Massive Rescue Effort in Tibet After Sudden Blizzard
BEIJING — Nearly 900 hikers, guides, and staff stranded by a powerful weekend snowstorm on the Chinese side of Mount Everest have been brought to safety, Chinese state media reported late Tuesday. The storm struck Saturday night, cutting off access to high-altitude camps where trekkers were staying at more than 4,900 meters (16,000 feet). Rescue teams worked for two days in freezing conditions to reach those trapped by the severe weather.
Authorities confirmed that 580 hikers and over 300 guides, yak herders, and workers were stranded in the Everest Scenic Area, located in Tibet. By noon Monday, about 350 hikers had managed to descend, while the remainder reached safety on Tuesday. The official Xinhua News Agency reported that roughly a dozen individuals suffering from hypothermia were treated by emergency crews who provided food, medicine, heating, and oxygen supplies.
Tourism Halted Amid Safety Concerns
Following the incident, officials temporarily closed the scenic area on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest. The 8,850-meter (29,000-foot) peak — the tallest in the world — straddles the border between China and Nepal and attracts thousands of climbers and tourists each year. The snowstorm coincided with China’s weeklong “Golden Week” holiday, a peak travel period marking the anniversary of Communist Party rule on October 1.
The unexpected blizzard disrupted travel plans for hundreds of visitors, many of whom were trekking to high-altitude camps or photographing the Himalayan landscape. Local authorities have since urged travelers to avoid the region until conditions stabilize, warning of continued risks from heavy snow, low visibility, and extreme cold.
Casualties and Wider Weather Impact
The Everest snowstorm was part of a broader wave of early-season winter weather affecting parts of western China and the Himalayas. In neighboring Nepal, a South Korean climber died near the summit of Mera Peak — a 6,476-meter (21,250-foot) mountain south of Everest — after being caught in the same weather system.
Elsewhere in China, one person died from hypothermia and altitude sickness in the remote Qilian Mountains in Qinghai province, where more than 200 people were evacuated from a rugged valley. Authorities have since warned against unauthorized entry into undeveloped high-altitude regions, citing unpredictable weather and dangerous terrain. In the far northwest, Xinjiang’s Kanas scenic area was also closed after a snowstorm stranded motorists on icy highways. Roads there were cleared by Monday, state media said.
Rescue Efforts Applauded but Concerns Remain
The large-scale operation on Everest involved local officials, emergency teams, and volunteers, who worked in treacherous conditions to guide stranded trekkers to safety. While the successful rescue was widely praised, experts warned that such incidents may become more frequent as climate patterns shift, bringing unpredictable storms to high-altitude regions earlier in the season.
Authorities have urged future climbers to monitor weather forecasts closely, travel with experienced guides, and carry adequate supplies for emergencies. For now, the region remains off-limits as rescue teams continue assessing damage and ensuring the safety of remaining travelers in surrounding areas.
