Drones Can Deliver Supplies on Mount Everest This Year, and It May Change Climbing Forever

A New Chapter on the World’s Highest Peak

This year, Mount Everest is seeing a dramatic shift. For the first time, drones are being used to deliver supplies and remove waste, transforming how expeditions operate and making the climb safer for everyone involved. The days of Sherpas risking their lives carrying heavy loads through dangerous icefalls may soon be behind us.

How Drones Are Helping on Everest

Drones are now delivering crucial gear—like ladders, ropes, and oxygen tanks—directly to the most hazardous sections of the mountain. The journey from Base Camp (5,364 meters) to Camp One (6,065 meters) usually takes Sherpas six to seven hours on foot. With drones, the same trip is completed in just six to seven minutes. This not only saves time but also reduces the risks Sherpas face from avalanches and collapsing ice.

Airlift Technology, a Nepalese drone startup, is leading this effort. Their drones, some donated by DJI, can carry up to 30 kilograms (about 66 pounds) per trip, though loads are often kept lighter for safety. Sherpas guide the drone operators by sending coordinates for where supplies are needed, and the drones fly in the equipment. This way, Sherpas can focus on route setting and guiding climbers, not hauling heavy loads.

Real Impact: Safety, Speed, and Cleanliness

The results are already impressive. In early tests, drones removed around 500 kilograms (over 1,100 pounds) of garbage from Camp One to Base Camp, requiring more than 40 flights. This helps keep Everest cleaner and reduces the environmental impact of climbing.

For Sherpas, the benefits are huge. Drones cut the time and danger involved in supply runs, letting them concentrate on their expertise and reducing their exposure to life-threatening hazards. With fewer trips needed through the treacherous Khumbu Icefall, the risk of fatal accidents drops significantly.

While the technology is promising, there are still hurdles. Each drone costs around $70,000, and operating them at high altitude is expensive—everything from charging batteries to food and lodging at Base Camp adds up. The harsh weather and thin air present technical challenges, too. Still, the potential for drones to save lives and preserve the mountain’s environment is driving more investment and innovation.

The Nepalese government and expedition companies are now scaling up drone use for the 2025 climbing season. There’s hope that, as drones take on the most dangerous tasks, more Sherpas will stay in the profession, and Everest expeditions will become safer and more sustainable.

What This Means for Future Climbers

If you’re planning an Everest climb, here’s what you can expect from this new era:

• Faster, safer delivery of essential gear and emergency supplies
• Cleaner camps, with drones removing waste more efficiently
• More Sherpas focusing on guiding and safety, not just carrying loads

The mountain will always be a challenge, but with drones, the risks are lower and the impact on Everest’s fragile environment is reduced. Technology is helping climbers and Sherpas alike, making the world’s highest peak just a little bit safer for everyone.

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