Month: April 2021

Well, after yesterday’s headline of “The Covid situation at EBC is a total shitstorm” it’s business as usual for most teams on Everest. I even got this comment from Alpine Ascents, “Maybe their Basecamp is a “shitshow”, ours is not.” Another comment called the post, “publishing one woman’s hysterical account does a disservice to those who really are trying for a safe and successful season.” OK, so there you have it. Meanwhile, the government continues to deny any issues at all.

The weather continues to be good for this time of the season with day-time highs near freezing at base camp. The ropes are to the South Col and expected to reach the summit soon.  The virus is definitely the main topic throughout Nepal with the country locking down and limiting travel in and out. But at Everest Base Camp, it seems like a mixed bag. Some teams think the virus is much to do about nothing, while others are worried. Hard to tell facts from fiction or denial. So, let’s look at what the non-hysterical teams are saying:

The headlines for last week are COVID and record permits. Four people have been evacuated either from Everest Base Camp or very close with symptoms of COVID-19. Once in Kathmandu, they tested positive for the virus. It’s a similar story for a few Sherpas. Look for the ropes to reach the summit this next week.

Without a doubt, the virus is in the Khumbu and spreading. The open question will be if it can be contained at EBC. Complicating the situation is Nepal’s limitless issuance of permits, now topping 400, blasting through the 2019 record year of 382. Meanwhile, there are 40 people on the Chinese side that include 21 climbers.

Up to a foot of heavy snow at Everest Base Camp brought climbing to a halt the last 36 hours. Teams will let the snow settle for a day or so before heading higher for acclimatization starting this weekend. Record permits, now approaching 400 will guarantee crowding unless the weather is significantly better than usual. But with more people not using O’s, are they at greater risk?