Changing Travel Plans

Nepal bans reporting from Everest, BBC

“The Nepalese authorities have imposed a complete communication ban on journalists from the base camp upwards.”

News blackout at Everest base camp, BBC

“We knew there were restrictions on satellite phones and video cameras but were now told that even pre-recorded radio material on non-political subjects would not be allowed. Nor would informal chats with the hundreds of mountaineers currently in the camp, the tourism ministry official, Prabodh Dhakal, said. If any mountaineer talked to the BBC, he or she would be expelled, he added.”

Editor’s 28 April note: Of course, I saw this coming too – it was inevitable.

Editor’s 22 April note: To clarify a bit on my Everest trip since many of you have asked: less than 2 weeks from departure, after I had paid, my 25 day stay at Everest Base Camp was suddenly cut by the climbing guide company to 10 days (with no explanation) while the cost of getting there was more or less identical. I was given no basic information as to what electronic items I could/could not bring with me. I cancelled my trip with great reluctance (an understatement) due to lack of confidence in what I could expect once I arrived.

Editor’s 4 April note: I will not be travelling to Everest Base Camp as I had planned. I cancelled the trip today. Long story – suffice it to say that there are significant logistics uncertainties that have arisen in the past week or so that persist and make the value of being there to observe and record somewhat limited.