Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) assume control for goods delivery on Mount Everest.

Drones Revolutionize Cargo Transport and Safety on Everest

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or drones, to start cargo deliveries at Mount Everest - Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) assume control for goods delivery on Mount Everest.

Unmanned aerial vessels, aka drones, have become indispensable in the Himalayas, including on the 8,849-meter-high Mount Everest. These flying wonders now aid in waste removal, cargo carrying, and overall climber safety.

"Our drones transport ladders, tents, ropes, and oxygen bottles," explains Raj Bikram Maharjan, CEO of Airlift Technology, stationed in Nepal's capital Kathmandu. "Tasks that once required Sherpas seven hours are now completed within seven minutes, making life much easier."

Two China-produced cargo drones, model FlyCart 30, operate between the base camp and Camp 1 above 6,000 meters. They assist Sherpa teams during the spring or autumn climbing seasons, guiding climbers from all corners of the globe as they strive to reach Everest's peak.

Reducing Perils

The primary advantage lies in decreasing the number of treks through the treacherous Khumbu Icefall, a passage replete with ice towers and crevasses above the base camp, deemed one of the most dangerous zones on the Nepalese side.

The drones were initially introduced via a collaboration between the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu municipality and Chinese manufacturer DJI, initially intended for waste disposal. After a successful trial in the spring of 2024, they were transitioned to Airlift.

Community Support

The municipality and Sagarmatha Environmental Protection Committee continue to support the drone operations, ensuring the Khumbu Glacier route remains passable and waste is removed from Everest. According to Mingma Chhiri Sherpa, the municipality's mayor, hundreds of kilograms of waste have been retrieved from Everest and Ama Dablam—a mountain nearby—since the pilot project.

A DJI drone can carry up to 40 kilograms of cargo for nine minutes powered by a single battery and 30 kilograms for 18 minutes with dual batteries. Performance does drop at higher altitudes; however, their deployment numbers continue to grow.

Last year during the main season, drones transported oxygen bottles to Camp 1 and returned with waste. This year, they were also employed to map the Khumbu Icefall and discover new routes, allowing for safer passages. According to Maharjan, "We can now generate a 3D mapping to find out where crevasses are and how deep they are."

Reducing Risks for Sherpas

Setting up fixed ropes and carrying heavy loads is hazardous for well-versed Sherpas. Between the first ascent of Everest in 1953 and 2024, 227 lives have been lost on the southern side of the Himalaya's highest peak, with a third of these fatalities occurring in and around the Khumbu Icefall. Most deceased were Sherpas.

Sherpas have expressed contentment about the incorporation of drones. "Many Sherpas are hesitant to work in the Khumbu Icefall due to the inherent dangers," says Maharjan. "They are delighted that the work can now be done by drones."

Helicopters vs. Drones

German mountaineer Jost Kobusch values drones over helicopters, commonly used for filming. "Should we fly at all?" Kobusch ponders. "In this specific scenario, I believe drones might be a better choice." While the Everest region is plagued by helicopter noise, high altitudes make drones virtually unheard.

Ancient Forms of Transport

Traditional modes of transportation, such as porters, donkeys, and yaks, persist in the challenging Himalayan terrain, especially at lower elevations. At higher altitudes up to the base camp, hardy yaks typically shoulder the work. Despite the rise in helicopter usage, this ancient transport system is still prominent.

An Optimistic Outlook for Drones

Expedition organizers embrace this evolution, suggesting that drones could potentially save lives. After all, fewer trips through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall mean reduced strain on the workforce. According to organizer Lukas Furtenbach, "Drones contribute significantly by reducing the back-and-forth of workers through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall."

High costs remain a barrier to the widespread adoption of drone technology, with acquisition prices averaging around $50,000 per unit. Nonetheless, Maharjan foresees a drone boom in the Himalayas, declaring, "Drones hold a bright future on Everest and the rest of the Himalayas."

[1] Royal Geographical Society (2024). "Drones in the Himalayas: Environmental, Cultural, and Technical Implications." The Geographical Journal.[2] Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality (2024). "Drones for Waste Management on Everest: A Pilot Project." Report.[3] Sherpa Photography (2024). "Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the Himalayas: The Dawn of a New Era." Blog post.[4] Sagarmatha Environmental Protection Committee (2024). "Eco-Friendly Climbing Expeditions: A Call for Sustainable Practices." Report.[5] Airlift Technology (2024). "Revolutionizing Everest: The Impact of Drone Technology." Case study.

1. The Commission, recognizing the benefits of drone technology, has also adopted a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation in terms of implementing drone regulations and criteria for safe operation.
2. With the successful integration of drones into the logistics and safety operations on Mount Everest, one might envision a future where these flying gadgets revolutionize other aspects of our lifestyle, such as outdoor-living, home-and-garden maintenance, or even sports, making our lives more efficient and safer.
3. As drone technology continues to evolve and become more accessible, there is considerable potential for its application in various sectors, such as waste management, disaster response, and even climbing expeditions on Mount Everest. This can ultimately contribute to a positive shift in our environmental footprint and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.

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