Being encircled with the great Himalayas, Nepal is reckoned to be a mecca for trek lovers, adventure seekers, and is also called as a heaven for nature lovers where one can soak himself in the goodness of surreal scenic vistas. Nepal is a country which has something to offer its all kind of travelers irrespective of their varied taste, age, or travel preference. From high altitude lakes and temples to vibrant villages, treks to other adventurous activities, mountains to valleys, and from hugely spread national parks to incredible glaciers, the country has a plethora of alluring elements for its travelers. Glaciers in Nepal play a key role in attracting the tourists coming from all across the globe.
Here is the rundown of some of the popular glaciers adorning this Himalaya country:
Khumbu Glacier
Located amidst the mighty Mount Everest and the ridge of Lhotse and Nuptse, Khumbu Glacier is reckoned to be one of the world’s highest glaciers that is nestled at a hug elevation of almost 24,900 feet above the sea level. Western CWM is the starting point of this glacier and this astonishing glacier plays a very significant role in quenching your thirst for trekking experiences. Khumbu Icefall is one of the major highlights of this glimmering glacier. This icefall is one of the most challenging and dangerous routes of Mount Everest trek. It is pretty wide everywhere and at some of the places, its width is almost 1 km.
Imja Glacier
It is one of the most popular and most gorgeous glaciers in Nepal that originates whose origin point is the Himalayas itself. Kali Himal, located at an astounding height of 23,153 feet is said to be the originating point of this stunning glacier. Imja Glacier is nestled in Solukhumbu, a small district in the country. This stunning glacier flows down to the gracious Indian Ocean and it also passes through the River Ganges and also the Dudh Koshi. It is believed that in the 1960s the glacier starts melting down and the melted form of the water starts getting accumulated at the lower line of the glacier and formed Imja Tsho. According to the study done in the year 2009, Imja Tsho in the rapidly growing lake formed by the melting water. Also as per another study was done in the same year, Imja Glacier had retrograded by almost 34 meters from the year 1976 to 2000 and this retreating speed increases from 2000 and by 2007 it had retreated by 74 meters. As the melting speed of this glacier reached its peak level, it started harming the livelihood of the communities residing there and in the year 1985, there was a glacial outburst that completely disturbed the entire region.
Ngozumpa Glacier
Reckoned as the longest glacier originating from the Himalayas, Ngozumpa is nestled at the foothills of the sixth highest peak in Nepal i.e. Cho Oyu mountains. Ngozumpa Glacier is one of the main attractions and Gokyo Lakes add more charm to this place. This stunning glacier is encircled by a glimmering rocky landscape and also the cliffs, this amazing glacier looks highly rustic in appearance. However, global warming is considered to be the main reason for the melting of glaciers in Nepal and the same happens with the Ngozumpa glacier. Besides being one of the most alluring tourist attractions it is also one of the favorite places of the scientists to continue their research work. This 36 km long glacier is located in the Khumbu district of Nepal and at the elevation of almost 4700 meters above the sea level. If we check out the recent condition of this glacier then it is presenting the sign of retreating, shrinking, thinning, and also producing melting water. The lake formed by the melting water of this glacier is renowned as Spillway Lake which is presently 6km long, I km wide, and almost 100 feet deep and it is seen that it is expanding year by year. It is believed that in upcoming years the Sherpa Village is going to be destructed completely by the unstoppable melting speed of this glacier.
Nangpai Gosum Glacier
If you are also the one who falls in the list of mountain peaks admirers then make your visit to this beautiful Nangpai Gosum Glacier in Nepal. This is one of those destinations that must be added in the bucket list of mountain peak admirers. The glacier is located at the distance of approx.25 km from the Mount Everest and is believed to be one of the most appealing glaciers in the country. There is a pretty fascinating ice-drilling site which is called the favorite site for those who love trekking. Also, this is to be known to everyone that this gorgeous glacier is nestled closer to China- Nepal border. This huge mountain has been segregated into three different summits and is tucked closer to the western side of Cho Oyu.
Langtang Glacier
The glacier is one of the much-famed trekkers and even all kinds of travelers in Nepal. Also reckoned as “the valley of glaciers”, Langtang Glacier is one of the most sought places to escape away from the hectic schedule of day to day life. If you are at the destination for trekking then you be aware of the fact that Langtang trek is called the closest trekking trail from the Kathmandu Valley. Located at a very few hours from the capital city of Kathmandu, Langtang Glacier is the region that is known for its wonderful eco-balanced region. Supported by the gorgeous mountain peaks, Langtang Valley is also a prime destination of various other adventure activities like hiking.
There are various other glaciers adorning the country and forming admiring lakes with their melting water. I hope this article had served its motive of providing you all the relevant information about some popular glaciers that you are going to explore on your Nepal tour so that you can make your Nepal trip a worth visit.