Unusual October Storm Strands Hikers on Everest’s Tibetan Slopes
An unexpected snowstorm has trapped hundreds of hikers and guides on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest, turning what is typically a calmer October trekking period into a high-altitude rescue operation. The weather, described by observers as “not normal,” arrived Friday evening and intensified through Saturday, blanketing the Karma valley that leads to the mountain’s eastern face. With temperatures plummeting and rain turning to snow at elevations above 4,900 meters (about 16,000 feet), rescuers faced dangerous conditions and a race against hypothermia.
What Happened and Where
Local reports indicate that the snowfall began in the Karma valley on Friday evening and persisted into Saturday, trapping hundreds of hikers in campsites along the eastern approaches of Everest in Tibet. initial estimates suggested as many as 1,000 hikers were affected, though subsequent updates from Chinese state media indicated that around 350 had been evacuated and about 200 others had been contacted by rescue teams and authorities.
Rescue Efforts and Challenges
Rescue teams—supported by local villagers—are working to clear snow-blocked access routes in a region that sits at high altitude and exposed terrain. The operation involves difficult terrain, limited daylight, and freezing conditions, all of which heighten the risk of hypothermia and other weather-related injuries. Evacuations have been concentrated in the nearby township of Qudang, where evacuees have been brought for medical assessment and shelter. Authorities have also suspended ticket sales and entry to the Everest Scenic Area since Saturday to facilitate rescue work and ensure public safety.
Context: October at Everest and Recent Regional Weather
October is traditionally one of the peak hiking seasons around Everest, when days are usually clearer and the temperatures are relatively forgiving. This year, the weather has disrupted those patterns, catching many guides and hikers off guard. A veteran guide who has worked on Everest for years reportedly said he had never encountered weather like this in October, underscoring the severity and suddenness of the storm. The incident also comes amid a broader period of extreme weather across the Himalayas and nearby regions, including deadly floods and landslides in Nepal in recent days.
Impact on Tourism and Local Communities
The incident has impacted the broader travel economy in the region. China’s Golden Week holiday has boosted domestic tourism, and the sudden storm disrupted access to popular trekking routes and mountain areas. Local authorities stressed safety and coordination with rescue teams while monitoring weather forecasts to determine when it will be safe to resume trekking and permit operations.
What Comes Next
As weather conditions evolve, officials have indicated that rescue operations will continue with the aim of ensuring all stranded visitors are accounted for and cared for. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing assessments of weather patterns, access routes, and the readiness of medical facilities to handle altitude-related injuries and hypothermia. Stay with us for the latest updates on the rescue efforts and the status of Everest access as conditions allow.
