Hillary Step

geological formation, Mount Everest, Asia

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

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The Hillary Step is a near-vertical rock face and the final major obstacle on the standard route to the summit of Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain. Located at approximately 8,790 meters (28,840 feet), it is a challenging section of the Southeast Ridge route.1

Named after Sir Edmund Hillary, who, along with Tenzing Norgay, was the first to successfully ascend it in 1953, the step is a difficult climb due to its steepness and the extreme altitude. Climbers now often use fixed ropes to navigate this section, which is about 55 feet (17 meters) high. Overcrowding at the Hillary Step has, at times, led to dangerous traffic jams and tragic consequences.213

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Mount Everest
The historic ascent of 1953
…rock and ice—now called the Hillary Step. Though it is only about 55 feet (17 meters) high, the formation is difficult to climb because of its extreme pitch and because a mistake would be deadly. Climbers now use fixed ropes to ascend this section, but Hillary and Tenzing had only…
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…rock and ice—now called the Hillary Step. Though it is only about 55 feet (17 meters) high, the formation is difficult to climb because of its extreme pitch and because a mistake would be deadly. Climbers now use fixed ropes to ascend this section, but Hillary and Tenzing had only…
Read More