Many climbers plan to summit Mount Everest this spring, and they will also take on the task of cleaning up trash this year. The Nepalese mountaineering expedition agency has provided them with large garbage bags to collect waste, which will then be transported back to the base camp by helicopter.
The Guardian and Associated Press reported that Dambar Parajuli of the Expedition Operators Association of Nepal said today that the garbage bags have been delivered to the camps and will be given to climbers, guides, and porters to carry up to high-altitude areas.
Each bag can hold up to 80 kilograms of trash and can be airlifted back to the base camp from Camp II. Helicopters usually return empty from this camp at an altitude of 6,400 meters after dropping off supplies and equipment.
Hundreds of climbers and guides are expected to attempt to climb Mount Everest, which stands at 8,850 meters, this spring. Climbers typically arrive at the mountain's base in April and try to reach the summit when weather conditions are favorable in May. They often leave behind a lot of trash when descending.
Many climbers have also said that clearing the trash left by previous expeditions at Camp II is an urgent matter. Camp II was established after some unfortunate events in 2014 and 2015 forced the climbing season to end early.
The 2014 climbing season was canceled after 16 Nepalese guides were killed in an avalanche, and the following year, another avalanche triggered by an earthquake claimed the lives of 19 people at the base camp.
Russell Brice, an experienced senior guide, said it is essential to remove the tents and supplies left behind by mountaineers.
Using helicopters to remove the trash means Sherpa guides do not have to risk carrying heavy waste back to the base camp via the dangerous Khumbu Icefall. (Translator: CNA’s Chung Huei-yng) 1060329
(CNA)