Xenon Gas Therapy Used for Everest Ascent

A group of climbers, led by former British army officer Garth Miller, plans to attempt the fastest ascent of Mount Everest using xenon gas therapy, potentially completing the climb in just one week. This innovative approach, developed by Austrian guide Lukas Furtenbach, involves inhaling small doses of xenon to enhance red blood cell production and reduce the acclimatization period traditionally required for high-altitude climbs. The expeditions, which could cost around $150,000, would allow participants to skip typical acclimatization protocols by utilizing low-oxygen sleeping tents and direct helicopter flights to base camp. Critics in the mountaineering community express concerns over the implications of using xenon, a substance banned in professional sports, as it may blur the lines of fair competition in mountaineering. Furtenbach, who has been refining this method since 2006, believes that it could make climbing faster and safer. The climbers are scheduled to fly to Kathmandu for xenon therapy before embarking on their summit push shortly after arriving at base camp.