Nepal Unveils Five-Year Plan to Keep Mount Everest and Other Peaks Clean

Kathmandu, Dec 2025 : Nepal has announced a comprehensive five-year plan to tackle the growing waste problem in its high mountains, including Mount Everest, which has long struggled with the accumulation of trash and human debris from climbing expeditions.

The plan, titled the Action Plan to Keep Mountains Clean (2025-2029), was unveiled by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation on Tuesday. Among its key measures, the government is considering limiting the number of climbers and regulating the timing of expeditions to reduce congestion and minimize environmental impact during the short window of favourable weather for mountaineering.

The action plan comes in response to a Nepal Supreme Court order last year, which directed authorities to issue climbing permits only after specifying the allowed number of climbers. Nepal has long struggled with large-scale waste collection from its mountains, with over 83 metric tonnes of garbage collected from Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse during the Spring 2025 season alone, according to the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC).

Under the new plan, the government will deploy teams of trained and experienced mountaineers with clearly defined roles to collect and monitor waste and human remains above the base camps. The plan also aims to establish standards and quality benchmarks for the classification and management of mountain waste. Mountaineers will be required to register all equipment at the entry point and ensure that all items brought back from the expedition are registered at the exit point.

Furthermore, banners, flags, and prayer flags taken above the base camps must be biodegradable, and authorities may regulate their size or length. Non-biodegradable items must be brought back by climbers to prevent littering.

The government will also conduct feasibility studies on the use of ropeways and drones for waste collection in high-altitude areas, particularly at mountains with heavy climbing activity. This measure targets the prevention of garbage accumulation from the very start of the climbing season, including waste generated by rope-fixing teams who first ascend the mountains. These teams will be required to bring back all ropes, ladders, and materials used during the season. Records of all such materials must be maintained and verified upon completion of expeditions.

Additionally, the action plan addresses long-standing concerns at the Mount Everest Base Camp. A feasibility study is planned to explore the relocation of the base camp to better manage waste and reduce environmental stress.

By implementing these measures, Nepal aims to preserve its high-altitude ecosystems, safeguard the mountains’ natural beauty, and ensure a sustainable climbing experience for future adventurers while keeping Everest and other peaks clean for generations to come.

The plan represents a major step toward environmentally responsible mountaineering and reflects Nepal’s commitment to protecting its iconic mountains from the growing threat of human-generated waste.

Team Maverick.