Everest's New Challenge: Conquering Pollution One Poop Bag At A Time

Climbers aiming to conquer Everest this year will need to tweak their packing lists, as fresh regulations now require them to carry their waste down from the world’s loftiest peak, all in a bid to combat pollution.

The majority of adventurers tackling the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) Mount Everest opt for the Nepalese route, shelling out a hefty $11,000 per person just for the climbing permit. When factoring in gear, food, supplemental oxygen, and Sherpa guides, the total cost can soar above $35,000 for the ascent.

However, Everest faces a pressing poop predicament, fueled by the influx of visitors and the unforgiving conditions that impede natural waste decomposition.

"The issue of human waste on Everest had reached alarming levels," remarked Diwas Pokhrel, the first vice president of the Everest Summiteers Association, emphasizing how it was despoiling the mountain's pristine environment, particularly at higher altitudes.

Without the implementation of these new regulations, the fecal matter dilemma was bound to exacerbate. Last year, Nepal issued a record 478 climbing permits for the peak, with a dozen climbers confirmed deceased and five still officially missing.

Jinesh Sindurakar from the Nepal Mountaineering Association disclosed to CNN that an estimated 1,200 individuals will venture onto Everest this season. "Each climber produces approximately 250 grams (8.8 ounces) of waste daily, spending around two weeks at higher camps during the summit attempt," explained Sindurakar, noting that each climber will be equipped with two reusable waste bags, each capable of handling six uses.

These bags are designed with chemicals to solidify the waste and neutralize odors, furthering environmental preservation efforts. This season, Nepal's Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality plans to distribute approximately 8,000 of these specialized bags.

In a broader initiative to mitigate tourism's impact on the Himalayas, the Nepali Army spearheaded a campaign that successfully removed 35,708 kilograms of waste and plastics from peaks such as Everest, Lhotse, Annapurna, and Baruntse, as reported by the Himalayan Times. 

As Everest continues to draw adventurers from across the globe, these measures underscore a collective commitment to preserving the majestic beauty of the world's highest peak, one poop bag at a time.