'Everest's new era': Nepal introduces GPS tracking and poop bag regulations for mountaineers

NEW DELHI: To improve safety and environmental protection, Nepal has introduced strict regulations for mountaineers trekking in the Himalayas. After a year marked by a tragedy that left 18 people dead on Everest, the Nepalese government is now requiring climbers to carry GPS trackers.

This new rule, aimed at making emergency rescues easier, requires climbers to equip themselves with small, passive trackers that require no power and can be detected through snow up to 20 meters away, a report said by Independent.

Stressing the importance of the trackers, Rakesh Gurung, director of mountaineering in the Nepal Tourism Department, said: “The trackers are mandatory for mountaineers this year so that in case of an accident, their location can be accurately identified.”

In addition to safety measures, climbers will now face regulations designed to address the mountain's growing litter problem. The authorities have ordered that Everest climbers must carry their excrement back after the climb in specially designed excrement bags. This decision follows increasing complaints about human waste on Everest routes failing to decompose due to the extreme cold.

The climbing industry experienced rapid growth and contributed significantly to the Nepalese economy. Last year the sector generated a turnover of £4.5m, with Everest alone accounting for £3.9m. However, this growth has raised concerns about safety and environmental degradation.

The newly mandated GPS trackers, which are inexpensive and easily integrated into clothing, as well as the mandatory use of poop bags represent Nepal's efforts to address the twin challenges of safety and hygiene. These trackers, expected to cost between £8 and £12, will be provided by trekking companies and collected on descent, the independent report said.

The pursuit of cleanliness goes beyond just tracking and waste collection. With around 8,000 excrement bags to be distributed to climbers and support staff, the initiative aims to mitigate the impact of human excrement. These bags, shipped from the United States, contain chemicals to solidify waste and reduce odors in hopes of preserving the sanctity of the mountain.

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Despite these measures, there is skepticism about their implementation. Jonathan Reilly, director of the British Expedition Company, told the Telegraph his concerns about the possible misuse of the poop bags and feared they could be discarded on the mountain, exacerbating the litter problem.

This initiative follows successful examples from other mountains, such as Mount Denali in Alaska, and has been widely welcomed by Everest expedition operators. Still, it underscores the broader challenges posed by the commercialization of Everest, including the safety risks of crowded climbing routes and the environmental impacts of increased human activity.

The introduction of these regulations coincides with global calls for action on climate change, highlighted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' appeal from the Himalayas to end the age of fossil fuels. His visit underscored the urgent threat of melting glaciers and called for immediate action to protect frontline communities and limit global temperature rise.

As climbers adapt to these new rules, the measures reflect Nepal's ongoing efforts to balance the booming mountaineering industry with safety and environmental protection on the world's highest peak.