China Denies Entry to Parvaneh Kazemi, Everest Conqueror, to Tibet

Parvaneh Kazemi, the conqueror of Everest, was unable to enter Tibet to summit "Choyu" due to a ban imposed by the Chinese government on Iranian citizens. According to her, other climbers from various parts of the world were allowed entry to Tibet, and this ban was specifically applied to her as an Iranian citizen. Kazemi underwent an intensive training program over the summer to attempt to conquer another mountain over eight thousand meters high. She stated, "Without knowing why, the permit for Iranian climbers to enter Tibet is not possible." The coordination process requires first applying for a climbing permit from Nepal, and after coordination, the Chinese mountaineering organization issues a permit, which is essential for obtaining a Chinese visa. Finally, permission to enter Tibet is granted. Kazemi was the only Iranian member of an international team comprising climbers from around the world. However, before the program began, she was informed that China does not grant climbing permits to Iranians. She told ISNA news agency, "I couldn't believe it and pursued the matter because Iran's relations with China seem good, and Iran is a very good market for Chinese goods. I followed up through various channels in Nepal and different companies. I even traveled there myself but hit a dead end." Kazemi has independently conquered several eight-thousand-meter peaks and is the first woman in the world to have successfully summited both Everest and Lhotse in one season. She previously emphasized that she sought sponsorship for her Everest ascent from government and private organizations, but none were willing to support her. Even the Women's Department in the Ministry of Sports did not grant her a meeting. In spring 2012, she needed $45,000 for the Everest and Lhotse ascent, which she covered herself and succeeded. The following year, she targeted "Kangchenjunga," the third-highest peak in the world at 8,586 meters. During her ascent of Makalu, she had neither fixed ropes nor a snow path. For the final entry permit to Tibet, she was told everywhere she went, without any explanation, "No, Iranian no!" Kazemi expressed her disappointment to ISNA, stating, "All my teammates went to Tibet, but despite spending a lot of money, I had to return." This Iranian climber also visited the Chinese embassy in Iran, where she said, "I faced very bad treatment. I think it was the deputy consul who had a very bad attitude. He was unresponsive and told me to say my piece in one minute and leave."