Year: 2021

Continuing a circuitous path for visitors to navigate, Nepal now says that if a foreigner has been vaccinated they can enter Nepal not go through quarantine. This includes trekkers and those climbing mountains such as Everest.

Of course, this announcement comes as travelers are leaving for Nepal with schedules that factored in a seven-day quarantine thus Nepal will still financially benefit from the prolonged stay in Kathmandu, one of the most polluted cities on earth. Perhaps visitors should take a side trip to Pokhara to avoid the pollution before going to the Khumbu.

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.

I had hoped that Nepal would let this spring season occur without the annual histrionics and propaganda of new rules, after all, isn’t dealing with COVID enough? If you are going to #everest2021 be careful. Nepal is suggesting that taking a picture of people and posting it on social media is breaking their law. Silly rules season has begun.

Welcome to the kick-off for my Everest 2021 coverage! I have already posted a few articles on 2021 and actively covered the 2020/21 Winter K2 season so let me officially welcome you. This season will be my 18th season of all-things Everest: 12 times providing coverage, another four seasons of climbing on Everest, and two years attempting Lhotse.