Everest 2021:Teams Stake out Base Camp Sites

Virus be damned, climbers and operators are in full swing to attempt Everest this spring. Several have already sent emissaries to claim their traditional spot at Everest Base Camp on the Nepal side. China has closed Tibet to all foreigners for an uncertain time period.

IMG, Asian Trekking, and others sent Sherpas to stake out their spot. Usually, these large teams will use the same place year after year. They know precisely where to get clean ice for meeting into drinking and cooking water, plus, amazingly, the terrain doesn’t move a tremendous amount even though EBC is on the moving Khumbu Icefall.

Other teams already arriving in Kathmandu include The Bahrain royal team has arrived in Kathmandu.

Red Tape

The precise rules for foreigners to enter Nepal remain opaque. Some of my Summit Coach clients are saying they need to send their passport to a Nepal embassy in their country, others are saying with the proper letters from their operators, that they can get a visa on-demand at the Kathmandu airport upon arrival. As of this writing, I suggest triple-checking all entry requirements and be prepared for chaos.

Travel Time

OK, not much will happen for the next few weeks as climbers are traveling to Nepal. Once there they meet their teams, take care of a few details then begin the journey to their base camps. Climbing will begin around 15 April on the Nepal side after the trek from Lukla or Namache.

If I was going this year, this would be my last-minute checklist:

1. Review gear list
2. Buy snacks
3. Buy ebooks or reading material
4. Buy summit socks
5. Keep training
6. Do not gain a lot of weight. Go in at your ideal weight
7. Do not get hurt or sick

Himalayan Database

I use the Himalayan Database as my primary source of Everest summit statics. If you are climbing in 2021, they are asking you to fill in an electronic web-based survey. This replaces the time-consuming process of visiting each team in their hotel before the climb.  Please use this link to complete the survey. You can now download the HDB for free at their site.

Follow Along!

I have begun to create my annual team location table and tracking climber’s blogs (see sidebar). If you have a team not listed, please let me know and I will add them if I can track them. If you prefer not to be mentioned, please contact me.

I will post a few background articles and interviews between now and early April when the teams arrive at the base camps. If you would like to see anything special this year, post a comment or drop me an email.

Here’s to a safe season for everyone on the Big Hill, but only take selfies!

Climb On!
Alan
Memories are Everything

The Podcast on alanarnette.com

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