Chinese state media reported on Sunday that hundreds of hikers caught off guard by a sudden snowstorm near the eastern slope of Mount Everest in Tibet have been successfully rescued and escorted to safety.
The rescue operation came after several days of intense snowfall and heavy rain that severely impacted the Himalayan region.
According to China Central Television (CCTV), approximately 350 trekkers had reached the small settlement of Qudang safely by Sunday, while officials maintained communication with over 200 others who were still making their way down under supervision.
These visitors had been trekking through the secluded Karma Valley, a picturesque trail leading to Everest’s Kangshung face, during China’s National Day holiday-a peak travel season in the country.
Chen Geshuang, part of an 18-person group that returned safely to Qudang, described the conditions: “The mountains were extremely wet and cold, and hypothermia was a serious concern. Our guide mentioned he had never witnessed such weather in October before, and it all escalated so quickly.”
The blizzard, which brought heavy snow accompanied by thunder and lightning, began Friday evening and persisted through Saturday, covering the valley-situated at roughly 4,200 meters (13,800 feet)-in thick snow.
Local officials organized extensive rescue efforts, mobilizing hundreds of villagers to clear snow-blocked trails and assist those stranded. Earlier reports from the state-affiliated Jimu News suggested that up to 1,000 people were initially trapped in the area.
Chen recounted a difficult night spent enduring freezing temperatures before her group was able to descend. “When we finally reached the village, the locals greeted us with warm tea and food,” she said. “After such a cold and exhausting night, that kindness was invaluable.”
CCTV noted that the remaining trekkers were expected to arrive at designated safe zones in phases under the guidance of rescue teams. However, it remains uncertain whether all local guides and support personnel have been accounted for, or if climbers on Everest’s north face in Tibet were impacted.
Following the incident, authorities have halted ticket sales and closed access to the entire Everest Scenic Area since late Saturday, as announced by the Tingri County Tourism Company on its official WeChat platform.
Meanwhile, in Nepal to the south, heavy rainfall has triggered landslides and flash floods, resulting in at least 47 fatalities since Friday. Officials reported 35 deaths in Ilam district near the Indian border, with nine individuals still missing after being swept away by floodwaters. Additionally, three people have died from lightning strikes in separate incidents across the country.