Drones to Revolutionize Load Transportation for Sherpas on Everest

As Mount Everest prepares for the new climbing season, drones are set to transform how Sherpas transport equipment and supplies across perilous terrains, potentially saving lives.

Help may soon arrive for the Nepali Sherpas who carry heavy loads for climbers on the world’s highest peak. With the climbing season scheduled to commence next month, expedition companies are preparing to test drones capable of transporting up to 35 pounds at high altitudes. These drones will be instrumental in moving climbing ladders, essential gear, and even managing waste that climbers often leave behind.

What usually takes Sherpas seven hours on foot from the base camp to Camp I can now be accomplished in approximately 15 minutes via airlifting, significantly reducing their burden. This initiative aims to enhance safety for the Sherpas, as recent years have seen an uptick in fatal accidents due to the dangers posed by accelerated snowmelt linked to climate change. “The drone makes their task safer, faster, and more efficient,” commented Tshering Sherpa, from the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, responsible for maintaining safe routes like the hazardous Khumbu Icefall.

For over a year, operators have conducted trials using two drones provided by a Chinese manufacturer. The upcoming pilot during the Everest climbing season is critical in demonstrating the viability of these devices to expedition companies, potentially prompting further investment. Although the initial costs of the drones are considerable, supporters believe that they will ultimately lead to a reduction in operational expenses for the agencies involved.

As technology continues to evolve, the potential for drones to transform high-altitude expeditions looms large, promising a safer future for all individuals involved in the rigors of climbing Mount Everest.