Khumbu Glacier | Solukhumbu

The Khumbu Glacier is a massive debris-covered valley glacier in the Solukhumbu District of Nepal. Stretching approximately 12–17 km from the Western Cwm near Mount Everest down to Lobuche, it is recognized as the highest glacier in the world.

Visual Characteristics

The glacier is defined by a "dirty ice" appearance, as much of its surface is covered in a thick layer of rock and moraine debris.

Surface Features: It contains massive ice cliffs, deep turquoise supraglacial lakes, and jagged "ice sails."

The Khumbu Icefall: Located at the head of the glacier ($5,486\text{m}$), it is a chaotic, steep cascade of towering ice blocks (seracs) and shifting crevasses.

Movement: The glacier is dynamic, moving approximately 0.9 to 1.2 meters per day.

Location & Access Logistics

Coordinates: $27^\circ 57'32''\text{N}, 86^\circ 49'29''\text{E}$.

Elevation: Starts at roughly $7,600\text{m}$ (source) and terminates at $4,900\text{m}$ (terminus).

Access: Most trekkers reach the edge of the glacier at Lobuche or Gorakshep after a 7–9 day trek from Lukla.

Safety: Walking directly on the glacier is hazardous and reserved for permitted climbers. Trekkers typically follow the lateral moraine (the rocky ridges along the side).

Historical & Ecological Significance

Scientific Importance: It is one of the most studied glaciers in the Himalayas for tracking the impacts of climate change.

Hydrology: The meltwater feeds the Lobujya (Lobuche) River, eventually flowing into the Imja Khola and Dudh Koshi, providing vital freshwater for downstream communities.

UNESCO Protection: It lies entirely within Sagarmatha National Park.

Climate Change Status (2026)

Thinning: Research indicates the glacier has lost over 50 meters in thickness in recent decades.

Recession: It is retreating at an average rate of 18–30 meters annually.

EBC Relocation: Due to increasing instability and the thinning of the glacier under the Everest Base Camp, Nepalese authorities have conducted feasibility studies regarding moving the base camp to a lower, non-glacial site to ensure the safety of climbers.

Key Highlights & Activities

Everest Base Camp: Situated on the lateral moraine of the upper Khumbu Glacier.

Glacier Soundscapes: Visitors at Gorakshep can often hear the "groaning" and cracking of the ice shifting at night.

Everest ER: A seasonal medical tent located on the glacier during the spring climbing season.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Tea Houses: Located in Gorakshep and Lobuche, offering basic food and lodging with views overlooking the glacier.

Connectivity: Signal is generally stable along the moraine ridges via local SIMs (NTC/Ncell).

Medical Aid: The nearest year-round medical facility is the HRA Aid Post in Pheriche ($4,371\text{m}$).

Nearby Landmarks

Mount Everest – Directly to the North.

Lhotse-Nuptse Ridge – Bordering to the East.

Pumori – Bordering to the West.

Kala Patthar – 1.5 km West (best viewpoint for the glacier).

Lobuche – 4.0 km South (at the glacier's lower tongue).