Renowned Everest guide says using xenon speeds climb and makes it safer, better for environment
Lukas Furtenbach took a team of British climbers, who left London on May 16, to scale the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) peak on May 21. They returned home two days later, in one of the fastest ascents on record of the world's highest peak, including the climbers' travel from their homes and back.
The use of xenon gas treatment has, however, drawn controversy and has even raised the concerns of Nepalese mountaineering authorities who have announced an investigation.
'The only reason why we are working with xenon is to make climbing safer, to protect climbers from high altitude sickness,' Furtenbach told The Associated Press upon his return to Kathmandu. 'We can see people dying on Everest every year and this is may be one step to improve the situation to make climbing high altitude mountains safer.'
The climbers had put in months of preparation, training in hypoxia tents, and underwent a xenon gas treatment at a clinic in Germany just two weeks before heading to Nepal.
Climbers normally spend weeks at base camp to acclimatize to the higher altitude. They make practice runs to the lower camps on Everest before beginning their final attempt on the peak so that their bodies are prepared for the low pressure and lower level of oxygen available.
The new method is likely to reduce the time climbers spend out of their home countries and cut the number of days they need to take off work, also cutting down on expenses.
Furtenbach said the ability to climb the peak in a short period of time could also lead to less environmental impact on the mountain.
'Human waste is one of the biggest problems on Everest base camp. If people spend one week there compared to eight weeks, it is a 75 precent reduction of human waste,' he said. 'It is a huge reduction of garbage on the mountain and also of resources that have to be carried up to the back camp and have to be carried up the mountain.'
Nepal doesn't have rules on how many days climbers must spend acclimatizing or making practice climbs. The permits to climb Everest, which cost $11,000 each, are valid for 90 days. Climbing season normally wraps up by the end of May, when the weather deteriorates and monsoon season begins. The ropes and ladders fixed to the mountain are then pulled out.
Nepal's mountaineering department issued a press statement saying it was going to investigate the use of xenon gas.
Furtenbach said the gas was never used in Nepal and that he could prove that it was safe to use for climbers.
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To learn more about the formula at the center of this conversation, visit:About Nutraville Nutraville is a holistic wellness company dedicated to bridging ancient spiritual wisdom with modern nutritional science. Founded on the belief that the pineal gland is the gateway to higher consciousness, Nutraville develops clean-label supplements that support spiritual clarity, intuitive alignment, and optimal cognitive health. Through flagship formulations like Pineal Awakening, PinealXT, and Pineal Guardian, Nutraville integrates time-honored botanical practices with cutting-edge research to help individuals detoxify and activate the pineal gland. Every product is made from 100% vegan, cruelty-free ingredients and is designed to support clarity, focus, and self-guided awakening. Nutraville's mission is to empower individuals to become the best version of themselves — effortlessly and naturally. The company adheres to five core values: Integrity, Holistic Wellness, Innovation, Empowerment, and Community. Whether through supplements, cookbooks, meditation tools, or educational guides, Nutraville exists to help people reconnect with their inner potential and elevate their wellness journey. Contact Nutraville Email: support@ Website: Disclaimer (FTC + FDA + Affiliate Compliance) This press release is for informational purposes only. The information contained herein does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Pineal Awakening is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement, routine, or health program. Some links in this release may be promotional in nature and may lead to third-party websites. The publisher or author may receive compensation through affiliate commissions if a purchase is made through these links. This compensation does not affect the price you pay and helps support continued research and content publication. Results described or implied may not be typical and should not be interpreted as guarantees. Statements made about ingredients or outcomes reflect public discussion and historical usage only, and are not endorsed by medical professionals or regulatory agencies. Always do your own research and make informed decisions. CONTACT: Email: support@
