China Bans Mount Everest Climbers on Tibet Side

Travel Blog  •  Michael Yessis  •  03.13.08 | 9:57 AM ET

imageThe Tibet side of the mountain will be shut to down until May 10, effectively stopping climbers from making any serious tries at the summit this season. Why?

The official notice cites “[c]oncern of heavy climbing activities, crowded climbing routes and increasing environmental pressures.” However, China Rises and others suggest the ban clears the way for Chinese climbers to carry the Olympic torch to the top of Mount Everest in advance of the Beijing Games, and reduces chances of protests on the mountain calling for Tibet’s independence.

Related on World Hum:
* Nepal Contemplates Nudity Ban on Everest
* R.I.P. Sir Edmund Hillary

Photo by star_trooper via Flickr, (Creative Commons).