KATHMANDU: Over two dozen Chinese mountaineers have begun an expedition on Everest.

This year expedition has been closed to foreign climbers because of coronavirus, BBC reported.

Only Chinese climbers are permitted this spring season because of the pandemic, operators told the BBC.

The highest peak of the world stands on the border of China and Nepal and can be climbed from both sides.

China has closed its side to foreign climbers while Nepal has canceled all expeditions in response to COVID-19.

China says it has now all but stopped the spread of the disease and the authorities have started to allow some access to Wuhan, the city in Hubei province where the outbreak began.