In a groundbreaking initiative set to debut during this year's climbing season on Mount Everest, drones are slated to provide invaluable support to Sherpas, the unsung heroes who carry heavy loads for foreign climbers. With capabilities to airlift up to 35 pounds, these drones promise to enhance the safety of those navigating treacherous terrains, while also providing a more efficient means of transport for essential supplies.
Currently, transporting goods from Everest's base camp to Camp I can take about seven hours on foot. Drones can accomplish this same journey in a mere 15 minutes, drastically reducing the physical burden placed on Sherpas and, by extension, lowering the risk of fatal accidents that have increased due to accelerated snowmelt caused by climate change. "Sherpas bear enormous risks. The drone makes their task safer, faster and more efficient," remarked Tshering Sherpa, a representative of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee responsible for maintaining safe routes through the menacing Khumbu Icefall.
For nearly a year, drone operators have been testing two devices donated by a Chinese manufacturer, with pilot assessments planned during the forthcoming climbing season. The hope is that successful trials will persuade expedition agencies to invest more in drone technology, which could ultimately carry climbing gear and vital supplies like oxygen tanks.
Though the initial investment in drones may be substantial, advocates assert that they will lead to cost savings for expedition companies over time, all while helping to safeguard the invaluable labor of the Sherpa community.
