10 March 2008
Access to Everest in Tibet closed to climbers
(www.mounteverest.net) Chinese authorities have announced that the north side of Mount Everest (Tib: Chomolungma) in Tibet will be closed to expeditions, and no group visas to enter the area will be issued until after 10 May. Mount Cho Oyu, near the Nangpa La Pass, which many Tibetans cross while clandestinely leaving Tibet, will also be closed during this period. www.mounteverest.net also claims that Kathmandu is under pressure to place tighter controls on access to Everest from southern approaches.