British Climbers Reach Everest Summit in Record Time Using Xenon Gas for Acclimatisation:

Suspense crime, Digital Desk : According to the expedition organizers, a group of British climbers is now in record time for the Everest peak as they have reached the summit just 5 days after leaving London. The group is being guided by Furtenbach Adventures and they are becoming the first non professional climbers to use xenon gas for high altitude acclimatization.

What is Xenon and Why Was It Used?

Xenon is a very rare gas and anesthetic that is colorless and odorless. Furtenbach explains that altitude sickness and hypoxia can become problematic with greatly reducing oxygen levels and xenon increases the body’s ability to cope with, and reduces the chances of, these risks.

In further statements, Furtenbach added, “Xenon aids with acclimatization and provides altitude sickness protection. Xenon sufferers endured such treatments in Germany and were placed through months of training in hypoxia tents.”

Preparation and Climb Timeline

Clinics in Germany provided xenon gas treatments and weeks of hypoxia tent training was undergone prior to climber’s arrival in Nepal. The specially prepared hypoxia tents were designed to replicate high ealtitude terrains. Because of this preparatory work, the climbers could skip the lengthy acclimatization period at the Everest Base Camp which greatly reduced the amount of time needed for the expedition.

London Departure: May 16

Mount Everest Summit (8,849 M): May 21

Environmental and Logistical Benefits

Furtenbach pointed out that expediting ascents is not only advantageous for climbers but also for the society as a whole. Shorter expeditions mean less trash, less waste, and fewer resources used, and more profit,” he said.

Controversial Developments in The Mountaineering World

While this approach does mark an advancement in strategies employed towards high-altitude climbs, it has stirred some controversy. Adrian Ballinger, an American climber, lambasted the technique, saying, “That’s a pure stunt for claiming they were the first to do it, as any strategy goes”. “But if that’s the proud anecdote they intend to boast about, so be it,” he stated.

Regulations and Permits

During this season, Nepal has offered 468 permits to climb Everest. These permits do not have any defined rules on the processes involved in acclimatisation and are bound within a period of 90 days. Traditionally, most climbers spend several weeks at the base camp and at elevated altitudes before attempting summits.