(TibetanReview.net, Apr08’24) —Mt Everest on the Chinese-occupied Tibet side is opening for business for non-mainland Chinese foreigners again after four years of Covid-19 pandemic ban. Climbers must obtain separate visas for Tibet, in addition to their tourist visas for China, the point being that the territory is under Chinese rule.
While no official announcement has been made, eight-time Everest peak conqueror Adrian Ballinger is due to lead a group ascent this spring, taking the Tibet northern route to the summit in the narrow climbing window at the end of April and beginning of May reported traveltomorrow.com Apr 8.
All permits for using the Tibet route to the Everest peak, known as Qomolangma in Pinyin-Chinese and Jomolangma in Tibetan, are managed by the China Tibet Mountaineering Association (CTMA), the report noted.
Non-mainland Chinese climbers typically learn about the opening of the Tibet side of Everest climbing permits when the CTMA releases a price list for the season, which includes costs for yaks carrying gear, local guides, translators, and transportation from Tibet’s capital, Lhasa, to Everest Base Camp, the report said, citing Ballinger.
While the Tibet route had come to be reputed as safer and led to its popularity over the Nepali side from 2000 to 2007, that changed in 2008 when China hosted the Summer Olympics in Beijing. This was because, despite the presence of tourists prepared to ascend Everest, China closed the mountain for the entire season just eight days before climbers arrived, resulting in significant financial losses for many. Consequently, business shifted to the Nepali side, which has since become more renowned and frequented, the report noted.
But while Nepal’s route to the peak of Everest is more famous and photographed, the higher number of visitors has led to increased environmental issues such as trash, erosion, and human waste. Now, with foreign climbers once again able to access Everest via Tibet, the trend of overcrowding on the Nepali side may gradually reverse, the report felt.