In 2025, drones are expected to play a pivotal role in Everest expeditions, making life-saving supply deliveries easier and quicker. Drone pilot Milan Pandey, from Airlift Technology, is leading the charge by using drones to transport vital climbing equipment, such as ladders and oxygen cylinders, to Everest’s Khumbu Icefall. This innovation promises to significantly reduce the risks faced by Sherpas, the high-altitude workers who have traditionally navigated the treacherous terrain of the world’s highest peak.
The Role of Drones in Mount Everest Climbing
Mount Everest’s rugged terrain has long been a challenging environment for climbers and support staff. Located at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) above sea level, Base Camp sits just below the treacherous Khumbu Icefall. Sherpas, who are essential to Everest expeditions, have spent decades creating safe routes for climbers. Despite their expertise, many Sherpas have lost their lives while making these climbs. Now, with the help of drones, there is hope for a safer future.
Milan Pandey, of Airlift Technology, is using drones to transport critical supplies to Sherpas at Khumbu Icefall, reducing the need for them to make risky trips back and forth between Base Camp and Camp One. At present, the aerial distance between these two points is about 1.8 miles, a trip that takes Sherpas six to seven hours on foot. However, drones can complete the same task in just six to seven minutes. This dramatic difference in speed could be a game-changer for high-altitude work on Everest.
A Lifesaving Innovation
In 2023, tragedy struck when an avalanche claimed the lives of three Sherpas, including close friends of Mingma G Sherpa, an experienced Everest guide. Their bodies could not be recovered, and the process of retrieving them had been incredibly dangerous. This tragic incident led Mingma to seek innovative solutions to improve the safety of his colleagues. He recalled hearing about drone use on other mountains in China, sparking the idea to introduce drones to Everest.
Mingma’s concerns were echoed by Raj Bikram, CEO of Airlift Nepal, who was already in discussions with the Khumbu municipality to map the region using drones. With help from China’s DJI, Airlift Nepal started experimenting with drones in 2024. Initially, there were concerns about how the drones would perform at such high altitudes and in extreme temperatures. However, after a month of trial and error, the team successfully demonstrated the potential of drones to transport equipment and clean up the base camp area.
Drone Assistance in the 2025 Climbing Season
For the 2025 Everest climbing season, drones will play an integral role in helping Sherpas transport equipment, set trails, and remove waste. Pandey and his team will work closely with Sherpas, who will use walkie-talkies to communicate specific needs such as ladders, ropes, or oxygen cylinders. Once the request is made, Pandey will navigate a small drone to scout the area, after which the Sherpas can safely ascend and complete their work.
The drones’ ability to quickly deliver essential supplies has already proven effective. Airlift Technology’s first drone clean-up operation at Camp One removed approximately 1,100 pounds of trash, requiring 40 flights. The drones can carry up to 66 pounds of cargo, though they typically carry around 44 pounds per trip for safety reasons.
Challenges and Costs of Drone Operations
Airlift Technology currently operates two DJI drones, with plans to deploy both if necessary. However, operating drones at Everest’s high altitudes comes with significant challenges. Each drone costs around $70,000, and the expenses don’t stop there. With no electricity at Base Camp, the team relies on fuel to charge batteries, which adds to the overall cost. Despite these challenges, the benefits of using drones are clear, especially in terms of reducing risks and improving efficiency.
The Future of Drone Technology on Everest
The introduction of drones is not just a technological advancement; it is a necessary evolution in the world of mountaineering. Caroline Ogle, an experienced expedition manager with Adventure Consultants, believes that drones are part of the natural evolution of climbing technology. Just as satellite phones and weather forecasting have improved climbers’ safety, drones offer a new level of assistance for Sherpas and climbers alike.
Lisa Thompson, an expert mountaineer, agrees, noting that drones do not take away from the tradition of climbing. Instead, they enhance safety and reduce risk for those who work on Everest’s dangerous terrain. For Sherpas like Dawa Janzu Sherpa, who has spent eight years navigating the icy falls, drones have already proven their worth by cutting down both time and risk.
“I welcome this innovation. If it makes our job safer and more efficient, it’s a positive change,” Janzu said.
Supporting the Sherpas
Many Sherpas have faced dangerous working conditions for decades, but with drones, there is hope for a safer future. As more Sherpas seek opportunities abroad due to the risks involved, drone technology could help reinvigorate interest in this vital climbing profession. Pandey remains optimistic that drones will play a crucial role in keeping Everest expeditions safer, while also preserving Sherpas’ traditional expertise.
The use of drones on Mount Everest marks a new chapter in mountaineering. While the challenges are great, the potential for improved safety, efficiency, and environmental conservation is even greater. As the 2025 climbing season approaches, drones will undoubtedly change the landscape of Everest expeditions, making the mountain a safer place for both climbers and the dedicated Sherpas who guide them.
