Team Marie Curie has trekked to the Khumbu Icefall from Everest Base Camp, as part of the ongoing acclimatisation process essential for a successful summit of the mountain.

The group left their tents at 5.30am and headed for the Icefall, which is found at an altitude of 5,486 metres at the head of the Khumbu Glacier, following a trek through Base Camp.

The first part of the trail over the Icefall is a 40 minute hike over undulating ice, during which climbers need to use crampons to scale small mounds of ice. Then the ice starts to become much steeper.

The Icefall is considered to be one of the most dangerous parts of the route to the summit of Everest as the ice constantly shifts, and climbers need to negotiate the crevasses that constantly open up by walking over ladders laid by ‘Ice Doctors’.

The ‘Ice Doctors’ are Sherpas who set and maintain the safest path through the Icefall, avoiding the large ice towers or seracs which are liable to collapse.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes and the team almost reached the top of the Icefall, before beginning their journey back to Base Camp. The midday blistering heat meant the return trek was even more challenging than the ascent.

Team Marie Curie is now looking forward to a well-earned rest before heading to Camp 1.

by Marie Curie Cancer Care