A sudden blizzard near Mount Everest has left hundreds of hikers stranded and at least one dead, as rescuers continue evacuation efforts on the mountain’s eastern slopes in Tibet, Chinese state media reported.
The storm, which began Friday evening and intensified over the weekend, struck during China’s Golden Week holiday, a peak period for local tourism. More than 200 hikers remain trapped at altitudes above 4,900 meters (16,000 feet).
Authorities, along with hundreds of local villagers and rescue workers, have cleared snow-blocked paths and guided around 350 people to safety in the nearby township of Qudang. Officials remain in contact with hikers still on the slopes.
Nature photographer Dong Shuchang, part of a tourist group caught in the blizzard, described heavy snowfall and hypothermia risks. “The lightning and thunderstorms would not stop. The snowfall was so heavy I could hardly sleep,” he said, adding that several in his group of 20 showed signs of hypothermia.
Dong and his group turned back at 4,600 meters, navigating slippery trails covered in wet snow and sleet. They spent the night in Qudang relying on a hotel generator for electricity, and left only after the storm eased.
Chen Geshuang, another hiker in the group, described the snow as about a meter deep during their retreat. “All of us are experienced hikers, but this blizzard was extremely difficult to deal with,” she said.
Other hikers reported similar experiences, including frequent tent clearing to prevent collapse and little sleep due to relentless snow. Some had to navigate thick snow even while descending toward safety.
The blizzard disrupted climbing plans on the Karma Valley hiking trail, a scenic but challenging route to Everest’s base. October is typically a favorable month for hiking in the area, with clear skies and moderate temperatures.
Mount Everest’s climbing routes are already considered highly dangerous, with risks from overcrowding, extreme weather, and past fatal incidents. The region is currently experiencing unprecedented weather conditions.
Neighboring regions have also faced extreme conditions: Nepal has endured floods and landslides that killed at least 47 people, while China’s eastern coast has been hit by Typhoon Matmo, forcing about 150,000 evacuations.
