KATMANDU, Nepal (AP) - Nepalese soldiers and police with orders to shoot if necessary are guarding the slopes of Mount Everest to stop any protests by Tibetans during China's planned Olympic torch run to the summit, officials said Sunday.

The 25 soldiers and policemen have already established several camps on the mountain, Nepal's Home Ministry spokesman Modraj Dotel said, adding that more troops could be sent if needed.

"They have been given orders to stop any protest on the mountain using whatever means necessary, including use of weapons," Dotel said, adding that any protesters would be arrested and shooting would be the last option.

Chinese climbers plan to take the Olympic torch to the summit of Everest - the world's highest peak - in the first few days of May. During that time, other climbers will be banned from the mountain's higher elevations.

Everest straddles the border between Nepal and China's Tibet region.

Dotel said Nepal cannot allow any protests against China. Police have broken up recent demonstrations by Tibetan exiles in the capital, Katmandu, and detained protesters.

There are already dozens of mountaineers on Everest for the popular spring climbing season. Climbers spend weeks acclimatizing and making practice runs up the slopes before their push to the 8,850-meter (29,035-foot) summit.

Climbers will be barred from going above Camp 2 at 6,600 meters (21,300 feet) until the Chinese finish their torch run. The harsh weather on Everest allows only about two windows in May when conditions are favorable for the push to the summit.

Tibetan exiles have protested almost daily in Katmandu in front of the United Nations office and the Chinese Embassy against Beijing's rule over the region.

Security has been stepped up around the embassy and offices since the protests began, with hundreds of police officers posted to the streets leading to the building.