Hillary Step Everest: Rugged Outcrop Below The Everest

When travelers share stories about Everest, they often highlight the beauty, not the brutal challenges. But there is a price for every peak. One such cost lies near the top — the legendary Hillary Step on Everest. This narrow rock face once stood as the final major obstacle before the summit. Climbers feared this section for its steep angle and deadly exposure. Everest Hillary Step lies between the South Summit and real summit. Since it is located above 8,700 meters, oxygen levels are low, and existence is at stake and has tested strength and courage of every climber. Yet, despite the danger, the Hillary Step Mount Everest section symbolized triumph. It separated dreamers from those who made it to the top. However, the story of Hillary Step before and after must not be forgotten. Regardless of changes, its legacy continues to inspire, warn, and incite those who dare.

The Popular Section on Everest: Hillary Step

Among all the stops on Mount Everest, one name echoes louder than the rest — the Hillary Step. This iconic feature once stood as a vertical rock wall near the top of the world. It sat between the South Summit and the main summit, just a few meters from glory. The Everest Hillary Step was named after Sir Edmund Hillary, who, along with Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, first conquered it in 1953. For decades, this spot marked the point where most climbers met their final mental and physical test. Its narrow path, sheer drop, and extreme height made Hillary Step both feared and respected. The Hillary Step Mount Everest section became famous in climbing stories, documentaries, and survival accounts. Even experienced climbers knew they had to give everything here. This wasn’t just a rock, it was a symbol of Everest itself.

Major Challenges on Everest Hillary Step

Not every obstacles are thrilling. As daring as Hillary Step of Everest sounds, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Some of these challenges are:

• Extremely narrow path with space for only one climber at a time
• Steep rock face requiring technical climbing under low oxygen
• Risk of deadly falls due to vertical drop on both sides
• Frequent traffic jams causing long delays in the death zone
• Fatigue and altitude sickness reaching their peak near the Step
• Harsh weather and icy conditions making the climb unpredictable 

What happened to Hillary Step on Everest?

For years, the Hillary Step Everest section disappointed climbers near the summit with its vertical, rough rock face. But following the 2015 Nepal earthquake, rumors began emerging. Most climbers said the Everest Hillary Step had either collapsed or changed shape. In 2016, the section was covered in snow, and it was hard to determine anything clearly. But by 2017, new photos revealed what many had suspected — the iconic feature was no longer the same. What was a steep, rocky climb had turned into a snow-covered incline. The alteration sparked controversy in the mountaineering world, especially in terms of safety and difficulty.

While some claimed the alteration made climbing easier, others disagreed. Without the original Hillary Step Mount Everest part, climbers are open to a different type of danger. The steep snow slope is liable to become unstable, especially with storms. With fewer fixed anchor points, slips and traffic congestion are more probable. The Hillary Step before and after 2015 was a highly debated topic between professionals and adventurers. Although the physical feature has changed, its reputation as Everest’s final challenge remains just as daunting.

Everest Hillary Step Before and After: Is it That Difficult?

The debate around the Hillary Step Everest section has grown since the earthquake in 2015. Climbers who experienced the original formation describe it as a near-vertical rock face. It required technical climbing, sharp focus, and years of preparation. Back then, one misstep could lead to a fatal fall. However, after the earthquake, the structure changed dramatically. What was once solid rock is now a steep snow slope. This change has led to mixed opinions on difficulty. Also, most beginners now prioritize just a trek to EBC first rather than the summit climb itself.

Supporters of the new formation argue that the snow slope is easier to navigate. They believe fewer ropes and tools are needed now. But others argue the new shape adds different risks. The surface is less stable, especially during bad weather. Climbers can slip more easily on snow than rock. So, when we look at the Hillary Step Before and After, both versions carry challenges. While the technique may have shifted, the danger remains. And so, the Hillary Step Everest section is still one of the mountain’s hardest tests.

Necessary Gears to Carry to Avoid Difficulty

Everest is the toughest places you can imagine to be at. Carrying necessary gears will make your adventure less complicated. So, make sure you pack the below mentioned items.

• Crampons – Provide grip on ice and snow during steep climbs
• Ice Axe – Essential for stability on icy and slippery slopes
• Ropes and Carabiners – Needed for fixed lines and safety anchors
• Climbing Helmet – Protects from falling rocks and sudden slips
• Oxygen Cylinder – Crucial for survival in high-altitude zones
• Down Suit – Keeps your body warm in extreme cold conditions
• Headlamp – Useful during early summit pushes in low visibility
• Glacier Goggles – Shields eyes from intense snow glare and wind

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Hillary Step have oxygen on the Everest climb?

Yes, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay used supplemental oxygen during their first successful climb in 1953. At that altitude, oxygen levels drop drastically. Using oxygen at the Hillary Step Everest section helped them stay focused and reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Even today, most climbers rely on bottled oxygen when crossing this part. Without it, survival becomes uncertain at that extreme height.

Is the famous Hillary Step Mount Everest section easier now?

After the 2015 earthquake, many believe the Hillary Step Mount Everest section became easier due to its collapsed form. Instead of a steep rock wall, climbers now face a sloped path of snow and ice. While it may seem simpler, snow brings its own dangers. Slippery surfaces, poor footing, and fewer anchor points increase the risk. So, easier or not, climbers still face a serious challenge at that point.

What are other death zones in Everest?

Besides the Hillary Step Everest area, several other sections fall within the “death zone,” which starts above 8,000 meters. These include the South Summit, Balcony area, and the area around the Geneva Spur. In these zones, oxygen is scarce, and survival time is short. The body weakens quickly, and decision-making slows. Proper gear, fitness, and timing are critical for survival in every part of this high-altitude region.