Mount Qomolangma’s highest camp is grappling with a frosty foe: mountains of frozen garbage and abandoned climbing gear left by adventurers. A recent cleanup effort revealed the shocking scale of pollution at the world’s tallest peak, with experts warning the icy trash might take years to fully remove. ❄️🗑️
The Cold, Hard Truth
A Sherpa-led team, backed by Nepal’s government, hauled away 10 tonnes of waste—equivalent to two elephants!—plus four bodies and a skeleton during this year’s climbing season. 🐘⚰️ But with decades of accumulated debris frozen into the landscape, officials say this is just the beginning.
Why It Matters
As climbing tourism booms, Qomolangma’s fragile ecosystem pays the price. ‘The ice preserves everything—tents, oxygen tanks, even food waste,’ said the cleanup team leader. Over 600 climbers summited this year alone, leaving trails of trash behind. 🧊🚯
While cleanup campaigns are growing, activists urge stricter regulations and eco-friendly practices to protect this UNESCO site. After all, even superhero glaciers need backup! 💪🌏
