Hundreds of hikers stranded by a blizzard near the eastern face of Mount Everest in Tibet have been safely guided out by rescuers, as Chinese state media reported. The Himalayas experienced heavy snow and rain, with about 350 trekkers reaching a small township and contact established with the remaining 200-plus individuals, according to CCTV.
During the eight-day National Day holiday in China, hundreds of visitors explored the remote Karma Valley, leading to the eastern Kangshung face of Everest. This pristine area, first discovered by Western travelers a century ago, contrasts the peak’s arid north face with lush vegetation and untouched alpine forests nourished by meltwaters from the Kangshung glacier.
Tibet media shared a video of trekkers receiving hot soup in a communal hall before being transported away from the region. In Nepal, a South Korean trekker lost his life on Mera Peak, with his body recovered by a rescue helicopter on Monday. The Nepal National Mountain Guide Association confirmed the incident, with the guide being rescued.
Weather conditions took a sudden turn, causing challenges for trekkers near the north face, which is easily accessible and popular among tourists. Chen Geshuang, part of an 18-member trekking team, highlighted the abnormal weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and thunderstorms, leading to a risk of hypothermia.
Chen’s group faced a challenging descent from the mountains, encountering heavy snow and lightning. After a difficult evening, they were welcomed by villagers with sweet tea and warmth. Local villagers and rescue teams were mobilized to clear snow, aiding nearly 1,000 trapped individuals in the area.
In the Karma Valley, snowfall began on Friday and persisted through Saturday, affecting trekkers like Eric Wen. Despite the adverse conditions, Wen’s group decided to return to safety due to continuous snowfall. They battled the elements, with some members succumbing to hypothermia. Fortunately, the majority of the expedition party, including guides and support staff, emerged unharmed.
Ticket sales and entry to the Everest Scenic Area were halted due to the severe weather conditions. In Nepal, heavy rains triggered landslides and flash floods, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage. Landslides in the Ilam district claimed several lives, while others were reported missing or affected by flooding and lightning strikes.
