Did Nepal sherpas poison Mount Everest trekkers? What’s real and what’s not

Kathmandu: Allegations that rogue trekking guides in Nepal were deliberately making foreign climbers ill by feeding them baking soda have been found to be unsubstantiated, according to an official investigation. Authorities have clarified that while a large-scale fraud linked to costly helicopter evacuations does exist, there is no proof to support claims of poisoning.

Rumours of sabotage debunked

In recent days, widespread media reports suggested that some trekking guides had been secretly administering baking soda to climbers to trigger symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness. The theory claimed that such actions were intended to force unnecessary and expensive helicopter rescues.

However, according to media reports no forensic or legal basis for these allegations were found. Although the mention of “baking soda” appears in the indictment summary as a rumour circulating among guides, none of the 32 people accused in the case have been charged with contaminating food or medication.

The Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal confirmed this position in a statement to the publication. “To date, the official investigation has not found any evidence of ‘poisoning,’” the agency said in an email. On April 3, the bureau issued a formal clarification aimed at countering misinformation internationally, stating that while fraudulent practices had been uncovered, the poisoning narrative lacked factual support.

Fraudulent ‘rescue racket’ uncovered

While the poisoning claims have been dismissed, investigators have identified a complex network of financial fraud involving trekking companies, hospitals and helicopter operators.

The Central Investigation Bureau reported that nearly 4,800 foreign patients were treated at hospitals linked to the case between 2022 and 2025. Of these, at least 171 cases were found to be entirely fabricated.

According to the probe, hospitals allegedly returned 20 to 25 percent of insurance payouts to trekking companies and a further 25 percent to helicopter operators in exchange for referring “patients”.

Officials uncovered extensive documentation fraud, including falsified hospital discharge papers, manipulated flight records and forged signatures of medical professionals, all used to claim money from international insurers.

One cited example involved four tourists who were evacuated in a single helicopter journey. Despite this, separate insurance claims were filed for each person, inflating the total bill to 31,100 US dollars, in addition to hospital charges amounting to $11,890.

Tourism sector faces reputational damage

The investigation and subsequent arrests have had a significant impact on Nepal’s tourism industry. A total of 11 people were detained in March 2026 as part of the crackdown, triggering cancellations and raising concerns among international travellers.

For the Sherpa community, which has long been associated with guiding and mountaineering, the issue has struck a particularly sensitive chord.

Upon learning of the developments, owner of Sherpa Private Limited stated that Nepal’s tourism sector had built its reputation over generations, the actions of a few people were now undermining that legacy.

With agency inputs