The world's highest peak, Mount Everest, stands at 8,848.86 meters high and has traditionally symbolized human persistence as well as adventurous spirit This is an appropriate nickname, for it is expected to become an even greater hazard than ever with the increasing number of climbers. With each climber throwing away an estimated 8 kg in trash that includes tents, equipment whose parts have snapped off, oxygen bottles and feces, how much longer can the mountain survive as nature intended? Surprisingly, more than half of Mount Everest's climbing history is now submerged beneath the surface of a lake. Continual removal of these sunken wrecks and other waste which floats up from the deep must be enforced by government authorities S h e r p a s face high risks under Mount Everest's terrible topography such as the Khumbu Icefall, as they have had to go through many risky journeys in order to establish climbing routes. There is an urgent need for alternatives that are more secure, as demonstrated by the 2023 avalanche that killed three Sherpas and left their remains unrecoverable..

A major breakthrough came in 2025, when drones were finally used effectively on Everest. Drones were designed to operate in the high-altitude, freezing cold and high-wind environment, developed by Nepalese start-up Airlift Technology in cooperation with the local police and DJI. They could revolutionize mountain operations — as 2024 trial flights demonstrated they have the potential to transport large amounts of trash from Everest and neighboring summits.

Following that, rescue operations were transformed entirely as drones quickly detect lost Missing climbers using infrared cameras and 3D mapping software, doing away with potential human cost from a rescue. Moreover, when working in perilous places - such as the Khumbu Icefall-they have greatly reduced risks to human life and shortened timescales for cargo needs. So now drones take on jobs that Sherpas had to spend hours doing: ferrying medical backpacks, ladders, ropes and oxygen bottles up to the high camps. Because of this invention, Sherpas are now need to make less risky journeys, which reduces tiredness and accidents.

Drones provide a better way to clean up Mount Everest than helicopters do. At high altitudes, they are dangerous and pricey. With them as part of a cleanup team it was possible for the first time in decades to make significant progress. Hundreds of kilograms of waste were extracted from the mountainsides, and levels noise as well as carbon pollution. In addition, these drones have created new job opportunities for Sherpas in repairing and operating their own drones.

But Sherpas' expertise and wisdom remain indispensable. Drones can greatly advance logistical organization and ensure safety, though.

Airlift Technology intends to extend the deployment of drones to additional high-risk peaks after its success on Everest. Drones are ushering in a new era of safer, cleaner, and more sustainable mountaineering on Everest and beyond, despite obstacles like weather and battery life.