In an effort to tackle pollution on Mount Everest, new rules have been implemented that require climbers to bring their excrement down from the world's highest peak. The challenging conditions and the increasing number of visitors have led to a significant problem of human waste on the mountain, posing a threat to the environment.

According to Diwas Pokhrel, the first vice president of Everest Summiteers Association, the issue of human waste on Everest has become very serious, particularly at the mountain's highest points, where it is polluting the fragile ecosystem. Last year, Nepal issued a record-breaking 478 climbing permits for Everest, and with an estimated 1,200 people expected to be on the mountain this season, without the new rules, the problem was likely to worsen.

Jinesh Sindurakar from the Nepal Mountaineering Association revealed that each person produces approximately 250 grams (8.8 ounces) of excrement per day during their two-week stay on the higher camps for the summit push. To address this issue, each climber will be provided with two poop bags capable of accommodating six uses. These bags contain chemicals that solidify the waste and eliminate odor. This season, Nepal's Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality plans to distribute around 8,000 of these specialized bags.

Efforts to minimize the impact of tourism on the Himalayas have been increasing. The Nepali Army, through its initiative, has already removed a total of 35,708 kilograms of waste and plastics from various peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Annapurna, and Baruntse, according to the Himalayan Times.

Climbing Mount Everest is an expensive undertaking, with climbers paying $11,000 for the climbing permit alone. When factoring in the costs of gear, food, supplemental oxygen, and Sherpa guides, the total expense can exceed $35,000. However, these additional costs are necessary to ensure climbers adhere to the new rules and help preserve the mountain's fragile environment.

By requiring climbers to bring their waste back down the mountain, authorities hope to mitigate the pollution caused by human waste on Everest. These measures, combined with ongoing efforts to remove waste and plastics from the peaks, demonstrate a commitment to preserving the Himalayas for future generations of climbers and adventurers.

Mount Everest, the tallest peak in the world, continues to captivate and challenge climbers, but as we push the limits of exploration, it is crucial to do so responsibly, caring for the environment and leaving no trace behind.