10 Shocking Ways Mount Everest Climbing Changed Forever In 2024: Poop Bags, Bans, And A New Crisis

The 2024 spring climbing season on Mount Everest has irrevocably changed the landscape of high-altitude mountaineering. As of late 2024, the world’s tallest peak is grappling with a new era of strict regulations, environmental mandates, and a disturbing social crisis that has shaken the industry to its core. The days of unchecked commercial climbing and minimal accountability are over, replaced by mandatory 'poop bags,' GPS tracking, and a fierce debate over who is truly qualified to attempt the world's highest summit. The mountain is at a critical juncture, forcing Nepal to implement rules that are as controversial as they are necessary. The season, which concluded in late spring 2024, was a complex mix of record-breaking achievements, a significant death toll, and political fallout. While legendary figures like Kami Rita Sherpa pushed the boundaries of human endurance, the Nepalese government focused on safety and sanitation, introducing measures designed to curb the environmental and human cost of the burgeoning commercial climbing industry. These new regulations are not just bureaucratic hurdles; they represent a fundamental shift in how the world’s highest mountain is managed, impacting every climber, guide, and expedition operator from Base Camp to the Death Zone.

The Mountain's Profile: Name, Height, and The 2020 Measurement

Before diving into the 2024 season’s dramatic events, it is essential to understand the sheer scale and history of the mountain itself. Known as the "Roof of the World," Mount Everest is a geographical and cultural titan that spans the border between Nepal and China (Tibet). The mountain has several names that reflect its deep cultural significance. In Nepal, it is called Sagarmatha, meaning "Forehead in the Sky." In Tibet and among the Sherpa people, it is known as Chomolungma, which translates to "Goddess Mother of the World." The English name, Mount Everest, was assigned in 1865 by the Royal Geographical Society after Sir George Everest, the former Surveyor General of India. The official height of the mountain has been a subject of measurement and debate for centuries.

• Peak XV: The mountain was initially designated as 'Peak XV' during the Great Trigonometric Survey of India in the mid-19th century.
• Official Height: The current, internationally recognized official height of Mount Everest is 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet).
• 2020 Joint Measurement: This precise measurement was the result of a joint effort between the governments of Nepal and China in 2020, replacing the long-standing 8,848-meter figure.

The Strictest Rules Yet: Mandatory Poop Bags and GPS Tracking

The 2024 climbing season saw the implementation of several groundbreaking and, in some cases, controversial new regulations by the Nepalese government, primarily aimed at tackling the mountain’s severe environmental and safety crisis.

1. The Mandatory 'Poop Bag' Mandate

The most talked-about new rule is the mandatory use of 'poop bags' for all climbers venturing above Everest Base Camp (EBC). For years, human waste, which does not decompose in the extreme cold of the Death Zone (above 8,000 meters), has accumulated, creating a significant sanitation and health hazard, particularly around Camp II and Camp IV (The South Col). * The Rule: Climbers must carry portable toilets and biodegradable bags to collect all human waste. * Accountability: Expedition operators are now required to ensure climbers bring their filled bags back down to Base Camp, with reports suggesting climbers must display their full bags upon return to verify compliance. * The Goal: This measure is a direct response to the estimated tons of human waste polluting the mountain, a major step in the ongoing effort to clean up Sagarmatha National Park.

2. The New Pre-Requisite: Proving Your Climbing Chops

To combat the issue of inexperienced climbers contributing to overcrowding and accidents, Nepal has introduced a stricter permit requirement. * The 7,000m Peak Rule: Climbers must now prove they have successfully summited at least one other peak in Nepal of 7,000 meters or higher before being granted an Everest permit. (Some reports cite a 6,500m requirement, indicating a potential ongoing debate or refinement of the rule). * The GPS Tracking Mandate: In a move to boost safety and accountability, the government is also implementing the use of GPS trackers for climbers. This allows officials to monitor a climber's location, which is crucial for search and rescue operations in areas like the Khumbu Icefall and the treacherous slopes leading to the summit.

The 2024 Season in Review: Deaths, Records, and Scandal

The 2024 spring season was one of the most tumultuous in recent memory, defined by both incredible feats of endurance and a dark cloud of controversy.

Kami Rita Sherpa: The Man of 30 Summits

The 2024 season was highlighted by the extraordinary achievement of Kami Rita Sherpa. The legendary climber, often referred to as the "Everest Man," broke his own world record by successfully reaching the summit for the 30th time. His relentless dedication underscores the vital role of the Sherpa community in the mountaineering industry.

A Drop in Fatalities, But Crisis Persists

While any death is a tragedy, the 2024 season saw a slight reduction in the number of fatalities compared to the previous year, which was one of the deadliest on record. * 2023 Fatality Count: The 2023 season saw a record-high of 17 confirmed deaths or missing climbers. * 2024 Fatality Count: The 2024 season concluded with an estimated 9 to 12 deaths. While this is a decrease, the crisis of overcrowding and the commercialization of the mountain—which saw around 900 climbers on the slopes—remains a significant concern.

The Nims Purja Scandal and Industry Fallout

Perhaps the most shocking development of the 2024 season was the public eruption of a major scandal involving one of the world's most famous elite mountaineers, Nims Purja. * The Allegations: Multiple women came forward with disturbing allegations of sexual assault and harassment against Purja. * The Response: The allegations led to immediate and severe consequences. A Nepali lawmaker publicly called for Purja to be banned from Mount Everest and other Nepalese mountains. Furthermore, a major sponsor, the outdoor gear company Osprey, ended its partnership with the climber. * The Impact: This scandal, which made global headlines, put a spotlight on the lack of formal policies and oversight regarding conduct on the mountain, prompting a necessary, albeit painful, discussion about safety and ethics within the high-altitude guiding industry. The event solidified the 2024 season as a "Rubicon" moment for Everest, forcing authorities to confront not just environmental issues, but social ones as well. The combination of strict new environmental and safety rules, a challenging climbing season, and a high-profile scandal against a backdrop of global warming and geopolitical complexity means that climbing the world's highest peak is now a profoundly different undertaking than it was even a year ago. The new era of accountability has begun, and the world is watching to see if it can save the legendary mountain from the very people who seek to conquer it.