Investigation into Fake Everest Winter Permit

It has come to light that a counterfeit permit was forged for a winter ascent of Mt. Everest, utilizing the government’s official letterhead and seal.

Rakesh Gurung, Director at the Department of Tourism within the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, disclosed that a fabricated climbing permit was concocted for a five-member expedition, purporting their intent to summit Mt. Everest during the winter season.

According to Gurung, the team was allegedly led by Lakpa Gyalzen, with members hailing from India and Poland. The expedition was purportedly organized by Kathmandu-based Pioneer Adventure Pvt Ltd. Among the listed team members were Marcin Pawlowski and Jakub Michal Patecki from Poland, and Bhatrath Thammineni and Reena Devi from India.

“The motive behind this fraudulent act remains unknown,” stated Gurung, emphasizing the Department of Tourism’s commitment to a thorough investigation. Nivesh Karki, Director at Pioneer Adventure, asserted that his company had not conducted any expeditions on Mt. Everest during the previous winter season. The permit, dated January 25, 2024, bore the name ‘Pioneer Mt. Everest Expedition 2024’.

Karki urged the department to conduct a rigorous investigation, asserting that Pioneer Adventure’s reputation had been unfairly tarnished through the deliberate misuse of their name.