The mess left by thousands of tourists visiting the Himalayas each year is serving as a warning to officials here.
One of climbing's most famous families has come to New Zealand to discuss how our most attractive landmarks can be protected from tourism traffic.
Two of the sons of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay are here representing the American Himalayan Foundation.
"Growing up for us New Zealand, when we thought of foreign countries, was more home to us than Australia, Great Britain and the United States," Norbu Tenzing Norgay told 1 NEWS.
Close to a million people visit Nepal each year, leaving a trail of rubbish in their wake.
"Many people want to climb the mountains but aren't respectful," Mr Norgay says.
Although New Zealand isn't close to those numbers, officials here are taking note of the Norgay family's message.
"It has to be a venture that is about good stewardship and not only about money," says Mr Norgay.
A lesson that could be well learned by the tourism industry in Nepal and New Zealand.
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