Mount Everest Base Camp in Tibet Closed By China to Tourists over Rubbish

The move by China, which will not affect climbers with permits, comes in the face of rising visitor numbers. Latest figures show that more than 40,000 people travelled to the site in 2015. Unlike the Nepalese camp, which can only be reached on foot after a trek of nearly two weeks, the Chinese base at 5,200m (17,060ft) is popular as it can be accessed by car.

Tang Wu of the tourism commission told Chinese media:

“The key area (of the reserve) will be closed for tourism for an indefinite period, mainly for ecological conservation.”

The ban means tourists are only allowed to go as far as a monastery a short distance below the camp. Refuse being left has been a growing problem on the world's highest peak, with the temperature and high altitude hampering clean-up efforts.