Hundreds Rescued Near Everest Blizzard on Tibetan Side
A dramatic rescue operation unfolded this week as a severe blizzard trapped hundreds of trekkers near Mount Everest’s Tibetan side. Chinese state media reported that rescue teams guided about 350 trekkers to safety in the small town of Qudang, after clearing access to their campsites high in the Himalayas. An additional group of more than 200 people, who remained stranded close to the eastern Kangshung face, were in contact with rescuers and expected to arrive in stages.
How it Unfolded
The area, situated above 4,000 metres (approximately 13,000 feet), saw snow and rain more intense than typical for October, traditionally a peak trekking season. Local villagers and multiple rescue teams mobilised to clear snow-blocked routes and establish safe passage for evacuees. State-backed outlets reported that nearly 1,000 people were initially trapped as weather deteriorated over Friday and Saturday.
Rescues Under Harsh Conditions
Rescuers faced extreme cold and wet conditions, with hypothermia presented as a critical risk for anyone stranded. Chen Geshuang, a member of an 18-person trekking group that eventually reached safety in Qudang, recalled the sudden and severe turn in weather: “The weather this year is not normal. The guide said he had never encountered such weather in October.”
What This Means for Trekking in the Region
The Karma valley, which leads to the Kangshung face, has drawn hundreds of visitors this week, bolstered by the eight-day national holiday in China. Officials urged caution for trekkers navigating the areas along the Tibetan side of Everest, noting that conditions can change rapidly, even during typically favorable months.
Unclear Fate for North-Face Trekkers
At the time of reporting, it remained unclear whether trekkers near Everest’s north face—also within Tibet’s boundaries—were affected by the blizzard. Observers stressed that the incident underscores the unpredictable nature of high-altitude weather and the importance of robust rescue coordination and weather forecasting for future expeditions.
Broader Regional Context
South of Tibet, in Nepal, rain-related hazards continued to claim lives, with dozens reported killed by landslides and flash floods in Ilam and surrounding districts. The weekend storms highlight broader Himalayan vulnerability to extreme weather, linking events across multiple border regions.
What’s Next
Rescuers expect more evacuees will reach safety in staged arrivals as weather permits. Local authorities have pledged continued round-the-clock monitoring and support to the evacuated and those awaiting rescue, with emphasis on medical care and shelter in the immediate aftermath of the blizzard.
