Mt. Everest has a Poop Problem

The Poop Problem on Mt. Everest

CLIMBERS POOP. Kanchha Sherpa, 91, is the last surviving member of the first successful expedition on Mt. Everest that put Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on top of the world. In a recent interview, Mr. Kanchha lamented the overcrowding and waste problems on Mt. Everest. Such waste includes poop. Yes, climbers poop, even on the pristine and hallowed landscape of the world’s highest mountain. While it would be convenient, this bodily function doesn’t dissipate as climber’s ascend to the highest points on earth. It does become more difficult, as staying hydrated is a challenge, and there aren’t any bathrooms!

NO BATHROOMS ON EVEREST. Climbers poop where they can – behind rocks, or down thin crevasses hopefully never to be seen again. Waste left on the mountain smells, as excrement at high altitude doesn’t degrade as quickly as it does at sea level. And, the frozen poop that innocently escaped down a crevasse will work its way down Himalayan glaciers and reappear - somewhere! Consequently, it’s time regulate poop on Mt. Everest.

Mingma Sherpa, Chairman of Pasang Lhamu rural municipality, is creating new rules to curb the poop problem. He recently told the BBC, "Our mountains have begun to stink. We are getting complaints that human stools are visible on rocks and some climbers are falling sick. This is not acceptable and erodes our image.” (BBC Article written by Navin Singh Khadka)

Taking Care of Business at Altitude

POOPING at Everest Basecamp is the best! Here, ornate constructions are assembled over sunken barrels, creating a relatively comfortable and accessible commode. As climbers reach Camp I through Camp IV such accommodations do not exist. Chhiring Sherpa, Chief Executive Officer of Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (“SPCC”) notes, "Waste remains a major issue, especially in higher-up camps.” Mr. Chhiring estimates that there are approximately three tons of human excrement between Camp I and Camp IV on Mt. Everest. 

New Poop Rules on Mt. Everest

BAGS ON THE WAY. The SPCC has procured approximately 8,000 specialized poop bags from the US. These bags contain a cocktail of chemicals and powders designed to solidify human excrement, and render the waste virtually odorless. The climbing season on Mt. Everest is just beginning, with an expected 1,200 climbers and support team members arriving to challenge the peak. The climbers will be required to bag, and bring down, their poo. Similar programs have proved effective on Denali and Mt. Vinson. If successful, Mt. Everest's beauty will be restored to a pristine condition.

Poop Cop at Basecamp

Government officials on both the South and North sides of Mt. Everest will endeavor to monitor climbing teams, and put an end to this thriving problem. Mr. Mingma observed, "We will make sure new measures making climbers bring back their excrement, are implemented." 

Happy Climbing!