High above the world, where the air is thin and the landscape unforgiving, lies a stark reminder of human endeavor marred by neglect. Mount Everest, Earth’s loftiest peak, boasts not only breathtaking views but also a troubling accumulation of discarded equipment, remnants of past expeditions, and even human remains. This season, efforts led by a team of Sherpas and soldiers, funded by the Nepalese government, aimed to tackle this grim legacy head-on.
Ang Babu Sherpa, a veteran mountaineer who spearheaded the cleanup team, described the daunting task they faced at South Col, the highest camp before the summit push. He recounted how he along with his team removed 11 tons of garbage, four bodies, and a skeleton, his voice tinged with the weight of what they uncovered. Yet, despite their best efforts, there’s an estimated 40 to 50 tons of debris still embedded in the ice and rock at these extreme altitudes.
Ang Babu explained that the garbage left there, spanned decades, comprising old tents, food packaging, gas cartridges, and oxygen bottles—items essential for survival in that harsh environment, but now entombed in layers of ice. He noted that the harsh conditions, with oxygen levels a fraction of those at sea level and temperatures plummeting, added formidable challenges to their cleanup efforts.
The accumulation of waste on Everest is a complex issue with its roots in the history of mountaineering. Since Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s historic ascent in 1953, thousands have followed in their footsteps, leaving behind traces of their passage. Sushil Khadga, whose agency manages recyclable waste from Everest, commented that at such high altitudes, survival takes precedence over everything else. Climbers and their support teams prioritize their immediate safety, often abandoning gear that is no longer usable.
The cleanup operation aims not only to restore the mountain’s natural beauty but also to honor the sanctity of human life lost in pursuit of mountaineering goals. Digging out bodies frozen deep within the ice is a solemn task, accompanied by logistical and emotional challenges. Ang Babu recalled that it had taken them days to retrieve one body frozen in a standing position. He noted that adverse weather conditions had forced them to retreat temporarily, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Everest.
Beyond the physical exertion and technical hurdles lies a broader effort to raise awareness and enact change. Recent years have seen policies mandating climbers to bring back their waste or forfeit deposits, alongside educational campaigns on environmental stewardship. These measures have yielded tangible results, but the scale of the challenge remains vast.
In the valleys below Everest, the impact of these efforts extends to local communities. Decomposable waste is repurposed in nearby villages, while recyclables are transported to Kathmandu for processing. Sushil Khadga pointed out that they have received items dating back to the earliest expeditions, such as rechargeable batteries from 1957, highlighting the lasting imprint of human activity on Everest.
Looking ahead, Ang Babu Sherpa and his team expressed their ongoing commitment to their mission, despite the inherent risks and hardships. He emphasized that it wasn’t solely about cleaning up but also about preserving the sacred space for future generations and paying tribute to those who have lost their lives on its slopes.
Mount Everest, the pinnacle of human ambition, stands as a testament not only to our determination but also to our responsibility. As efforts continue to clean up its slopes, the world watches, hoping that we can match our heights of achievement with an equal commitment to conservation. For Everest is more than a challenge, it’s a legacy we must protect, even as we push its boundaries.
