18 July 2024

Even with the worries over the United States banning its drones, DJI found a moment to launch an expedition to Mount Everest.

The company's Mavic 3 Pro flew from Base Camp (17,598 feet) to the 29,032 foot high summit, compiling magnificent footage of its ascent.

But DJI seeks to do much more than provide "couch mountaineers" with cinematic vistas. 

The drone manufacturer has been testing its FlyCart 30 cargo drone, carrying oxygen tanks from Base Camp to Camp 1 (19,000 feet). Working with Nepali officials, DJI hopes to someday use its drones to bring gear and supplies up the mountain, as well as remove trash. Junk from various expeditions—including empty oxygen bottles—has been an environmental problem for years, but it's deemed too dangerous to send human climbers up the often-treacherous mountain to retrieve the rubbish and clean up the camp sites.

The new video—released on July 10—takes you through the southwest route from Nepal, and past iconic Everest locations such as the Khumbu Icefall, Geneva Spur, Balcony, Khumbu Glacier ice towers, Lhotse Face and Hillary Step. In addition, the Mavic 3 Pro filmed the frightening, awe-inspiring vertical rise facing climbers when they depart Camp IV to tackle the summit.

Climb Everest (Virtually)