Nepal, Feb. 15 -- The Mount Everest base camp in Tibet will be closed to all tourists until further notice to clear the garbage that has piled up, Chinese officials say.

The decision, officially announced last month, came to public attention in the past couple of days after reports claiming the base camp of the world's highest mountain had been permanently shut down went viral.

On Thursday, state news agency Xinhua quoted Kelsang, deputy director of the Mount Everest reserve's administration, as saying ordinary tourists would be allowed to visit areas around Rongpo monastery, at almost 5,000 metres above sea level. Those with climbing permits would be allowed to go to the base camp, at an altitude of 5,200 metres, and higher.

The limit...