KATHMANDU, APRIL 21
It has been revealed that a fake permit was prepared for Mt Everest in the winter season using the government's letterhead and seal.
According to Rakesh Gurung, Director at the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation, a fake climbing permit was prepared for a five-member team mentioning that the team would make the winter ascent of Mt Everest.
As per the information, the team would be led by Lakpa Gyalzen having members from India and Poland while Kathmandu-based pioneer Adventure Pvt Ltd would run the expedition to the roof of the world.
The members listed in the team include Marcin Pawlowski and Jakub Michal Patecki from Poland as well as Bhatrath Thammineni and Reena Devi from India.
"The motive behind this fraud is still unknown," Gurung said, adding that the DoT would thoroughly investigate the issue.
Nivesh Karki, Director at Pioneer Adventure, said that his company hadn't run any expeditions on Mt Everest in the last winter season. The permit copy received by THT shows that the document was issued on January 25, 2024 under the name of 'Pioneer Mt Everest Expedition 2024'.
Karki also demanded the department for an intense investigation as Poineer Adventure's name was deliberately misused to tarnish the company image.
