Massive Rescue Operation Underway as Hundreds of Hikers Stranded in Mount Everest Blizzard

Rescue operations are currently in progress to bring nearly 200 trekkers to safety after they were caught in a severe snow blizzard near Mount Everest in Tibet. An unexpected heavy snowfall during one of China's busiest holiday periods trapped hundreds of hikers, necessitating a large-scale rescue mission.

Chinese authorities have confirmed that contact has been established with all stranded individuals, and 350 people have already been guided to safety. However, approximately 200 trekkers remain stranded in the remote Karma valley on the Tibetan side of the border, which leads to the eastern Kangshung face of Everest.

According to sources speaking to Reuters, the evacuation that commenced on Monday is expected to be completed by Tuesday.

In a related incident in neighboring Nepal, a South Korean climber lost their life after being caught in a storm while ascending a Himalayan peak just south of Everest.

The blizzard began on Friday night (October 3), taking tourists by surprise at campsites situated at an elevation exceeding 4,900 meters (16,000 feet). This emergency situation occurred during "Golden Week" - an eight-day holiday period in China when thousands of people travel throughout the country.

Social media footage from the valley revealed hundreds of stranded individuals between snow-covered mountains, accompanied by their support yaks and mules.

Rescued survivors described the conditions in Karma Valley as extremely cold, with powerful winds and snow accumulations up to one meter deep. They reported that their tents were buried and trails disappeared beneath a thick white blanket of snow on Friday and Saturday.

"It was the most extreme weather I've ever faced in all my hiking experiences, without question," stated Dong Shuchang, a Chinese trekker, during an interview with The Guardian. He described the "violent convective snowstorm on the eastern slope" of Everest.

Another trekker told the publication that when he checked during the middle of the night, he "saw that the snow had nearly covered the top." He added, "It was the first time I truly felt the fear of being buried alive."

One Chinese hiker informed the British publication that their group was "too scared to sleep" on Saturday as snow accumulated around their tents. They decided to descend on Sunday when the weather deteriorated further.

"On the way, we met our guide's father, who had come looking for him. That's when we learnt the snow was heavy in the valley, too; villagers, unable to contact their children on the mountain, were extremely worried."