Major Rescue Operation Underway on Everest’s Eastern Side
Rescue efforts have begun in earnest on Mount Everest after a severe snowstorm stranded hundreds of trekkers along the eastern approach in Tibet. Chinese state media reported that a large number of visitors to the Karma valley, which leads to Everest’s eastern Kangshung face, are being guided to safety. The weather system brought heavy precipitation, including rain, concentrated over the that part of the Himalayas, complicating efforts to reach and evacuate those caught in the blizzard.
The operation appears to focus on the Karma valley, a popular route for visitors during China’s eight-day National Day holiday. Snowfall began Friday evening at elevations around 4,200 metres (13,779 feet) and persisted through Saturday, creating dangerous conditions for trekkers and support staff alike. Local authorities mobilized rescue teams and hundreds of villagers to clear blocked access routes and assist in evacuations, according to state media and local reports.
Progress and The Scale of the Challenge
By Sunday, authorities reported that about 350 trekkers had reached the small township of Qudang. Contact with the remaining trekkers—often part of larger trekking groups and supported by local guides and staff—had been reestablished, though the timeline for full evacuation remained fluid. An estimated total close to 1,000 people may have been trapped, highlighting the magnitude of the challenge facing rescuers amid ongoing snowfall and rugged terrain.
Officials said that the remaining trekkers would continue to arrive in Qudang in stages, with organized support from local government teams. The effort involves a coordinated network of rescue units and villagers who have experience operating in high-altitude and snowbound conditions. While the CCTV report did not specify whether local guides and support staff were counted among those trapped, it underscored the difficulty of ensuring everyone’s safety in such a remote and elevated region.
Seasonal Context and Tourism Impacts
October is a peak season for Everest tourism on the Tibetan side, aided by clearer skies as the Indian monsoon wanes. The unusual intensity of the current storm has prompted authorities to suspend ticket sales and entry to the Everest scenic area, a move aimed at preventing further risk to visitors and ensuring rescue operations can proceed without additional casualties.
Nearby Nepal, the weather has also turned severe, with heavy rains triggering landslides and flash floods in multiple districts, claiming dozens of lives and complicating cross-border travel and relief efforts. The contrast underscores the fragile balance many Himalayan regions face during volatile transitional weather.
What Comes Next for Trekkers and Local Communities
As authorities continue to coordinate evacuations, the priority remains the safety and well-being of trekkers who found themselves stranded in perilous snowbound conditions. Rescuers are likely to rely on staged evacuations, medical assessment for hypothermia and injuries, and careful transportation to towns with adequate shelter and facilities.
The broader impact on the Karma valley and surrounding communities will depend on weather recovery, road clearance, and the ability of rescue teams to replenish supplies and support services for those displaced by the storm. In the short term, the incident will likely prompt a reassessment of safety protocols for high-altitude trekking, particularly in sections of Everest that lie in Tibet where access is comparatively more straightforward yet weather can be unpredictable.
Global and Regional Implications
Storm-driven disruptions in one of the world’s most frequented trekking corridors draw attention to the ongoing risks posed by extreme Himalayan weather. Authorities across Nepal and Tibet continue to monitor conditions, coordinate emergency responses, and communicate with the public about travel advisories and safety best practices. For trekkers, the event serves as a stark reminder to prepare for sudden weather changes, carry proper cold-weather gear, and heed local guidance during high-altitude expeditions.
