China closes Tibet side of Mt Everest
It has just got a lot more difficult for climbers planning to scale Mount Everest this spring.
No climbers will be allowed in from the Tibetan side of the mountain this spring.
China said it would block all access to the mountain due to coronavirus fears.
According to Adrian Ballinger, CEO of Alpenglow Expeditions, it is a ‘responsible’ move.
A rapidly spreading outbreak, where climbers are in close proximity to each other for extended periods could spell disaster, especially in such an isolated location.
Ballinger also said a coronavirus infection could put intense pressure on a person’s respiratory system at high altitude, which could potentially be life-threatening.
"Nepal may follow China’s lead and shut down their season as well," Ballinger said.
So far, Nepal climbs are still going ahead but with extra restrictions.
Climbers planning to scale Mount Everest and other peaks in Nepal will have to submit details of their travel history for the past 14 days prior to arrival in Nepal.
Climbers will also have to submit medical reports to designated travel agencies in order to secure a climbing permit, Mira Acharya, a director at the Department of Tourism, said.
Permit applications will be rejected if they have visited any country where the virus is present during the past fortnight.
The country is expecting fewer climbers this year due to the coronavirus epidemic.
That will likely mean no repeat of last year’s congestion on the mountains and a surge in deaths in part due to the number of inexperienced climbers.
In response, Nepal promised strict new rules but these have not yet been approved at government level.
The outbreak has already seriously hampered the Nepal tourism industry with foreign arrivals down 21% in February, according to the department of immigration.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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