Khumbu Icefall

Khumbu Icefall is the ice stream with a large bulk of ice from Mount Everest, resulting Khumbu Glacier at Western Cwm in an elevation of 5468 m. The ice bulk is around 2.57 km long and consists of crevasses up to around 300 feet down. The crevasse separating the ice bulk in certain distances are dangerous zones for climbers. The head of the icefall is around 1 km from south Everest base camp while we can see Khumbu glacier from Gorekshep. EBC trekkking route from Lobuche to Gorekshep incompasses the moraines and rocky trail of glacier. We can encounter the snowy river (Khumbu glacier) that seems constant at a place as miracle during the trek. We can walk over it and enjoy the Heavenly beauty of Mount Everest and its surrounding peaks.

Passing through the Everest Khumbu Icefall is a challenge during Everest Expedition. We should cross the Khumbu icefall crevasses with the help of ladder and rope to reach Everest Camp I from Everest base camp. The ice blocks and crevasses between the ice blocks are the most dangerous part of Khumbu Icefall. Uncertain movement of ice blocks may create an avalanche.

Khumbu Icefall avalanche 2014

The uncertain movement of seracs resulted in an avalanche that killed 16 climbers on the Khumbu icefall on April 16, 2014. The bulk of ice fell from 5800 m and created an avalanche on the southern part of Mount Everest. Around 50 climbers have lost their lives in Khumbu icefall due to avalanches or other accidents since 1953 to 2023. Therefore, Khumbu icefall is so dangerous. The slippery ice blocks and crevaces are the main reason that make the Khumbu Icefall a danger zone of the Mount Everest Expedition from the south. 

Khumbu Icefall Profile

• Location: the base of western Cwm, southern slope of Mount Everest
• Altitude: 5486 m above sea level
• Distance of Khumbu Icefall from Everest Base Camp: about 1 km
• Depth: more than 300 feet (approximate; exact data is unavailable)
• Length: around 2.5 km, including the crevasses
• Temperature: less than -20℃, keeps on fluctuating during day and night

Who can climb Khumbu Icefall?

The climbers having a permit to climb Mount Everest can climb the Khumbu Icefall. EBC trekkers cannot climb Khumbu Icefall due to not having a permit to climb Everest. Trekkers can only walk on the Khumbu glacier up to Everest base camp.