According to Chinese state media, a total of 580 hikers trapped by severe weather near Mount Everest have been successfully guided to safety in Tibet. The trekkers reached the small township of Qudang along with 300 local guides, yak handlers, and other support staff.
A final group of around 10 hikers, accompanied by rescue workers, is in transit to Qudang. They have made it to a rendezvous point equipped with heating, oxygen, and other emergency supplies.
The tourists found themselves stranded at altitudes exceeding 4,900 meters (16,000 feet) after heavy snowfall obstructed their path on Everest's eastern slopes over the weekend.
The blizzard struck during China's eight-day Golden Week holiday, a peak season for local tourism. Typically, October offers clear skies and favorable temperatures, making it a preferred month for hiking near Everest.
Many trekkers flocked to the Karma Valley hiking trail, a lesser-known yet scenic route leading to the base of Everest, which provides stunning views of the world's highest peak. Snowfall began on Friday evening, intensifying throughout the weekend and catching guides unprepared.
One trekker shared with the BBC that despite his extensive experience with the Himalayas, he had never encountered such treacherous weather conditions. Signs of hypothermia appeared among several members of his group.
Rescue efforts mobilized police, firefighters, and hundreds of local Tibetan volunteers. Reports emerged of hikers struggling to sleep due to the relentless snowfall, while another individual in a different mountain area suffered fatal consequences from hypothermia and altitude sickness.
As rescue efforts continue, neighboring Nepal is also facing devastating rains that have led to severe flooding, claiming over 50 lives.
