Local authorities and scenic organizers announced on Wednesday that the Mount Qomolangma Scenic Area in Dingri county of the Xizang autonomous region is set to reopen on March 1, following a comprehensive evaluation that confirmed its readiness for normal operations.

The scenic area has been closed since Jan 7, after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Dingri. The county serves as a crucial passageway to Mount Qomolangma, known in the West as Mount Everest, and is the closest stopping point for climbers and tourists heading to the world’s tallest mountain.

Since Jan 22, the Dingri county government has been preparing for the return of visitors to the Qomolangma region. They have assembled a collaborative inspection team to conduct a thorough evaluation and rectification of key locations within the scenic area.

Over an intensive 35-day period, significant efforts were made to overhaul safety facilities and environmental standards, ensuring they meet strict operational criteria.