The Khumbu Glacier

Khumbu Glacier

The icefall is regarded as one of the most dangerous stages of the South Col route to Everest's summit. It is one of the more famous and often visited Himalayan glaciers as it is the key route for climbing Mount Everest. The Khumbu glacier that forms the icefall moves at such speed that large crevasses open with little warning.

Base camp for climbing expeditions is on a debris covered portion of the glacier below the Khumbu Icefall, Pumori Lake is about one mile away. Huge blocks of ice tumble down the glacier from time to time; they range in size from cars to large houses. Given the more rapid melting up glacier of the terminus and the low surface slope of this glacier, this is a reasonable result. Since the structures are continually changing, crossing the Khumbu Icefall is extremely dangerous. Even extensive rope and ladder crossings cannot prevent loss of life.