http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/mar/mar14/news09.php

Nepal blocks Everest ascent for 10 days

At the request of Chinese government, Nepal is set to block access to Mt Everest in first week of May to prevent anti-China protests while China takes the Olympic torch to the top of the Everest.

Everest climbers will be denied access to the Himalayas from May 1 to May 10, say agency reports.

China had earlier announced that it had blocked the northern face of the Everest until May 10 due to overcrowding and environmental pressures and had also requested Nepal government to block access during the period.

The early May is generally a period when many expedition teams attempt to scale the Everest.

Usually, southern approach of the Everest becomes impassable after late May due to melting Khumbu icefalls outside base camp.

Tour operators have been instructed to be extra vigilant of expedition teams scheduled to climb the mountain before May 1, allowing only climbers who are known to the operators. nepalnews.com ia Mar 14 08