Mount Everest has long demanded patience. Climbers typically spend up to ten weeks trekking, resting, and acclimatizing. Now a bold plan aims to flip that timeline on its head. Adventurers could summit and return in just seven days by tapping into a surprising tool: xenon gas.
The approach starts before wheels leave the runway. Clients breathe a special xenon blend through a mask for 30 minutes at a clinic. This gas spike boosts erythropoietin, the hormone that kicks red blood cell production into gear. Within hours, the team helicopters to Everest Base Camp, skipping the usual weeklong trek. They then set off with Sherpas, ready to climb almost immediately.
Cutting acclimatization from weeks to hours offers a clear perk: safety. Fewer days on the mountain’s slopes mean less exposure to deadly icefalls and storms. Reduced time in the “death zone” can lower frostbite and altitude-sickness risks. For fast-paced professionals, it means a bucket-list peak won’t derail a busy schedule.
This speed comes at a steep price. Each seat on this express expedition rings in at around €150,000. Critics warn it cheapens Everest’s storied climbing ethos. They argue it turns a once-heroic challenge into a high-end thrill ride. Supporters counter that shorter stays cut environmental impact and even boost safety for participants and Sherpas alike.
“I’m super-excited to see if we can leave home on a Monday morning, be on the summit of Everest on Thursday night, and make it home for Sunday lunch,” says Garth Miller, the expedition’s pilot and leader. His enthusiasm captures the blend of modern science and classic adventure driving this experiment.
This plan isn’t just a stunt. It hints at Everest’s evolving future. Faster ascents could reshape high-altitude mountaineering into an accessible, time-savvy pursuit. They’ll spark fresh debates on ethics, safety, and what it truly means to conquer the world’s highest peak.
Want the full story behind this cheeky climb and what it could mean for Everest’s legacy? Check out the full article for all the details.
