The next couple of weeks are the busiest time of year in the High Himalayas. Therefore I will post some climbing-related stories. This first one is a doozy!
From the Voice of America:
"Expeditions heading towards Mount Everest will face tight security checks this climbing season, as Nepal tries to prevent anti-China demonstrations on its side of the mountain.
The army has sent 15 soldiers trained in mountaineering to set up a checkpoint at Camp One, the first stopping point above Everest Base Camp.
There will also be a team of armed police on the mountain.
Their role will be to check the bags of climbers for restricted items - such as cameras and satellite phones - in an effort to avoid any embarrassing protests, as the torch makes its way to the summit, located on the border between Nepal and China.
The army has also sent 11 "liaison officers" who will accompany expeditions.
Nepal's Home Minister Modraj Dotel says he hoped force will not be needed, but troops will open fire if necessary.
"If there is violent activities, then it is a possibility," said Dotel.
Nepal has officially banned mountaineering above Camp Three between the first and 10th of May, the time the Olympic torch is expected to reach the summit."
http://voanews.com/english/2008-04-20-voa2.cfm
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Climb Every Mountain???
