Nepal has officially introduced its first-ever five-year Everest cleaning action plan for the period from 2025 to 2029. The plan aims to reduce long-term environmental damage on the world’s highest mountain and protect it for future generations.
Under the new policy, the government plans to limit the number of climbers based on Everest’s carrying capacity. It also includes reclaiming fixed ropes and ladders left behind on the mountain and enforcing strict tracking of waste brought up by climbers. Authorities are also studying the possible relocation of Everest Base Camp, which is currently located on a fragile glacier that is slowly melting.
The plan proposes turning the existing 4,000 dollar garbage deposit into a permanent conservation fee. Garbage collection points will be set up as high as Camp II, and a new team of Mountain Rangers will be formed to monitor waste management and environmental rules.
Officials say the plan is urgent as melting glaciers are exposing buried trash and human waste from past expeditions. More than 85 tonnes of garbage were removed from Everest during the 2024 climbing season alone. The government believes this structured roadmap is essential to safeguarding Everest’s future.
