Nepalese authorities are investigating
Mainland media reported that Wang Jing, 40, successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest via the southern route at 6:20 p.m. on the 23rd, becoming the first person this year to summit the world’s highest peak from the south side. However, reports indicate that Wang Jing had taken a helicopter flight over sections of the route that were previously damaged by an avalanche, arriving at Camp 2, which sits at an altitude of 6,400 meters.
Officials from Nepal's Ministry of Tourism said they are looking into the matter with the helicopter company involved. In Nepal, helicopters are generally used only for rescue operations and transporting climbing equipment and supplies. Climbers using helicopters to reach the summit of Everest are seen as a serious violation of tradition and considered unethical. Wang Jing has denied having used a helicopter to assist her in reaching the summit of Everest.