Climbing the 29,035ft-high Mount Everest is a life ambition for many people, which is why its closure in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic will have come as such a disappointment to lots of adventurers. So the news that the world’s highest peak will reopen this fall will be welcomed by mountain trekkers who have it in their sights.

Nepal is planning to begin issuing permits for Mount Everest and other Himalayan mountains for the autumn climbing season, which runs from September to November. Eight out of 14 of the world’s highest peaks are in Nepal, and they are Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Annapurna. International flights will resume from August 17, and the country's hotels and restaurants have already reopened. Both the trek to Mount Everest base camp and any attempt at scaling the mountain remain an important source of revenue for Nepal.

Mount Everest has captivated intrepid men and women since the 1920s, and the first climbing expedition to make it to the top was British mountaineer Edmund Hillary and sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953. The two-week climb to Everest Base Camp is perhaps the world's most famous trek, and tens of thousands of people tackle the route every year. They train heavily and make huge sacrifices – many with their lives – in their own attempts to reach the summit. Trekking in the Everest region is a challenge because of the altitude, but the infrastructure for trekking is highly developed there.

Information on how to go about obtaining a trekking permit in Nepal is available here.

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Mount Everest will reopen to trekkers this fall as Nepal resumes tourism

A new Planet Earth natural history spectacular will see Sir David Attenborough coming together with composer Hans Zimmer and Mercury Prize-winning rapper Dave for a visual and musical feast that is designed to lift viewers' spirits during a time of international uncertainty.

"Planet Earth: A Celebration" will take viewers on an exhilarating journey to the wildest places on earth, using eight of the most extraordinary sequences from Planet Earth II and Blue Planet II. David has recorded a new narration for the program, which will travel around the world to see how animals overcome adversity to survive and thrive in some of the world's most challenging environments.

To accompany these sequences, Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea and the team at Bleeding Fingers have created new compositions, and have rearranged the original scores. The string section of the score is performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra, accompanied by UK rapper Dave, who will be featured performing on the grand piano. “I’ve always been fan of powerful natural history documentaries," he says. "This is a program where nature and music come together, so it was only right that I lent my talent, my time and my attention to this project.”

The sequences that will be featured from Planet Earth II include Andean flamingos from Chile, who perform a stunning dance in the safe refuge of a chain of salt lakes, and a mother snow leopard protecting her cub from two males in the Himalayas. From Blue Planet II, we will once again witness massive gatherings of orca and humpback whales feeding together on herring in the fjords of northern Norway. The transmission date has yet to be confirmed, but further information on "Planet Earth: A Celebration" will be available on the BBC website.

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A Planet Earth special will team David Attenborough with composer Hans Zimmer and rapper Dave

“How do you feel about spirituality and remote nature?” Aminaa asks. My eyes are already wandering far beyond the city, where I can see the sun set behind brown mountain ranges in a mystical golden glow.

I arrive in Mongolia, the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky, in October. A friend recommended two experienced travel guides who would be going for their last trip of the season in the far north and Aminaa and her husband Khuyagaa meet me at the airport of Ulaanbaatar. Our travel plans: drive up north to the Taiga to make camp in the valley of their ancestors, meet nomadic families, ancient shamans, and trek towards the legendary reindeer herder tribes. The trip would take me to the heart of Mongolian culture and maybe even further.

Entering the Enchanted Valley

Darkhad Valley is anything but accessible. After two days of driving – three-quarters of which are spent off-road through rocky valleys and cow-grazed mountains – we near Tsagaannuur, the village on the shores of the White Lake. At the entrance of the valley stand shamanic totems, giant teepee-shaped cones made of colorful textile stripes battered by the wind.

By the time we reach the village itself, we have already passed into another world. We see mirror lakes where waters cannot be distinguished from sky and snow-capped mountains loom before the horizon. Our host Tsendmaa welcomes us with a hot pan of horsemeat (organs included) and homemade flat noodles. I learn that horsemeat is consumed in wintertime because it generates body heat.

A large ger (yurt) has been set at the back of Tsendmaa’s house for guests. Sleeping in a ger is part of experiencing the nomadic lifestyle, although I will learn later that nomads don’t stay in gers all year round. This one has proper beds and pillows, extra blankets, and a big oven at the center that can keep us extra-warm for long hours spent chatting, cooking and sharing meals. It’s almost luxury!

