Below Lingtren lies the Khumbu glacier, a long river of ice covered with rock. It runs from the Everest Base Camp area down towards Lobuche, and it shapes the whole upper Khumbu valley.
The glacier
The Khumbu glacier is one of the best-known glaciers in the world. Its lower part is covered with rock and debris, and the ice moves slowly down the valley.
Moraines and ponds
Lateral moraines form ridges on either side, and small ponds appear in summer. The landscape changes from year to year as the ice shrinks.
Gorak Shep
Gorak Shep, at about 5,164 m, sits on an old lake bed beside the glacier. Lodges here are the last stop before Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp.
Walking safely
Keep to marked paths and do not walk on the glacier without a guide. Rock falls and hidden crevasses are real hazards.
Wildlife and plants
At this height little grows, but you may see birds such as Himalayan snowcock or choughs.
Photography
Early and late light bring out the textures of ice and rock.
How glaciers move
Glaciers flow slowly downhill under their own weight, carrying rock from the valley walls. The ice you see near Gorak Shep may move only a few tens of metres a year. Meltwater runs on and under the ice, which is why parts of the surface are unstable.
Change and melting
Many Himalayan glaciers are thinning, and the Khumbu glacier surface has been lowering. Ponds appear and drain, and moraines slump. Trails near the glacier are moved or rebuilt, so ask local people where the safe route lies this season.
Respect for the place
The Khumbu is both a trekking route and a home for Sherpa communities. Take your rubbish with you, stay on paths, and do not build stone piles or move stones from memorials. The area around Everest Base Camp has many memorials to climbers, and quiet respect is expected.
Sunrise and sunset
The first light touches the highest peaks and then moves down the walls. Late in the afternoon the glacier throws long shadows. Both times are cold, so carry warm layers, and bring a headtorch for the return from Kala Patthar.
Plan it
See Everest Base Camp guides and the best time for Lingtren views.
