Highest glacier

The Khumbu Glacier drains from the West Cwm between Mount Everest and the Lhotse-Nuptse Ridge and ranges in altitude from over 8,000 to 4,900 m (26,247–16,080 ft) as it flows to the south. It is one of the most famous and often visited Himalayan glaciers because it is a key route for climbing Mount Everest from the south. Indeed, the South Base Camp is currently located on the Khumbu Glacier.

Due to climate change, the glacier has been rapidly melting and thinning at a rate of 1 m (3 ft 3 in) per year.

In June 2022, it was announced that the camp will need to be moved to an elevation that is 200–400 m (650–1,300 ft) lower down the valley, where there is no permanent ice left.