Horse trekking with nomadic riders

Over the next couple of days, we prepare for our expedition to meet the Tsaatan, the reindeer herder tribe of East Taiga. We don't know yet if they have already left their summer camp but nevertheless we set out to our first stop, some miles up on a plateau. We meet Erdene and his wife Tuvshin, who welcome us in their home, a wooden cabin decorated with warm-toned carpets and blankets with traditional patterns. As usual, the central hearth serves as both heater and oven. It is where Tuvshin prepares the hot milk tea served to whoever enters the house. Traditionally, Mongolian homes are open to visitors any time of the day and milk tea is always ready to be served.

Finally, Aminaa and Khuyagaa get news of the reindeer herders; they are beyond the forest, reachable only on horse or reindeer. “The number one rule is to not make any brisk move. These horses are semi-wild and will get easily freaked out. The best thing to do is to entrust them with your way, for they know theirs across the Taiga,” we’re told.

I am given an experienced horse. We must get used to each other if we are to cross forests, slippery riverbeds and marshes together. Six of us, plus a horse carrying our equipment, set out in the direction of the reindeer herders' settlement.

Meeting the reindeer herders of East Taiga

The trek to the camp lasts four to five hours. Followed by Tuvshin’s dogs, we ride across forests that are slowly losing their fall colors and turning darker. Yet the eternal blue sky above our heads gives the vast landscapes a warm protective atmosphere. I am silently musing about the magnificence of the nature around us when I see a vision from a fairy tale: a rider is emerging from behind the trees, a few meters away, mounted on a tall reindeer with huge antlers. My heart skips a beat: this is a dream straight from my childhood.

We finally reach the bottom of the valley and on the other bank of the frozen river, the herders’ teepees become visible through the branches. Young reindeer are tied to wooden logs to keep them from running away and when we approach them to play, they happily stroke their antlers on our arms and legs. It’s the time of year where they’re losing their antler skin, so they calm the itchiness by stroking against whatever they can find.

As the sun sets over the teepees, the adult reindeer head back to camp with their herders. Some reindeer have huge antlers and the golden sunbeams pierce between them. I feel I have been waiting all my life for such a moment with the majestic animals. Quietly, they lie down on the ground and look at us peacefully.

The next day, nothing makes me happier than mounting a reindeer and covering my hands with salt, so that they come close and lick my palms: salt is like sugar to them, they love it. My guides are already joking about marrying me to a reindeer herder!

I spend the rest of the trip in northern Mongolia with a smile on my face. I can’t start to describe how privileged I felt to travel and discover such a unique, rough, yet hospitable lifestyle with insiders. It’s a life that is disappearing with climate change as the reindeer find less and less food in the Taiga. Mongolians forecast that in less than two generations, these tribes will no longer exist.

As we leave the enchanted valley in the car that drives back to Ulaanbaataar, my traveler’s heart is filled with happiness and wonder. I even find myself thinking that if I had to stop traveling now, I would gladly accept it because with this journey to what seems like the end of the world, I could sense that I had seen and felt it all. I can gladly go home.

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This trip was taken before the COVID-19 pandemic. Always check local travel restrictions before booking a trip and follow government health advice.

A journey to meet the reindeer tribe of northern Mongolia

Karen Catchpole and Eric Mohl were nearly 14 years into their epic road trip across the Americas when COVID-19 completely changed the world. After meeting each other in New York City, the couple set off on an initial four-year backpacking adventure across Asia before returning home with a different project in mind; to explore as much of North, Central and South America as possible. This is the adventure that they set out on in 2006, and they have been on the road ever since.

The couple has so far visited 18 countries across North, Central and South America, including the USA, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile. Traveling in a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 since 2007, the goal of the journey is to complete the ultimate independent overland road trip through the Americas, avoiding highways and focusing on the byways and back roads that include unique experiences.

Eric and Karen were in the Uco Valley near Mendoza, Argentina when the government began pandemic measures which included closing all land borders, mandatory masks, social distancing, and shopping and circulation restrictions. A few weeks ago they left the valley and moved into the city in order to be safe.

Having spent more than a third of their lives traveling, Karen and Eric have found the last few months to be a huge change. “For both of us, our love of travel comes from the freedom and the newness of every day, the feeling of constant curiosity, constant learning. In term of plans for the future, do any of us have any plans for the future right now? We, like all responsible humans, are taking things day by day while following all health precautions to keep us and our community as safe as possible. We’re also working hard to keep dreams of travel alive on our Trans-Americas Journey travel blog by telling stories from past adventures in the Americas. That’s as far as the future extends for us right now,” the couple told Lonely Planet.  The couple fund their travels by freelancing from the road, producing travel features and restaurant and hotel reviews for a variety of publications.

