Above the Third Step, the Summit Pyramid remains the final obstacle.  It is covered by a steep snowfield of 50 to perhaps 60 degrees near the top.  At the top of Pyramid (28,870') is an outcrop of rock, which is traversed on the right.   A ramp of rock steps then lead up to the Summit Ridge.  It takes at least an hour to climb the Pyramid.

The Summit Ridge, 500 feet long, leads directly to the Everest Summit.  It is narrow and exposed.  The drop on either side is 10,000 feet. Enormous snow cornices overhang east (left) side forcing climbers to stay close to the right edge.  Moving well it takes 8 to 10 hours to summit.  Once there, climbers usually stay no more than a half hour before starting to their descent.