Tibet Reopens To Foreigners

China has announced that it intends to reopen the borders of Tibet on April 5th, allowing foreigners back inside on the eve of the country's biggest tourist season. The borders were closed at the beginning of March due to fears of internal unrest on the 50th anniversary of the Dalai Lama going into exile in India.

By most accounts, the anniversary, and the month of March, passed uneventfully, allowing China to deem the region "harmonious and safe". Despite that, the Chinese military still patrols the country, and the foreign press is not allowed to roam freely just yet.

Still, the reopening of the borders should help bolster the Tibetan economy, which is largely based on tourism. Most reports indicate that the number of visitors was down by as much as half before the closure, and the past month has not been kind to the Tibetans who make their living off the tourists trade. But the Ministry of Tourism says that the hotels, resorts, and guide services are standing by, and ready for foreigners to return.

The news of Tibet rejoining the world comes at the right time for several mountaineering teams as well. Most climbers elected to avoid the North Side of Everest this year due to the uncertainty of the situation in Tibet. But the few that elected to remain, will find a quiet, and uncrowded base camp, a far cry from the circus that will be occurring on the Nepal side of the mountain.

While the question of China's claim over the sovereignty of Tibet remains, at least for now, the country is set to reopen and allow adventurous travelers to experience its unique culture and natural beauty once again.

Filed under: Climbing, Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, Asia, China