With so much up in the air right now, Karen and Eric have been able to use the skills that they have amassed over the last decade to keep going. “Of course we are hopeful that a life of travel will be safe, smart, and possible in the future. But at this point we have no idea when Argentina and neighboring countries will open land borders and we also have no idea what travel will look like when we are free to move around again. One thing travel teaches you is how to be flexible and adaptable. We will certainly need those skills.”

More information on Karen and Eric’s journey is available at their official website.

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According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), 40% of all destinations worldwide have now eased the restrictions they placed on international tourism in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The latest UNWTO Travel Restrictions Report confirms the trend of a slow but continuous adaptation and responsible restart of international tourism. Of the 87 destinations that have now eased travel restrictions, just four have completely lifted all restrictions, while 83 have eased them while keeping some measures in place, such as the partial closure of borders. In addition, 115 destinations, representing 53% of all destinations worldwide, continue to keep their borders completely closed to tourists.

The report says that destinations with a higher dependency on tourism for employment, economic growth and development are more likely to be easing restrictions on travel. Around half (41) of the destinations that have eased restrictions are in Europe. Looking at the 115 destinations that continue to have their borders completely closed to international tourism, the report finds that a majority (88) have been completely closed their borders for international tourism for more than 12 weeks.

“The restart of tourism can be undertaken responsibly and in a way that safeguards public health while also supporting businesses and livelihoods," says UNWTO secretary-general, Zurab Pololikashvili. "As destinations continue to ease restrictions on travel, international cooperation is of paramount importance. This way, global tourism can gain people’s trust and confidence, essential foundations as we work together to adapt to the new reality we now face.” To read the full UNWTO Travel Restrictions Report, please see here.

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Oman may not boast of many 'firsts' or 'biggests' in a region bent on grandstanding. What it does boast, with its rich heritage and embracing society, is a strong sense of identity, a pride in its frankincense-trading past and confidence in a highly educated future.

The flag of Oman pays homage to the country’s religious leader, the imam, as well as the dynastic emblem of a much loved ruler.

Flag facts

Adopted: 1970
Design: A vertical red band on the left with the emblem of the rulers in white, top left. Three horizontal bands of white, red, and green on the right.
Usage: National and civil
Ratio: 1:2

What does the Oman flag mean?

The badge of the Al Said dynasty features traditional Omani weapons, including crossed swords and a curved dagger. White represents the country’s religious leader, the imam, as well as peace and prosperity. Red is said to symbolise battles with invading forces. Green symbolises the fertile areas of the country, in particular Jebel Akhdar, the “green mountain,” in the northeast of the country.

The history of the Oman flag

Oman is ruled by a hereditary sultan, whose dynastic emblem appears on the flag. The current design was introduced in 1970, when Sultan Qaboos removed his father from the throne and began to modernise the country. Red is a colour that has been connected with the region and its sultan rulers for hundreds of years.

Oman’s flag facts

• Until 1975, Oman used the plain red banner of the indigenous people.
• The badge of the Albusaidi Dynasty depicts crossed swords over a khanjar, a traditional curved dagger.
• The latest flag adopted by the country was in 1995, a slight adaptation from the one in 1970.

Each flag you see is a picture that has a meaning and sends a message to everyone who sees it. Every country in the world has a flag that represents it and announces to the world that they are proud of our country. Regions and cities often have flags, too. To explore more about the amazing world of flags, check out Lonely Planet’s The Flag Book.

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Introducing the flag of Oman

China is vast. Off-the-scale massive. A riveting jumble of wildly differing dialects and climatic and topographical extremes, it's like several different countries rolled into one. Take your pick from the tossed-salad ethnic mix of the southwest, the yak-butter-illuminated temple halls of Xiahe, a journey along the Silk Road or spending the night at Everest Base Camp.

The flag of Chinese represents its religious and heritage ideology.

Flag facts

Adopted: 1949
Design: A red background with a large yellow star top left, and four smaller yellow stars.
Usage: National and civil
Ratio: 2:3

What does the China flag mean?

