Traveling here is undoubtedly the most dangerous part of climbing Everest. Overhead hazard from seracs(ice cliffs), shifting ice blocks and falls while climbing are some of the dangers. Foreign climbers may go through the icefall 6-8 times in a season. Local high altitude workers go through almost daily, maintaining the route and carrying supplies for higher up on the mountain. Most seasons there is at least one death in this section.
Khumbu climbing center aims to improve the safety of local guides through education in technical rope work, safe climbing practices and rescue techniques. There is even a course specially for the guides who are responsible for setting and maintaining the icefall route.