登顶珠峰正常需40多天，有人却靠124万元的氙气“外挂”缩短到4天18小时：“没有高反，我感觉棒极了”

Core Viewpoint - The use of xenon gas therapy by a British climbing team to ascend Mount Everest in just 4 days and 18 hours has sparked significant controversy in the climbing community, raising questions about the ethics of using technology in mountaineering and the essence of climbing spirit [2][5][25]. Group 1: Climbing Achievement - The British team, consisting of four retired special forces members, completed the ascent from sea level to the summit of Mount Everest in approximately 4 days and 18 hours, a stark contrast to the traditional climbing period of 40 to 45 days [5][9]. - They utilized a helicopter to reach the base camp at 5,300 meters directly, bypassing the usual acclimatization process [5][7]. - The team began their summit attempt from Camp IV at 8,000 meters on May 20, successfully reaching the summit on May 21 [7][9]. Group 2: Xenon Gas Therapy - The team claimed that their success was due to xenon gas therapy, which they underwent in Germany before their expedition, inhaling a mixture of xenon and oxygen [10][11]. - Xenon, typically used in medical anesthesia, is believed to stimulate red blood cell production and protect the heart and nervous system from high-altitude sickness [11][12]. - The team also engaged in low-oxygen tent training for several months prior to the climb, accumulating over 450 hours of low-oxygen exposure [11][12]. Group 3: Controversy and Ethics - The use of xenon gas has led to investigations by the Nepal Tourism Board, questioning whether it violates climbing ethics [17]. - Critics argue that the reliance on technology undermines the traditional climbing spirit, which emphasizes personal endurance and the journey [25][26]. - Some experts express skepticism about the efficacy of xenon gas in enhancing performance, suggesting that the team's prior training and experience may have played a more significant role [19][20]. Group 4: Economic Implications - The cost of the xenon-assisted climbing package is approximately €15,000 (around 1.24 million RMB) per person, significantly higher than traditional climbing fees, which average around $50,000 (approximately 400,000 RMB) [22][23]. - The introduction of such high-cost expeditions raises concerns about the impact on local economies and the fundamental principles of mountaineering [23][24]. - Proponents argue that faster climbs could lead to increased tourism and economic benefits for the region, while opponents warn of potential negative effects on local culture and economy [23][24].