Everest Trapped Hikers Rescued After Snowstorm
(MENAFN) A severe snowstorm over the weekend left hundreds of hikers, guides, and yak herders stranded on the eastern slopes of Mount Everest in Tibet, but Chinese authorities successfully rescued 580 individuals, according to state media reports on Wednesday.
The eastern, Tibetan side of Everest bore the brunt of the storm’s impact, with access roads blocked and tents collapsing under heavy snow. In contrast, the Nepal side experienced far less disruption, Nepali sustainability advocate Sushil Khadka told media. “Expedition doesn't happen during autumn, only the spring season,” Khadka explained, noting that the autumn trekking season is usually the peak time for visitors. He added that recent severe weather and sudden blizzards interfered with travel plans despite official restrictions on movement over the weekend.
Local media initially reported that at least one hiker had died and nearly 1,000 were trapped amid the snowstorm affecting Tibet and Qinghai. Khadka attributed the larger number of people stranded on the Tibetan side to a series of high-altitude commercial tourism events held there, whereas trekking on the Nepal side is primarily limited to Everest Base Camp visits.
The rescued group, which included hikers, over 300 support personnel such as local guides and yak herders, has been safely relocated to Qudeng township and surrounding areas, media reported, citing local officials.
Meanwhile, on the Nepal side, the Solukhumbu district administration, police, and the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) confirmed no visitors remain stranded following the snowfall, according to a news outlet. Chief District Officer Leela Kumari KC Pandey said, “No tourists are trapped in our region. Our information system is active and efficient. Everyone is travelling safely and without disruption.”
This coordinated response underscores ongoing efforts to safeguard climbers and locals amid increasingly unpredictable weather conditions in the Everest region.
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