Kangshung Glacier, Himalayan glacier on Mount Everest's eastern face, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
Kangshung Glacier is a glacier on Mount Everest's eastern face in Tibet that flows through a valley collecting ice from several sides of the mountain. The ice mass is fed by surrounding peaks, with its structure changing noticeably over recent decades.
The glacier has been scientifically monitored for more than 60 years, documenting changes that reveal climate shifts in this Himalayan region. These measurements form part of the key data for understanding ice loss at high altitudes.
Local communities view the ice as a vital water source and live with the changes that come with it. Their traditions remain closely tied to the natural rhythms of this mountainous region.
Access requires a multi-day trek from Kharta with experienced guides, as routes cross high alpine passes. Visitors should prepare for harsh conditions and take altitude acclimatization seriously.
The ice sits in a corridor between Makalu, the world's fifth-highest peak, and Pethangtse, offering extreme elevation changes in a confined space. This geographic arrangement makes the region a rare natural laboratory for high-altitude research.
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