Image taken by: Kerem Barut

The reason for shutting down expeditions is due to China’s need to control the route of the Olympic torch, which will be relayed from Lhasa to Mt. Everest. The Olympics have always had a political undertow. According to John Ackerly, President of the International Campaign for Tibet, "This is an ominous indication of the controls that China is likely to impose as the flame travels from the top of Everest through Tibet. Beijing is using the Olympics torch ceremony, which should stand for human freedoms and dignity, to bolster its territorial claim over Tibet."

Mounteverest.net brings to light the impact this decision has on adventurers who have been looking forward to summiting Everest. "Considering the need for acclimatization and infrastructure, climbing Everest north side this spring will be short of impossible. This is a serious blow to Everest climbers and related personnel, many of whom got the notice only one week before their Everest approach is due to begin."

It is expensive to climb Everest and most of the costs for expeditions are paid well in advance. Those who are still determined to climb Everest and have the economic resources to do so have chosen to re-route their expeditions on the south side of the mountain. According to Mounteverest.com this is “putting a dangerous strain on this side of the peak, with close to 70 permits reportedly issued there already this season,"