A Chinese woman accused of using a helicopter to scale the world's highest mountain is likely to face a fine if the accusation is confirmed, a publicity official from the Nepalese embassy to China said.

Wang Jing, 40, co-founder of a sportswear manufacturer, came under investigation by the Nepalese government after she announced on Monday that she had climbed Qomolangma, known as Mount Everest in the West, from the Nepalese side.

A report by Reuters said the Nepalese tourism authorities were looking into reports Wang used a helicopter to fly over a route that had been damaged by an avalanche.

Using a helicopter would be a serious moral violation of tradition in climbing the world's highest peak, the report said.

An official from the Nepal embassy told China Daily on Thursday that if the accusation is confirmed, Wang could face a light punishment, such as a fine.

However, it remains unclear whether Wang will be fined as the Nepalese government has not yet released its investigation report, the publicity official said on condition of anonymity.

anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn