Blizzard Strands Nearly 1,000 Trekkers on Everest Slopes in Tibet; Hundreds Rescued

A sudden early-season blizzard left nearly 1,000 trekkers trapped on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest over the weekend, triggering a large-scale rescue operation as snow, thunder, and freezing rain battered the slopes.

By Sunday, approximately 350 people had been safely led to the township of Qudang, while contact had been established with more than 200 others still stranded in the region.

Local rescue teams and villagers are working to guide the remaining groups down through blocked trails.

The trekkers had been exploring the remote Karma Valley, which lies on Everest’s eastern Kangshung face. Because of the Chinese National Day holiday, the area saw unusually high foot traffic.

The valley sits at an average elevation of about 4,200 meters (13,800 feet). Snow began falling late Friday and intensified through Saturday, catching trekkers off guard. Many endured a harrowing night amid high winds, lightning, and deep snow. “It was so wet and cold in the mountains, and hypothermia was a real risk,” one trekker who made it to Qudang said.

Guide teams said such severe October weather was unprecedented. Officials temporarily suspended ticketing and all access to the Everest Scenic Area to prevent further risk. The Chinese government has said the rescue is ongoing and continues to monitor conditions in the peak trekking zone.

October is normally a favored window for climbers and hikers as monsoon clouds dissipate and conditions improve. But this year’s storm is an unusual early intruder, underscoring the growing unpredictability of Himalayan weather.