Hundreds of Trekkers Rescued from Blizzard-Struck Everest Region in Tibet

Hundreds of trekkers near the eastern Kangshung face of Mount Everest in Tibet were guided to safety after being stranded by a sudden blizzard, Chinese state media reported Sunday. As of Sunday, 350 trekkers had reached the township of Qudang, and contact had been established with more than 200 others, according to CCTV.

Visitors had flocked to the remote Karma Valley during China’s National Day holiday. The region experienced unusually heavy snow and rainfall, creating hypothermia risks and making travel extremely challenging. Many trekkers described clearing snow from tents every few minutes to prevent collapse.

Local villagers and rescue teams worked to clear blocked paths, assisting the remaining trekkers to reach safety in stages. Meanwhile, ticket sales and entry to the Everest Scenic Area were suspended.

The severe weather also affected southern Nepal, where landslides and flash floods have killed at least 47 people, destroyed bridges, and blocked roads since Friday.

Trekkers who reached Qudang recounted harrowing experiences, including freezing temperatures, snowstorms, and limited shelter. Despite the extreme conditions, most trekkers and guides emerged safely, thanks to coordinated rescue efforts.

The incident highlights the growing risks of trekking in the Himalayas amid increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.