Mount Everest, the “Roof of the World,” has witnessed extraordinary feats of human endurance and exploration. Yet, the mountain also bears the scars of these adventures in the form of waste, environmental degradation, and logistical challenges. Addressing these issues required a blend of cutting-edge technology and collaborative problem-solving.

In a landmark project, the Research and Innovation Unit (RIU) at Advanced College of Engineering and Management (ACEM), Nepal, joined hands with Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University Stuttgart Campus Horb to deploy drones for waste management at Mount Everest. This case study highlights how their collaboration is setting new benchmarks for environmental sustainability and technological innovation.

Environmental and Logistical Challenges

1. Waste Accumulation:
   • Mount Everest is often termed the “highest garbage dump,” with tons of waste, including oxygen bottles, tents, and human feces, left behind annually.
   • Recovery operations estimate 50 tons of garbage remain at the South Col, exacerbated by previous decades of unregulated waste disposal.
   • Costs for recovery operations are significant, ranging between $32,000 and $65,000 per body or waste transport mission.

 2. Tourism and Safety Issues:

• • Overcrowding in the “death zone” above 8,000 meters.
  • Hazardous working conditions for Sherpas, who traditionally handle waste and logistical support.
  • High-altitude expeditions frequently face extreme weather, including temperatures as low as -70°C and wind speeds up to 250 km/h.

The collaboration aimed to:

• Use drones to mitigate waste challenges at high altitudes.
• Train Sherpas in drone operations for long-term sustainability.
• Develop scalable drone-based waste management systems tailored for extreme environments.

Drone Model: DJI FlyCart 30

A cargo drone designed for delivery and logistics in challenging environments, with features optimized for high-altitude and remote operations.

Technical Specifications:

1. Payload:
   • Official payload capacity: 30 kg (dual battery) and 40 kg (single battery).
   • Tested payload: Successfully transported 32 kg of garbage in high-altitude test flights.
2. Flight Performance:
   • Maximum altitude: 6,000 meters.
   • Maximum speed: 72 km/h.
   • Maximum range: 16 km with payload, up to 28 km without payload.
   • Operating temperatures: -20°C to 45°C.
3. Key Features:
   • Cargo Modes:
     • EPP Box: 70-liter capacity.
     • Winch System: 20-meter release length with stabilization assistant to minimize pendulum motion.
   • Obstacle Detection:
     • Omnidirectional radar with binocular vision system for collision prevention.
   • Remote Control:
     • DJI RC Plus with a 7-inch display, waterproof and dustproof, with 6-hour battery life.
4. Battery and Charging:
   • Batteries are equipped with a self-heating mechanism to withstand cold conditions.
   • Plans for a solar charging station at Base Camp are underway to mitigate logistical challenges.

Testing and Operations

1. Milestones:
   • First drone technology project used for high-altitude waste management.
   • Demonstrated ability to access terrain inaccessible to humans, enabling safe and efficient operations.
2. Collaborations:
   • Local partnerships: Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality.
   • Technical support: Airlift Technology for drone deployment and training.
3. Progress:
   • Drones have primarily been used to transport waste from Camp 1 (6,000m) to Base Camp (5,300m).
   • A typical drone flight takes 6 minutes, compared to 4-5 hours for a Sherpa to cover the same distance.

Challenges Identified

1. Weather and Terrain:
   • Extreme cold and wind reduce battery life and increase risks of crashes.
   • Limited operational hours (10 AM to 2 PM) to optimize battery performance.
2. Logistical and Technical Limitations:
   • High transportation costs for drones and equipment: $10,000 to $20,000 for logistics.
   • Current drone payload limits the amount of waste removed per flight.
3. Funding and Support:
   • Estimated project costs: $20,000 to $50,000 per drone, with additional expenses for training, maintenance, and logistics.
4. Social Resistance:
   • Older Sherpas view drones as a threat to their livelihood, preferring traditional methods.

Social and Regulatory Feasibility

Social Impacts

• Benefits:
  • Reduced physical strain on Sherpas and pack animals.
  • Safer navigation with drone-assisted aerial mapping of dangerous terrain (e.g., Khumbu icefall).
  • Potential for local job creation through training programs.
• Concerns:
  • Resistance from traditionalists concerned about job displacement.
  • The need for cultural sensitivity in implementing drone technology.

Regulatory Compliance

1. Approval Requirements:
   • Permits from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), Ministry of Home Affairs, and Ministry of Tourism.
   • Additional permissions required for operations in Sagarmatha National Park.
2. Operational Restrictions:
   • Maximum flight altitude: 120 meters above ground level (exceptions negotiated for high-altitude projects).
   • Prohibited flights over populated areas or crowds.

Strengths:

• Proven efficiency in waste transport and operational speed.
• Enhanced safety for Sherpas and climbers.
• Potential for global collaboration in research and innovation.

Weaknesses:

• Limited payload capacity and battery life.
• High costs and reliance on external funding.

Opportunities:

• International partnerships for funding and equipment upgrades.
• Training Sherpas as licensed drone operators.

Threats:

• Harsh environmental conditions reducing drone reliability.
• Resistance from local communities and stringent regulations.

1. Technical Enhancements:
   • Develop lighter, carbon-fiber-based drone frames to increase payload capacity.
   • Upgrade sensors and cameras for improved reliability in extreme weather.
2. Training Programs:
   • Engage Sherpas during the off-season for comprehensive drone operation training.
   • Create certification programs to professionalize drone piloting in the region.
3. Infrastructure Development:
   • Install solar-powered charging stations at key locations like Base Camp.
   • Strengthen local logistics for efficient equipment transport.
4. Partnerships and Awareness:
   • Collaborate with environmental NGOs, academic institutions, and drone manufacturers.
   • Conduct awareness campaigns to promote drone benefits among local communities and tourists.

This project exemplifies how global partnerships can drive local impact:

1. Knowledge Exchange: German engineering met Nepali on-ground expertise.
2. Scalability: Insights gained can be applied to other high-altitude regions.
3. Sustainability: The model integrates environmental preservation with technological innovation.

The use of drones at Mount Everest presents a promising solution to address environmental, logistical, and safety challenges in high-altitude environments. By overcoming technical, social, and regulatory barriers, the project can serve as a model for sustainable tourism and environmental preservation in extreme terrains worldwide.

This collaboration has shown that even the world’s most remote regions can benefit from the union of technology and community. By connecting local expertise with global innovation, this initiative highlights the potential of technology to solve pressing environmental issues while empowering communities along the way.

Check out the Video here: Mount Everest’s First Drone Delivery | DJI Flycart 30

Finally, we would like to acknowledge our

Flying Partner: DJI

Implementation partner – Airlift Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

Operational support – Sojan Prajapati (RIU)