The Makalu-Barun Stone Bin Initiative
2026
Building Sustainable Waste Infrastructure in the Mera Peak Valley
Why This Project?
The Challenge in Makalu Barun National Park
The Mera Peak area, located within the perimeter of the Makalu Barun National Park in northeastern Nepal, is experiencing increasing trekking activity. As the highest trekking peak in Nepal (6,476 m for Mera North, 6,461 m for Mera Central), Mera Peak is popular both as an independent climb and as acclimatization training for expeditions to higher peaks.
The Reality on the Ground
Waste accumulates along frequently used trails, near lodges, at resting points - Porters, trekking staff, lodge owners, drivers, and visitors interact with the same fragile alpine ecosystem - Structured awareness initiatives and practical waste management solutions remain limited - Mountain tourism contributes to local economic development while being a major driver of ecosystem degradation.
Our Roadmap
The Project – Phase 1
(Oct-Dec 2026)
“The infrastructure will be deployed in the same areas where awareness sessions are conducted to ensure coherence and reinforcement.”
What We're Doing: Installing Stone Waste Bins
Our first implementation phase focuses on establishing the foundation for long-term impact by deploying durable, locally-built stone waste collection infrastructure.
Infrastructure Specifications
✓ External dimensions | 100 × 135 × 100 cm (W × H × D)
✓ Internal usable volume | 400+ liters
✓ Wall thickness | 20 cm stone masonry
✓ Roof | Galvanized metal sheet, sloped for drainage
✓ Opening (front) | 75 × 30 cm access slot
✓ Material | Local stone with protective cap
✓ Expected lifespan | 15–20 years .
Bins will be installed in key locations
✓ Khare – Entry point to the higher trekking zone
✓ Khote – Major resting point with multiple lodges
✓ Bung – Community hub with growing tourism traffic.
A Multi-Layered Strategy
The Himalayan Stone Bin Initiative adopts a dual-track strategy combining physical infrastructure with community engagement.
Hardware – Physical Infrastructure
✓ Construction of stone waste bins (400+ L capacity)
✓ Weather-resistant collection points at key locations
✓ Visible signage in local and international languages
✓ Integration with local building traditions.
Software – Awareness, Education & Engagement
✓ Ongoing dialogue with local actors for cultural sensitivity (phase 1)
✓ Monitoring and feedback mechanisms (phase 1)
✓ Participatory workshops with communities, guides, and climbers.
Our Approach
“The infrastructure will be deployed in the same areas where awareness sessions are conducted to ensure coherence and reinforcement.”
Long-term
Vision
“We believe in adapting to real field conditions rather than imposing predetermined solutions. Phase 1 will inform what comes next.”
Looking Beyond Phase 1
Phase 1 is the foundation. Once the infrastructure is in place and community feedback has been gathered, we'll evaluate additional layers of impact based on what works best on the ground.
Potential Future Axes
✓ Community Engagement Programs - Dialogues and workshops with trail users and village residents
✓ Broader Stakeholder Collaboration – Expanding partnerships with more lodges, local authorities, and tourism operators
✓ Data Collection & Monitoring – Tracking waste volumes and refining downstream processing
✓ Waste Hotspot Mapping – GPS documentation of accumulation zones.
Join Us in Protecting the Makalu Barun and Mera Valley
The Makalu Barun Stone Bin Initiative adopts a dual-track strategy combining physical infrastructure with community engagement.
Hardware – Physical Infrastructure
✓ Whether you're a climber, a partner organization, or a supporter, your involvement makes a tangible difference.
→ [Contact Us for Partnership Opportunities](mailto:contact@mountainsynergies.org)
→ [Follow Our Journey on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mountainsynergies/)
→ [Connect on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mountain-synergies/).
Our Approach
“There is value in waste when it is not lying out in nature. It is a resource that can be recycled, bringing economic benefits to locals.”
PARTNERSHIP NETWORK
Mountain Synergies is responsible for securing funding, coordinating, monitoring, and reporting on implementation throughout the project lifecycle.
Local Communities Villagers from Bung, Khote, and Khare guide our work on current waste systems, local needs, and cultural practices.
