Training & Professional Development
Everest Icefall Doctors Advance Training 2026 Conducted at Everest Base Camp Glacier
Organized by Khumbu Climbing Center Supported by The Juniper Fund
March 5–10, 2026
The Khumbu Climbing Center (KCC) successfully conducted the Everest Icefall Doctors Advance Training 2026 from March 5 to March 10, 2026, on the Everest Base Camp Glacier. The five-day advanced training program was designed to enhance the technical skills, rescue capabilities, and safety preparedness of Everest Icefall Doctors before the 2026 Everest climbing season.
The program was supported by The Juniper Fund, with the aim of strengthening Nepal’s mountain professionals through advanced technical education and practical field-based training.
Advanced Training in the Heart of Everest
The Khumbu Icefall is one of the most challenging and constantly changing sections of the Everest climbing route. The Everest Icefall Doctors carry the important responsibility of establishing, maintaining, and managing the route through this complex glacier environment, including fixed ropes, ladders, and safe passage systems for expedition teams.
Conducting training directly on the Everest Base Camp Glacier allowed participants to practice advanced techniques in realistic Himalayan conditions similar to their actual working environment.
Expert Instructors
The five-day training was led by experienced Himalayan climbing professionals:
* Kunga Gyaju Sherpa –Instructor(Executive Director, Adventure Pathways)
* Kami Temba Sherpa – Instructor
Both instructors shared their extensive experience in high-altitude climbing, technical rescue, glacier operations, and mountain safety education.
Training Highlights
The advanced course included practical sessions on:
* Personal on-rope skills; including safely ascending, traversing, and descending (rappelling) fixed lines with knot and anchor passes.
* A robust overview of safe anchor system rigging considerations on both ice and rock
* Scene size-up / Structured command and communication considerations
* Glacier travel, crevasse rescue, efficient use of pulley systems for mechanical advantage in variety of applications
* A review and exploration of a variety of companion rescue skills including proper lowering technique using a slot-style friction device (ATC Guide), knot passes on a lower, converting from plaquette mode to lowering mode using the ATC Guide, converting from plaquette mode to counter-balance rappel during a rescue of the second, and tandem rappels.
* A focused overview of friction considerations in safely moving both a single person load and rescue-size loads in steep and vertical rock and ice
* Patient securing and packaging considerations in a variety of settings and scenarios
* Stretcher orientation and attending considerations using a SKED stretcher
Through realistic scenarios and hands-on practice, participants strengthened their ability to respond effectively to the complex challenges encountered while working in the Khumbu Icefall.
Strengthening Nepal’s Mountain Safety Standards
The Everest Icefall Doctors are among the most skilled mountain professionals in Nepal, playing a vital role in supporting safe Everest expeditions. Continuous advanced training helps ensure they remain prepared with updated techniques, improved rescue skills, and strong safety awareness.
The Khumbu Climbing Center, with support from The Juniper Fund, continues to contribute to the professional development of Nepal’s climbing community by providing high-quality technical training.
Commitment to Mountain Education and Safety
Through his role as an instructor, Kunga Gyaju Sherpa of Adventure Pathways continues his commitment to sharing knowledge, improving safety standards, and supporting the next generation of Himalayan mountain professionals.
This Everest Icefall Doctors Advance Training 2026 represents another important step toward building a safer and more professional future for Himalayan mountaineering.
Adventure Pathways Leadership and Everest Experience
Ngima Gyalzen Sherpa, Managing Director of Adventure Pathways, also brings valuable personal experience from the Everest Icefall. He served as an Everest Icefall Doctor during the 2022 Spring Everest Expedition , gaining firsthand experience in route preparation, glacier operations, and the demanding responsibilities of working in the Khumbu Icefall.
Ngima’s professional journey has also been closely connected with the Khumbu Climbing Center (KCC), one of Nepal’s leading training institutions for mountain professionals. He completed technical climbing and rescue training at KCC before joining the organization as a facilitator, where he helped train aspiring climbers and mountain workers in essential alpine skills, glacier travel, rescue techniques, and safe climbing practices.
With years of experience on peaks ranging from 6,000-meter expeditions to 8000 meters the world’s highest mountains Everest , Ngima combines technical expertise, leadership, and a deep respect for the mountains. Through Adventure Pathway, he is committed to providing safe, authentic, and unforgettable Himalayan adventures while promoting responsible mountaineering and supporting local mountain communities.
About the Author
Kunga Gyaju Sherpa
Born and raised in Pangboche, a historic Sherpa village in Nepal’s Khumbu region, Kunga Gyaju Sherpa is an accomplished mountaineer, expedition leader, climbing instructor, outdoor educator, and mountain safety trainer with extensive experience across Nepal’s Himalayas. Growing up in the shadow of the world’s highest mountains inspired a lifelong passion for mountaineering, exploration, and sharing the rich cultural heritage of the Sherpa people.
Over the years, Kunga has successfully summited numerous Himalayan peaks, including Ama Dablam and Cholatse, while achieving more than 10 ascents of Mera Peak, 50+ ascents of Island Peak, 50+ ascents of Lobuche Peak, 10+ ascents of Pokalde Peak, 2 ascents of Yalung Ri, and 3 ascents of Phachhermo Peak as a Climbing Guide. Demonstrating exceptional endurance and technical ability, he completed the challenging Three Peaks Challenge (Island Peak, Pokalde Peak, and Lobuche Peak) within just 23 hours, an outstanding achievement in Nepalese mountaineering.
A major milestone in his climbing career came in 2025, when he served as the Fixing Leader for the First Ascent of Mount Pathibhara (6,868m). Leading the route-fixing team, Kunga played a pivotal role in the success of this historic expedition, further establishing his reputation as a skilled and dependable mountain professional. Kunga has worked as both Climbing Sirdar and Trekking Guide for internationally respected expedition operators, leading and supporting a wide range of trekking and climbing adventures throughout Nepal. His experience includes Everest Base Camp Treks, Luxury Everest Base Camp Treks, Khumbu expeditions, and numerous peak-climbing programs. Widely respected for his professionalism, leadership, positive attitude, strong communication skills, and commitment to client safety, he has guided adventurers from around the world through some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth.
In addition to expedition leadership, Kunga is an Instructor at the Khumbu Climbing Center (KCC), where he helps train the next generation of Nepali climbers and mountain workers. In 2026, he served as an Instructor for the Advanced Training Course for Everest Icefall Doctors, contributing to the development of specialized technical skills and mountain safety standards in the Everest region. Beyond his guiding and instructional work, Kunga is committed to community development and education.
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