Everest Reopens After a Year‑Long COVID Shutdown—Climbers Are Back on Track
After a full‑year pause, mountaineering enthusiasts are gearing up to tackle the world’s tallest peak next month, with the Nepalese authorities setting strict health protocols to keep climbers safe.
Traffic on the Trail: More Than 300 Foreign Climbers Expected
- April season kickoff – the window that usually starts the avalanche of oxygen‑hungry attempts.
- Estimated participants – ~300 international climbers, a notch below the 381 record in 2019.
- They must carry a negative COVID test certificate and fulfill a one‑week quarantine before ascending.
Why Everest Still Stands Out
- Geography – Eight of the world’s tallest summits, including Everest, sit in, or partially in, Nepal.
- Economic impact – Foreign climbers inject millions into the local economy each year.
Guides on the Ground
Lukas Furtenbach, from a U.S.‑based outfit, is rallying 22 climbers across five teams, two of which are heading straight for the summit. He’s already tightening protocols:
- Testing schedule – Regular checks to cherry‑pick healthy teammates.
- Expedition doctor on board – Because “high altitude doesn’t play well with infections.”
- “Closed bubble” at base camp – Think of it as a small, safe camp‑kin.
- Strict hygiene measures – No sneezing onto a glacier.
What’s Happening on the China Side?
Chinese authorities, maintaining their a‑poison‑lollipop stance, have decided to keep their side closed for the season. Nepal’s side, however, is looking busy.
Other Major Players
Garrett Madison from Madison Mountaineering is leading a “big crew” to the peak. He factors the pandemic into “normal precautions” rather than a death sentence:
“We’re not afraid of Covid, but we’ll take precautions.” – Garrett Madison
Not All Are Back
Meanwhile, Adrian Ballinger from Alpenglow Expeditions says the timing is “un‑responsible” because Nepal’s healthcare setup is thin. He wants to avoid turning the summit into a medical evacuation site.
All Eyes on Health Metrics
- Vaccinations started in January with AstraZeneca doses from India.
- Current case tally – 104 new cases reported, a lot less than the 5,743 high point.
- Deaths to date – 3,012.
In short, Everest is back up, but with a spotlight on safety and health. If you’re thinking of bobbing up the climbing hood, double‑check those protocols. Happy ascending!
