Everest - Normal Service Resumes

Things are back to normal on Everest following the Chinese Olympic Torch ascent which means the Nepalese police and army have left the mountain, restrictions are lifted and climbers are streaming up the mountain.

During the Chinese expedition, climbers on the Nepalese side of the mountain were restricted to Camp 2 and below and for a short period, from the mountain altogether. Communications were also strictly controlled by the authorities operating under pressure from their Chinese neighbours.

Now that restrictions are lifted, reports say that climbers are now 'streaming' up the mountain with summit bids planned later this month. Among them are Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who is attempting the mountain for the second time with guide Kenton Cool.

Video still from www.everestchallenge.org.uk

Reports on his web site say that at one point there were so many climbers on the mountain that queues formed for up to an hour at some points in the Khumbu Icefall.

Fiennes himself has returned to base camp after pushing up to Camp 3 for acclimatisation. His acclimatisation is now complete and the team is resting and waiting for a suitable weather window to head for the summit.

Things are looking positive for Fiennes. He says on a video report from his site at www.everestchallenge.org.uk that he has a cough, but not as bad as last time and is generally going well.