I was referring to our ability to determine their location. I'm sure they knew where they were. And since the PRC guards didn't mess with them apparently, they must have been in Nepal. Probably a good thing.
The PRC has issued climbing permits to some countries' climbers. But they usually have the expedition well staffed with government ticks.
I have issues of the American Alpine Club annuals and many other books on the area of interest. Galen Rowell was one of my favorite people even tho politically we were poles apart.
Now he knew how to piss off the PRC.