Scaling mountains means that an individual has limited things that they can bring and will be in nature for the duration of their climb.
However, what happens when a person needs to go poop?
According to BBC, climbers at the base camp have tents erected for pooping purposes, but once they start their journey to the peak, the only options are to dig a hole or just do it out in the open.
With how extreme the temperatures are on the mountain, the faeces do not fully degrade.
For illustration purposes only.
Mingma Sherpa, chairman of Pasang Lhamu rural municipality, told BBC that the mountains are starting to smell.
“Our mountains have begun to stink.”
He continued, “We are getting complaints that human stools are visible on rocks, and some climbers are falling sick. This is not acceptable and erodes our image.”
To counter this, they have introduced a specific item named a ‘poo bag’ that climbers can buy at the base camp.
Its function is the same as it sounds. It’s a bag that climbers can bring with them on their way up and poop in; they will be checked upon their return.
The bags have chemicals that will solidify the faeces and make them largely odourless.
It is said that other mountains have used such bags before, which helps reduce the amount of human waste in the mountains.
“Mountaineers have been using such bags on Mount Denali (the highest peak in North America) and in the Antarctic as well, that is why we have been advocating for it.”
It certainly sounds like a good idea. Have you ever gone climbing before? Let us know of your experience in the comments.
Also read: Meet the Sherpas: 7 Facts About the True Heroes Behind Mount Everest’s Success
