Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Ex-Soldiers Scale Everest in Days, Sparking Controversy

5/24/2025

50 12

Summary

Story summary

Four ex-British special forces soldiers achieved an astonishing feat by conquering Mount Everest in less than five days, employing xenon gas for pre-acclimatization. This swift ascent has ignited a firestorm of debate among Nepali officials, who are probing the gas's controversial use, as critics warn it threatens traditional climbing customs and the livelihoods of local communities reliant on extended treks.

1 of 1

Story summary

Four ex-British special forces soldiers achieved an astonishing feat by conquering Mount Everest in less than five days, employing xenon gas for pre-acclimatization. This swift ascent has ignited a firestorm of debate among Nepali officials, who are probing the gas's controversial use, as critics warn it threatens traditional climbing customs and the livelihoods of local communities reliant on extended treks.