Last week we shared the news that Nepal was planning to reopen to foreign travelers starting on October 17, welcoming trekkers and climbers back into the country. As with most places around the globe, Nepal has been on strict lockdown since the start of the pandemic this past spring, even going so far as to … Read more
As with the rest of the world, Nepal has been struggling with the coronavirus since it was declared a global pandemic back in March. Not long after, the country closed its borders to the outside world, shutting off access to the Himalaya just before the start of the lucrative spring climbing and hiking season. That … Read more
Sad news out of Kathmandu today, where it has been announced that mountaineering legend Ang Rita Sherpa has passed away. According to the Kathmandu News, he had been suffering from brain and liver problems in recent months and has succumbed to those ailments. He was 72 years old at the time of his passing. Known … Read more
As Nepal edges closer to reopening to visitors this fall, the number of trekkers and climbers interested in visiting the Himalayan country at the moment remains in question. But at least one team will make the journey in the coming weeks, as it is now confirmed that members of the Bahrain Royal Guard will attempt … Read more
A new study conducted by the University of Washington and the University of California takes a look at the past two decades of climbing on Mt. Everest and comes away with some interesting results. Despite conventional wisdom and media reports, the researchers behind the study have determined that even though the mountain has become increasingly … Read more
The COVID-19 pandemic has made life difficult just about everywhere, bring the world to a standstill at times and raising awareness of our own fragile health. It has been difficult to find a silver lining over the past few months, as we all stay close home, don our masks in public, and avoid interaction with … Read more
After cancelling the spring climbing season in Nepal due to the coronavirus, the local tourism economy has been pinning its hopes on a return to normal activities in the fall. But as the number of COVID-19 infections continues to rise in that country, even that now looks like it is in serious doubt. A few … Read more
If you wonder why so many people are so taken with bikepacking these days, check out this video. It takes us on an epic journey from Ladakh in India to Kathmandu in Nepal, with plenty of stunning scenery along the way. The route crosses over the High Himalaya, using remote trails and roads to climb … Read more
Nepal took a big step forward in its plans to reopen to climbers and trekkers this week, even as the country continues to struggle with the coronavirus. But with the Nepalese tourism sector losing more than $10 billion rupees ($83 million) per month during the lockdown, the economic impact of staying closed has weighed heavily … Read more
What are the prospects of a return to some form of normalcy in the Himalaya as the fault trekking and climbing season approaches with the coronavirus still a significant threat.