Drones on Everest Are Changing the Game

The devastating April 2015 earthquake killed nearly 1,900 people and injured 21,000. It left huge areas destroyed and isolated, especially in Langtang. It left thousands homeless. On Everest, it triggered an avalanche on Pumori that hit Base Camp, killing 22 people.

“In 2024 we tested drones to supply emergency medical supplies and oxygen,” Maharjan said. “Drones improve safety; they are here to stay.”

Helicopters versus drones

Maharjan believes drones present important advantages, especially when compared to helicopters.

Helicopters are often used between Kathmandu and Everest Base Camp. They are sometimes used to carry loads (and bring down climbers) from Camp 2, but their use is only permitted for emergencies. They are controversial because of the risk to pilots, the environmental impact, and a history of misuse when climbers want to skip the Icefall on their descent.

“Compared to helicopters, drones are incredibly cost-efficient and fuel-efficient. They are less noisy,” Maharjan said. He claims their drones are very quiet and are powered with batteries, so they don’t produce exhaust fumes.

Though the company still needs to charge the drones’ batteries with a generator in Base Camp, the fuel cost is very small compared to what you need to fly a helicopter at altitude. Drones can’t carry the same size loads, but the cost-saving still makes several smaller trips better value than a helicopter journey.

Maharjan also hopes to eventually get rid of the diesel generators: “We are looking at alternative energy sources such as solar, mini hydro generators, and large battery packs.”

Other uses for the drones could include body retrieval. “We are planning on bringing dead bodies down if their families request it,” Maharjan said.

Annapurna’s tragic example

The Khumbu Icefall is just one example of a particularly dangerous section in the 8,000’ers. The Great Serac on K2 (unfortunately, much higher up) and the avalanche-prone area between Camp 2 and Camp 3 of Annapurna, pose similar problems.

That area on Annapurna has already taken lives this season. Gnima Tashi and Rima Sherpa were carrying oxygen when an avalanche swept them away to their deaths.

“If drones had been used, those two lives would have been spared,” Maharjan claims. “We have the technology well tested and the place where these two people lost their lives was within reach of our drones, who could have done the job instead.”

For Maharjan, this is a stark reminder to expedition operators that they must start relying on technology to make mountains safer.

The drone operators in Lukla, with Maharjan third from the left. Photo: Airlift Technology Nepal

Asked if the increasing use of drones could lead to local workers losing jobs, Maharjan says that locals have welcomed the change.

“We were skeptical when we started doing tests with drones on Everest last year. We expected some protests from local communities that might think their jobs are in danger, but they were happy,” Maharjan recalled. “The Sherpas were looking forward to focusing on climbing the mountain and guiding their clients, instead of just going up and down the most treacherous part, carrying heavy loads and risking their lives with each step.”