The large yellow star on the flag stands for communism. The four stars once symbolised four social classes of Chinese people. They have come to represent China’s ethnic mix of people. Red symbolises communism and is also a traditional colour in Chinese history. Red is also symbolic of luck, joy, and protection in China. At Chinese New Year, people exchange gifts of money in red envelopes.

The history of the China flag

China has the world’s biggest population (around 1.4 billion people). When the Communist party took control in 1949, it introduced a red flag, representing the revolution. It echoes the communist red flags of Soviet Russia. It was also the colour of historical Chinese rulers. The number of stars is important because five is significant in Chinese philosophy, representing the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) and the five virtues (benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, and faithfulness).

China’s flag facts

• The flag is often flown at the New Year parade.
• The National Flag Law of the People's Republic of China has regulations on places or institutions for raising the national flag.
• There is a specific way of folding the map of China, folding them horizontally and vertically.

Each flag you see is a picture that has a meaning and sends a message to everyone who sees it. Every country in the world has a flag that represents it and announces to the world that they are proud of our country. Regions and cities often have flags, too. To explore more about the amazing world of flags, check out Lonely Planet’s The Flag Book.

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Introducing the flag of China

Split by a hair-trigger border, the Korean Peninsula offers the traveller a dazzling range of experiences, beautiful landscapes and 5000 years of culture and history. Korea might be known as the Land of the Morning Calm, but dive into its capital Seoul, the powerhouse of Asia’s third-largest economy, and serenity may be the last thing you’ll perceive.

The flag of the country represents the Buddhist legacy of the country.

Flag facts

Adopted: 1948
Design: A white flag with a red and blue Yin-Yang Buddhist symbol in the centre. Four symbols called trigrams, made of black broken bars, are around the circle.
Usage: National and civil
Ratio: 2:3

What does the South Korea flag mean?

The motifs of the flag point to the legacy of the country. Top-left trigram represents heaven. White is a historical colour of the Korean nation. Top-right trigram symbolises water. Bottom-left trigram represents fire. White stands for calmness. Bottom-right trigram represents Earth.

The history of the South Korea flag

South Korea came into existence in 1948 following its split from the North Korea. Its flag is known as the Taegukgi and was adopted shortly after. The symbol in the centre is the taeguk, which represents the dual character of the universe, such as light and dark or male and female. The trigrams are traditional symbols used in the ancient Eastern book of wisdom, the I Ching.

South Korea’s flag facts

• The white on the flag has another reason. White was common in the daily attire of 19th-century Koreans, and it still makes an appearance in contemporary versions of traditional Korean garments, such as the hanbok. The colour represents peace and purity.
• The trigram represents one of the four traditional elements of the country.
• Korean hero Park Yeong-hyo was the first person to use the taegeuk, or the traditional round Korean symbol, as a design element in the flag.

Each flag you see is a picture that has a meaning and sends a message to everyone who sees it. Every country in the world has a flag that represents it and announces to the world that they are proud of our country. Regions and cities often have flags, too. To explore more about the amazing world of flags, check out Lonely Planet’s The Flag Book.

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Introducing the flag of South Korea

Rwanda is known as Le Pays des Mille Collines (Land of a Thousand Hills) thanks to the endless mountains in this scenically stunning little country. The country’s mineral wealth and lush vegetation are captured on its national flag.

The flag of Rwanda has symbols that represent a hope-filled future for the country.

Flag facts

Adopted: 2001
Design: A blue horizontal band with two narrower horizontal bands in yellow and green.
Usage: National and civil
Ratio: 2:3

What does the Rwanda flag mean?

Light-blue stands for hope. Yellow symbolises mineral wealth. Green stands for prosperity. The Golden Sun emblem represents enlightened thinking and the end of ignorance.

The history of the Rwanda flag

Rwanda became independent from Belgium in 1962, but then had a very troubled period of unrest. A new flag was designed in 2001 to help put the country’s troubles in the past. It features symbols of hope and confidence in the future.

Rwanda flag facts

• The former flag of Rwanda that has been replaced, was a red, green, and yellow tricolour and was very similar to the flag of Guinea.
• The current flag of Rwanda was designed by the artist, Alphonse Kirimbenecyo.
• The Rwandan coat of arms features a traditional basket and is surrounded by rope to show unity in the country.

Each flag you see is a picture that has a meaning and sends a message to everyone who sees it. Every country in the world has a flag that represents it and announces to the world that they are proud of our country. Regions and cities often have flags, too. To explore more about the amazing world of flags, check out Lonely Planet’s The Flag Book.

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