Nepal Issues Record Number of Everest Climbing Permits as China Closes Tibetan Route

Nepal has issued a record number of permits for climbers attempting to summit Mount Everest this season. The surge in permits comes as China has closed access to Everest from the Tibetan side of the mountain, forcing climbers to use only the Nepalese route. Mount Everest straddles the border between Nepal and Tibet, with climbers traditionally able to approach the world's highest peak from either side. The closure of the northern Tibetan route has concentrated all climbing activity on Nepal's southern approach, leading to increased congestion and higher permit revenues for the Nepalese government.