Nepal Launches Probe into Use of Xenon Gas by Everest Climbers for Rapid Ascent

May 23, KATHMANDU – Nepal’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has initiated an investigation into the reported use of Xenon gas by climbers during a recent Mount Everest expedition.

In a press release issued on Thursday, the Department of Tourism acknowledged growing media coverage surrounding the climbers’ unprecedented achievement — reaching the 8,848-metre summit in under five days without the traditional weeks-long acclimatization process.

According to reports, the climbers inhaled Xenon gas in Germany prior to beginning their ascent. This rare, colourless gas, known for its anaesthetic and protective effects in low-oxygen environments, may have played a role in reducing the risk of altitude sickness, allowing for a significantly faster climb.

While Xenon gas has been used in limited contexts by mountain guides, this is believed to be the first documented instance of regular climbers employing it to ascend Everest. The ministry’s investigation will focus on the safety implications, potential environmental impact, and the wider consequences for the mountaineering community.