19 March 2025
Drone "sherpas" may starting doing the heavy lifting on Mount Everest, making it safer for actual sherpas and climbers by scouting dangerous areas, carrying ropes and ladders for prepping routes, flying supplies to Camp 1, and perhaps even taking out the trash.
"Sherpas bear enormous risks," says Tshering Sherpa of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee. "The drone makes their task safer, faster, and more efficient."
For example, getting supplies up to Camp 1 typically requires a seven-hour climb by a team of professionals. A drone can make the trip in 15 minutes.
But it's not just about saving time. As climate change melts the snow on Everest faster and faster, avalanches and other dangers are increasing. In fact, it was a series of fatal accidents on the mountain that prompted Mingma G. Sherpa to initiate the Everest drone program—which began last spring with tests of two DJI FlyCart 30 models. The FlyCarts proved to be quite successful at not only getting oxygen tanks to climbers, but also removing approximately 500 pounds of abandoned trash per hour from "the world's highest garbage dump."
Currently, these drones can cost upwards of $70,000 (including customs duties)—a small investment, considering the benefits in safety, speed, and productivity.
Learn More About Drones on Everest
