Kanchha Sherpa, the last surviving member of the 1953 expedition that first ascended Mount Everest, has voiced his concerns regarding the current state of the world’s highest peak. At 91, Sherpa reminisces about a time when Everest was pristine and revered by the Sherpa community. However, with over six thousand climbers having reached its summit and a record 478 permits issued last year alone, Everest is now facing issues of overcrowding and environmental degradation.

Sherpa, who played a crucial role in assisting Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay during their historic ascent, advocates for the reduction of climber permits to better protect the mountain. He has expressed dismay at the litter left by climbers, urging them to treat Everest with the respect it deserves as a sacred entity to the Sherpas. The mountain, known to the Sherpas as Qomolangma or “Goddess Mother of the World,” holds significant spiritual value to the community.

In response to mounting waste problems, regulations now require climbers to bring back their excreta in designated poo bags. Despite these efforts, enforcement of rubbish removal rules remains challenging, leading to concerns over the impact of human activity on Everest’s fragile ecosystem.

With a climbing season that saw 667 climbers in spring 2023, the issues of pollution and disrespect towards the sacred site are increasingly problematic. Sherpa’s reflections emphasize the importance of reverent and sustainable mountaineering practices to ensure the preservation of Everest’s sanctity and natural beauty for future generations.