New Delhi: 

Throughout history many Sherpas have put their lives at risk by fixing mountain routes and moving supplies across dangerous mountain territory, and a significant number of them have paid the ultimate price. Sherpas unite with drone technology to create a new reality which exceeds historical methods. Drone technology has increased its importance within the Everest climbing season because it enables path scouting, supply delivery, and search and rescue operations, which makes these tools essential for climbers while preserving Sherpa climbing expertise by reducing its risks.

Mount Everest’s Khumbu Icefall now receives vital shipments through drone delivery for cutting risk and saving lives. Nepalese drone pilot Milan Pandey leads Airlift Technology in supporting Sherpas by sending drones that can complete tasks in minutes which require humans many hours to complete. The team transports ropes, ladders, and oxygen cylinders and removes trash through drone operations. The innovative solution has the potential to revolutionise expedition operations on Mount Everest.

A safer climb for Sherpas and guides

Through many generations Sherpas have been guiding mountaineers through Everest’s most perilous areas, starting from the dangerous Khumbu Icefall. The dangerous conditions in the Khumbu Icefall have resulted in dozens of deaths among the climbers who need to cross this area. The 2023 avalanche tragedy that killed three close friends of Mingma G Sherpa motivated him to focus on drone support development. Drone technology delivers heavy gear to specific locations so Sherpas can limit their dangerous expeditions, thus minimising their exposure to danger while speeding up the process.

Mapping Everest from the sky

According to CNN, Dawa Janzu Sherpa spends his eighth year as a frontman since drones have become essential tools in his dangerous work. White vehicles operated by the team allow path exploration to identify areas and tool delivery, resulting in a reduction of half the time required and reduced dangers. This new technology has transformed safety operations in this climbing profession where seasonal delays frequently become common practice. Through his work, Janzu supports his whole family, yet he states that any advancement toward mountain safety represents positive progress.

Airlift Nepal initially launched the drone programme for 3D mapping before local officials asked about drone transport capabilities, which led to the change of direction to support logistics operations. The mission team conducted its inaugural successful flights using DJI drones that China had donated during April 2024. The drones showed operational success despite the visibility issues, windy conditions and extreme cold weather conditions. Drone operations succeeded in pulling out more than 1,100 pounds of trash, which previously needed human labour at a high level of intensity.

Expedition leaders together with veteran climbers look at drones as a natural advancement of mountaineering practices. These unmanned aircraft serve as an evolution of previous technologies which brought modern convenience to climbing by protecting the support staff behind mountaineering expeditions. With hundreds of climbers starting their 2025 climbs, it becomes evident that drone technology serves to respect mountaineering traditions by ensuring safety for those who lead future climbing paths.

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