Massive Rescue Operation: Over 350 Trekkers Saved from Blizzard Near Mount Everest in Tibet

Over 350 people were rescued from treacherous conditions near Mount Everest in Tibet.

Over 350 individuals were evacuated from dangerous conditions in the vicinity of Mount Everest in Tibet following an unexpected blizzard that hit the area. Footage reveals severe blizzard conditions throughout the region, characterized by powerful winds, intense snowfall, and visibility reduced to almost zero.

Trekkers, sherpas, and campers were observed stranded, desperately maintaining their positions alongside yaks carrying essential supplies. Tents were collapsing under the accumulating snow weight, with several nearly half-buried.

The isolated Karma Valley, which provides access to Everest's eastern Kangshung face, had welcomed hundreds of visitors this week who were taking advantage of China's eight-day National Day holiday period.

During the weekend, approximately 1,000 people became trapped when unusually severe snow and rainfall struck the Tingri region, one of the primary routes to the world's highest mountain.

Chinese media CCTV reported that hundreds of trekkers stranded near Everest's eastern face were guided to safety. By Sunday, 350 trekkers had reached the small township of Qudang, while contact had been established with more than 200 others still on the route.

"It was so wet and cold in the mountains, and hypothermia was a real risk," Chen Geshuang, a rescued trekker, informed CNN.

Snowfall in the valley, situated at an average elevation of 4,200 meters (13,800 feet), began Friday evening and continued through Saturday. The remaining trekkers are expected to arrive in Qudang gradually, led by rescuers organized by the local government.

According to notices on the official WeChat accounts of Tingri County Tourism Company, ticket sales and entry to the Everest Scenic Area were suspended from late Saturday.

"The weather this year is not normal. The guide said he had never encountered such weather in October. And it happened all too suddenly," Chen told Reuters.

The CCTV report did not specify whether local guides and support staff accompanying the trekking groups had been accounted for. It also remains uncertain if trekkers near Everest's north face in Tibet were affected.

The remaining trekkers are expected to reach Qudang in stages, guided and assisted by rescuers coordinated by the local government.

In neighboring Nepal, heavy rains have triggered landslides and flash floods, destroying roads and bridges and claiming at least 47 lives since Friday. In the eastern Ilam district near the India border, 35 people perished in separate landslides. Floodwaters swept away nine others, who remain missing, while lightning strikes killed three more across the country.