Everest Base Camp: A Comprehensive Research Expedition Report

Introduction

In March 2026, AMRC Research embarked on a comprehensive environmental study at Everest Base Camp (5,364m). The expedition focused on glacial retreat measurement, biodiversity assessment, and waste management analysis.

Key Findings

Our team documented a 12-meter retreat of the Khumbu Glacier compared to measurements taken in 2020. The rate of glacial melt has accelerated by approximately 23% over the past five years, raising serious concerns about downstream water resources for communities in the Solukhumbu district.

Biodiversity Survey

Despite the harsh conditions, we catalogued 47 species of flora and 12 species of fauna in the immediate vicinity of Base Camp, including three species not previously documented at this altitude.

Waste Management

Working alongside the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC), we assessed current waste management practices. The study revealed that while solid waste removal has improved significantly since 2015, microplastic contamination in meltwater streams remains a growing concern.

Watch: The Trek in Context

For a visual sense of the terrain our field team traverses, this traveller's account captures the route to Base Camp:

Conclusion

This expedition reinforces the urgency of sustainable tourism practices and continued environmental monitoring in the Everest region.