The Chinese government has closed down the base camp of Mount Everest and the area beyond, with officials citing the growing number of waste and garbage left by tourists as the reason.





The local government in Dingri County in Tibet posted several notices in December 2018 about the new national environmental protection law, which states, “no unit or individuals are allowed entry into the core area of the Mount Qomolangma (Tibetan name for Everest) National Nature Reserve.”





However, deputy director of China’s Qomolangma National Nature Reserve, Gesang Droma, clarified that the prohibition only applies to tourists. Mountaineering, scientific and geological disaster researchers are still allowed to enter the reserve, according to ABC News.





As for tourists, Droma explained that they can still enjoy the view of Everest from the Chinese side via the Rongbuk Monastery, which is located just below the base camp at 16,400 feet (4,998 meters).



