50 tons of trash accumulated in 61 years — every Everest climber must carry 8 kg of garbage down

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The world’s highest peak, Mount Everest (Qomolangma), standing at 8,848 meters above sea level, is a must-visit destination for many mountaineers. In the approximately 61 years since climbing was opened, nearly 50 tons of trash have accumulated along the climbing routes.The Nepalese government has decided that starting in April, each climber must carry down 8 kg of garbageWith an estimated 900 climbers this year, up to 7.2 tons of trash could be brought down.

▲ Climbing Mount Everest is considered the ultimate challenge by many mountaineers. (File photo / Eastern News)

According to foreign media reports, the Everest climbing route is littered with used oxygen tanks, gas canisters, plastic and metal items, severely impacting the local ecology and water quality. As for why the 8 kg per person limit was set, the Nepalese government explained that calculations show the average climber generates 7 to 8 kg of waste, which led to the decision.

In fact, there has long been a rule requiring trash to be carried down from Everest, but enforcement has not been strict. Going forward, the trash brought down by climbers will be sorted first, with plastics and metals sent to the capital, Kathmandu, for further processing. Authorities will take legal action against those who do not comply, though specific penalties have yet to be determined.