How Warming is Changing the Expedition Route
The Khumbu Glacier is melting. Climbers on Mount Everest expeditions are witnessing the changes firsthand. Pools of water are forming at Base Camp, and the Icefall is becoming more unstable.
The ice at Base Camp is thinning. There are plans to move the campsite lower to rocky ground to ensure safety for future Everest trekking seasons. This would add hours to the summit push.
The collapse of the Hillary Step was likely accelerated by changing snow patterns. The route to the Mount Everest summit is evolving physically due to rising temperatures.
Melting ice creates new lakes, like Imja Tsho. These pose a flood risk to villages downstream. Trekking past these lakes is a stark reminder of the environmental crisis facing the Everest region.
The Everest we know is disappearing. Responsible tourism brings attention to this global issue.
