China closes Everest amid coronavirus as climbing season approaches, but Nepal’s side remains open
- The Tibetan side of Everest will be closed for the upcoming climbing season as the coronavirus continues to spread
The Chinese government has suspended all expeditions attempting to climb Everest from the Tibetan side because of the coronavirus epidemic. The climbing season happens in spring, with most summits typically taking place at the end of May. At the moment, the Nepalese side of the mountain is still open, which is where most climbers make their ascents.
“Life … as we struggle with losing a friend, business and the world and coronavirus don’t stop. This is the whirlwind we choose to surround ourselves with. Today, China announced the closure of Mt Everest for the spring season,” wrote Adrian Ballinger, a guide on the Chinese side of the mountain, on Instagram.
“While I am saddened for all the hard work our members, guides, Sherpa, local staff, partners and office have put in, and that they and we won’t get to test ourselves on the highest playground in the world this year, I am in agreement with China’s decision.”
He added that he and his expedition company were leaning towards cancelling this year’s climbs anyway.
“Climbing a mountain is not currently worth the transmission risk in the Base Camps, nor upon returning home,” he wrote.
