Mount Everest's highest campsite, Camp IV, is experiencing significant littering issues, as evidenced by a video showing abandoned tents, empty oxygen bottles, and human waste. The footage reveals the site, located at 26,000 feet on the South Col, cluttered with waste left by climbing groups. Camp IV serves as the final resting point for climbers before they enter the 'Death Zone' on their ascent to the summit, which stands at 29,032 feet.
On May 20, a record 274 climbers reached the summit in a single day, contributing to the ongoing litter problem. Although efforts have been made to clean up the mountain, the high altitude and extreme weather conditions complicate these initiatives. In 2024, a team of Sherpas and Nepalese soldiers managed to remove 11 tons of rubbish and recover four bodies from the mountain, with some debris dating back 69 years.
Since September 2025, the cost of a climbing permit has increased to $15,000, up from $11,000. Experts have raised concerns about the safety risks associated with overcrowding, particularly in the area just below the summit, where oxygen levels are critically low. Expedition organizers acknowledge these risks but assert that they can be managed with adequate oxygen supplies.