Idiotic! Everest drones could put thousands of Sherpa jobs at risk

THOUSANDS of jobs at Mount Everest have been put at risk after plans to replace humans with drones were announced.

- Emily Wright

Tibetan Sherpas have traditionally undertaken the perilous task of ferrying heavy equipment up and down the world's tallest mountain.

However, these journeys - which take many hours will soon be replaced by drones capable of completing the tasks in just a few minutes.

They will be capable of carrying up to 33lb of equipment, including oxygen cylinders, tents, ropes and ladders and removing waste left behind by climbers. Thanks to their speedy delivery, they will also be able to deliver hot food.

The plan is to reduce the risks taken by Sherpas and cut out menial tasks.

However, the guides, who earn around £4,000 a year, politicians and trade unions have slammed the programme as "idiotic".