The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Nepal Police and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) have issued official statements strongly refuting recent media reports alleging that trekking guides are poisoning tourists to orchestrate “Fake Rescues” in the Everest region.
Central Investigation Bureau (CIB): No Evidence of Poisoning Found
In a press release, the Central Investigation Bureau stated that it has paid close attention to reports circulating in national and international media, as well as on social media platforms like Facebook. These reports claimed that guides were mixing toxic substances into tourists’ food to induce illness and profit from fraudulent helicopter evacuations.
However, the CIB clarified that its ongoing investigation has found no evidence to support these claims. “The dissemination of such misleading and baseless news is illegal,” stated SSP Shiv Kumar Shrestha, spokesperson for the CIB. The Bureau has urged the media and the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could damage the country’s reputation.
NMA: Protecting Nepal’s Mountaineering Legacy
Simultaneously, the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) expressed deep concern over the timing of these reports, which coincide with the start of the 2026 spring climbing season. NMA President Fur Gelje Sherpa emphasized that such unethical practices are “unimaginable” for professional expedition operators who have built Nepal’s legacy as a world-leading mountaineering destination over decades.
“Mountaineering is a symbol of our national pride and a backbone of our economy,” the NMA statement read. “Unverified reports of this nature risk damaging Nepal’s global standing as a premier destination.”
NMA Call for Strict Regulation and Safety
While both organizations defended the integrity of the industry, they also called for continuous improvement in oversight. The NMA urged the Government of Nepal to:
1. Maintain strict regulation and monitoring of insurance and rescue operations.
2. Ensure transparent and stringent procedures for helicopter rescue claims to prevent any potential misuse.
3. Take immediate legal action against any party if unethical behavior is ever proven.
Assurance to Climbers
The NMA has reaffirmed its “warm welcome” to all international climbers, assuring them that the Himalayas remains safe and professional. Climbers who encounter any malpractice are encouraged to report immediately to their Liaison Officer, the Ministry of Tourism, or the Nepal Police.
Both authorities concluded that maintaining transparency and trust is essential to preserving the livelihood of the thousands of stakeholders who depend on Nepal’s mountain tourism.
