The Hillary Step: The Lost Landmark of Mount Everest
The legendary Hillary Step, once a formidable rock face on Mount Everest, has changed forever. Discover what happened, why it matters, and how it affects climbers today.
What Was the Hillary-Step?
The Hillary Step was a 12-meter (39-foot) near-vertical rock face located at 8,790 meters (28,839 feet) above sea level on the Southeast Ridge of Mount Everest. This iconic feature was named after Sir Edmund Hillary, who, along with Tenzing Norgay, first ascended it during their historic 1953 Everest expedition. For decades, this step was considered one of the most technically demanding sections of the standard South Col route to the summit.
What Happened to the Hillary Step?
In April 2015, Nepal was struck by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake, causing significant geological shifts. Subsequent reports from climbers suggested that the Hillary Step had collapsed or undergone major changes. By 2017, mountaineers confirmed that the original rock formation had transformed into a series of step-like rocks.
How Has the Collapse Affected Climbers?
The loss of the Hillary Step has altered the climbing dynamics near the summit:
Easier Ascent? The new formation might make the final stretch less technically difficult, as climbers no longer need to tackle a sheer rock face.
More Traffic Jams? The altered terrain could lead to bottlenecks near the summit, as multiple climbers ascend side by side instead of in single file.
Changing Everest Expeditions: The shift has led to updated climbing strategies and route adjustments for guided expeditions.
Why the Hillary Step Matters
The collapse of the Hillary Step marks a significant change in Everest’s history. It is a stark reminder of how natural forces continue to reshape even the highest points on Earth. While some climbers lament the loss of an iconic challenge, others appreciate a slightly less daunting final ascent.
Whether the collapse makes Everest easier or harder is still debated among mountaineers. However, one thing is certain: climbing Everest remains one of the greatest challenges in the world.
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