The use of trekking poles and trail degradation in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal Himalaya

A significant portion of trekkers in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal, relies on uncapped metal-tipped poles, which accelerate trail erosion by creating small holes on bare surfaces. The study found that 53.6% of visitors used trekking poles, with 59.2% opting for uncapped ones, exacerbating soil loss during the monsoon season when trails are most vulnerable. To quantify this impact, researchers employed smartphone-based 3D scanning, a novel approach to assess trail degradation. The findings highlight an urgent need for better trail management, advocating for capped poles and sustainable practices to balance increased foot traffic with ecological preservation in mountain national parks.

Wang, T., & Watanabe, T. (2025). The use of trekking poles and trail degradation in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal Himalaya. Environmental Challenges, 20, 101302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2025.101302