Overview

• A single operational drone is currently delivering ladders, ropes, oxygen cylinders, and medicines to Sherpas on Mount Everest, with a backup drone on standby.
• The drones have reduced the time for supply transport between Base Camp and Camp One from six to seven hours to just six to seven minutes per flight.
• In test missions, drones successfully removed over 1,100 pounds of trash from Camp One to Base Camp in 40 flights, demonstrating their environmental benefits.
• Each drone costs $70,000 and is limited to carrying 44 pounds per flight for safety, adding operational and financial challenges to the initiative.
• Sherpas and expedition leaders view the drones as a step forward in making mountaineering safer and more efficient, while preserving the cultural significance of Sherpa expertise.