risk for altitude sickness, frostbite and exhaustion to name a few.

The bottleneck also negatively impacted the handling of ropes and safety. Falling or slipping there could have fatal consequences, and the climbers had to be sharp until they were done with the climb. They were close to the summit, but the Hillary Step required physical strength, mental control, and patience, deeming it one of the most precarious and memorable spots on the South Col route.

Did the Hillary Step Collapse After the 2015 Earthquake?

What Climbers Reported About the Hillary Step After the 2015 Nepal Earthquake?

The Mount Everest Hillary Step changed significantly with the 2015 Nepal earthquake, which caused significant structural shifts in the mountain. Climbers who have been to Mt. Everest notes that the rock formation of the Hillary Step is no longer in its original form. Some described it as partially collapsed, while others indicated that the feature was covered in snow and ice - thus changing its shape. Although it is difficult to know the extent of the collapse, the event marked a very clear change in one of the most famous parts of climbing Everest.

Before and after of Hillary Step Everest

Prior to 2015, the Hillary Step was a 12-meter vertical rock wall, and was considered the last significant technical challenge on the south route. Climbers would use fixed ropes and delicate foot placements to safely navigate the Hillary Step. After the earthquake, the feature is now much less steep and much of the rock is buried in snow.

While the difficulty of rock climbing has decreased across the former stairway, the new formation presents a set of different risks for the climber, namely unsafe snow, the potential or small avalanches, and continued bottlenecks as climbers try to summit.

Looking back at the Hillary Step pre-earthquake, it is vague to say that while what was once a 12-meter vertical ascent that was very technical, was then replaced by a sloped snow ascent, the hard reality is that the collapse of the Hillary Step dramatically changed the character of this important part of the journey up the mountain.

Expert Opinions and Photographic Evidence on the Hillary Step Collapse

A number of mountaineering professionals and guides report changes to the Hillary Step after 2015. Pictures before the earthquake and then pictures after the earthquake show that the rock wall is not as impressive and looks more like just another snow slope. Experienced climbers, including in 2015 and later continue to say that it feels different but still require the same climbing skills, and posed by altitude, weather, and traffic on the ridge. Government and tourism authorities in Nepal recognize the change but advise it is unclear whether the original rock has completely collapsed or is buried under snow.

Climbing the Hillary of Mount Everest Step Today

Is the New Hillary Step Easier or Harder for Modern Climbers?

The new version of the Hillary Step is technically easier as climbers do not have to climb the vertical rock face. However, just as the slope is somewhat easier to climb than the vertical rock face, the slope also presents new risks. Snow and ice may not help with traction which may cause a slip, or even worse may start a small avalanche. Hard-to-see crowds during peak summit times may create more difficult climbing conditions too. With that said, the climbing endeavor of the rock climbing section of the Hillary Step no longer exists, and the Hillary Step Everest is still an important and potentially risky part of the ascent.

Safety Risks and Modern Challenges of Climbing the Hillary Step

The Hillary Step, although reshaped, still provides safety challenges. Climbing in steep snow at altitude, being careful about fatigue, and producing good balance in thin air can be hard. The extreme cold, wind, and altitude mean every movement is challenging. Some climbs will use fixed ropes, but accidents happen. The combination of environmental risks, and high human traffic in the Hillary Step on Mount Everest, makes it an area where thorough planning and caution are essential.

Traffic Management and Bottlenecks at the New Hillary Step Route

The Hillary Step is a natural choke point on the southeast ridge. While the slope is wider than the original rock wall, it can only accommodate a few climbers safely at once. During peak summit days, long lines can develop, with crux difficulty, adding to the delays and exposure to extreme conditions. Some phasing of summit days and use of rope management by guides and expedition teams has reduced congestion. Traffic management is a fundamental component of safety on the Hillary Step Everest route.

The Legacy of the Hillary Step on Everest

The Place of the Hillary Step in Mount Everest’s Climbing History

The history of the Hillary Step on mount Everest starts with the first ascent in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Since then, it has been an important milestone on the standard southeast ridge route. Every climber who summits Everest via the south-east ridge will pass the site of the Hillary Step; the step is a section that has challenged generations of mountaineers.

However, the significance of the Hillary Step goes beyond just climbing difficulty. The Step is a staircase to Everest's history, the history of mountaineering and climbing techniques, and in large part, it is a reflection of the human obsession to stand on top of the world.

Will the Hillary Step Ever Return to Its Original Form?

Chances are, the Mount Everest Hillary Step cannot return to its original state as vertical rock. It has been permanently altered by natural forces such as snow, ice, earthquakes, etc. It is unclear if additional rock will be uncovered over time, but the unique shape that climbers like Sir Edmund Hillary encountered in 1953 will never exist again.

However, it still provides a historical and practical context for climbers. While its importance is reduced, it continues to provide a context to challenge mountaineers at Everest and a legacy to inspire anyone who aspires to reach the summit of Everest.

FAQs

What is the Hillary Step on Mount Everest?

The Hillary Step on Mount Everest is a nearly vertical rock face on the southeast ridge just below the summit. It was one of the last big challenges for climbers on the standard South Col route and it became a historic landmark in Everest climbing.

Why is it called the Hillary Step?

The Mount Everest Hillary Step is named for Sir Edmund Hillary, who was the first climber to actually climb this rock face on his historic 1953 ascent of Everest with Tenzing Norgay.

 Where is the Hillary Step located?

The Hillary Step is located on the southeast ridge. It is located at approximately 60 meters from the main summit and is at an altitude of about 8780 meters (28750 feet along the southeast ridge. The height of the Hillary step was approximately 12 meters (39 feet). While not tall, the steep and vertical nature of its structure and its position in the death zone made it one of the harder parts of the climb.

How high is the Hillary Step?

The Hillary Step is about 12 meters (39 feet) high.

Why was the Hillary Step considered so difficult?

The Hillary Step Everest was the hardest part of the climb with its steep rock face, narrow ribbon of a path, and extreme altitude.

Did the Hillary Step collapse after the 2015 earthquake?

Yes, the Hillary Step has changed since the 2015 Nepal earthquake, with a little bit of rock collapsed and snow covering the area.

 Do climbers still pass the Hillary Step?

Yes, climbers continue to pass the location of the Hillary Step on the southeast ridge route. The Hillary Step is mostly a snow slope now rather than a vertical rock wall. While technically easier, it still remains an important section of the climb because of the altitude of the climb, and the weather conditions, and amount of traffic.

How long does it take to climb the Hillary Step?

Typically, climbing the Hillary Step Everest takes between 10 and 30 minutes depending upon the amount of crowdedness, weather conditions, and climber experience. When there are long lines for the summit in the peak summit periods, wait times can be long, and it increases exposure to extreme high-altitude conditions.

Conclusion

The Hillary Step on Mount Everest is perhaps the most recognizable and historically significant feature on the tallest mountain on Earth. Once considered the hardest part of the Everest Expedition, it has changed since the 2015 earthquake which transformed the original near-vertical rock face into a snow-covered slope. While in some respects, it is now physically easier, there still remains significant challenges associated with altitude, weather, and traffic on the southeast ridge.

Knowing the history of the Mount Everest Hillary Step, when it sits along the route, the height of it, and the risks associated with the step is important for anyone interested in Everest history or mountaineering in general. The story of the Hillary Step encompasses both the physical and mental aspects of climbing that generations of climbers have had to overcome, and live on as part of the history of climbing and mountaineering.

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