Tibetan Sherpas have traditionally undertaken the perilous task of ferrying heavy equipment up and down the world’s tallest mountain.
However, these journeys - which take many hours will soon be replaced by drones capable of completing the tasks in just a few minutes.
‘They will be capable of carrying up to 33lb of equipment, including oxygen cylinders, tents, ropes and ladders and removing waste left behind by climbers. Thanks to their speedy delivery, they will also be able to deliver hot food.
‘The plan is to reduce the risks taken by Sherpas and cut out menial tasks.
However, the guides, who earn around £4,000 a year, politicians and trade unions have slammed the programme as “idiotic”.
‘Ajay Kumar Rai, general secretary of the Nepal Trade Union Congress, said: “The introduction of drones could take away the livelihoods of thousands of Sherpas.
“For six months, they risk their lives on Everest, and for the rest of the year, they have no work. If drones start replacing them, what will they do?”
‘The devices are the latest in a string of issues that have affected Sherpas. According to Mr Rai, climate change has driven climbers away due to heightened threats of avalanches and landslides.
“Now, technology threatens to push them further to the edge,” he added.
“We are urging the Nepalese government to either stop deploying drones or ensure these workers are given alternative jobs.
“These men have spent their lives navigating Everest’s treacherous terrain, carrying supplies and guiding climbers.
“Their livelihoods cannot just be discarded. We will fight to make sure they are not left behind...
However, these journeys - which take many hours will soon be replaced by drones capable of completing the tasks in just a few minutes.
‘They will be capable of carrying up to 33lb of equipment, including oxygen cylinders, tents, ropes and ladders and removing waste left behind by climbers. Thanks to their speedy delivery, they will also be able to deliver hot food.
‘The plan is to reduce the risks taken by Sherpas and cut out menial tasks.
However, the guides, who earn around £4,000 a year, politicians and trade unions have slammed the programme as “idiotic”.
‘Ajay Kumar Rai, general secretary of the Nepal Trade Union Congress, said: “The introduction of drones could take away the livelihoods of thousands of Sherpas.
“For six months, they risk their lives on Everest, and for the rest of the year, they have no work. If drones start replacing them, what will they do?”
‘The devices are the latest in a string of issues that have affected Sherpas. According to Mr Rai, climate change has driven climbers away due to heightened threats of avalanches and landslides.
“Now, technology threatens to push them further to the edge,” he added.
“We are urging the Nepalese government to either stop deploying drones or ensure these workers are given alternative jobs.
“These men have spent their lives navigating Everest’s treacherous terrain, carrying supplies and guiding climbers.
“Their livelihoods cannot just be discarded. We will fight to make sure they are not left behind...
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Daily Express (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 20, 2025