The four Xenon-assisted climbers have succeeded in completing an Everest expedition in under a week. They touched down at London’s Heathrow Airport at 6:05 am UK time today, six days and 13 hours after first boarding a flight to Nepal.
The expedition’s speed and preparation, including breathing Xenon gas for 30 minutes before leaving, have caused debate and will likely impact at least some expeditions in the future.
However, expedition leader Lukas Furtenbach emphasizes that this was not just about introducing Xenon into the equation. The team also completed intensive hypoxic training, was medically monitored during the entire ascent, and had a strong logistical team behind it.
Said Furtenbach:
Do not attempt to replicate this rapid ascent without the expertise, medical infrastructure, acclimatization science, or ethical responsibility we put in place. No margin for error. No chasing for headlines instead of safety — and in doing so, one would put lives at grave risk.
Everest doesn’t forgive shortcuts. It punishes hubris…Please, for the sake of future climbers, guides, Sherpas, and rescuers: Don’t imitate what you don’t understand. Speed means nothing if safety is sacrificed. Let’s push boundaries — but never at the cost of lives.
