All Hikers Currently Secure Following Days Trapped in Intense Snowstorm

Search parties have successfully guided all of the last trekkers near the eastern slopes of Everest in Tibet to security, along with numerous of regional escorts and livestock handlers, authorities reported. This concludes one of the most extensive rescue and recovery operations ever seen in the area.

Massive Rescue Operation Concluded

Numerous of explorers were left stranded in deep snow over the past few days in the isolated Karma valley, after an unexpectedly powerful winter blast deposited substantial snowfall across the territory.

Snow persisted throughout Saturday in the valley, which rests at an typical altitude of 4,200 meters (13,800 feet). By Sunday, emergency teams had led approximately 350 hikers to a safe zone.

Previous accounts had estimated that the last group of roughly 200 hikers were anticipated to reach a secure area by Tuesday.

In total, 580 hikers, in addition to more than 300 guides, livestock herders, and other support staff were rescued, according to official statements released on Tuesday night.

Those Rescued Recount Harsh Situations

One from China hiker described how their group had been “too frightened to sleep” on Saturday, as snow rapidly accumulated around their tents, forcing them to clear it every 90 minutes. They decided to move to lower ground on Sunday as the weather worsened.

“On the way, we met our guide’s father, who had ventured for him. That’s when we found out the snow was deep in the valley, too; community members, not able to contact their children on the mountain, were extremely worried.”

Climbing Plans Thwarted

The severe weather also disrupted the goals of climbers led by a United States mountaineering outfit to reach the top of Cho Oyu, an 8,188-meter (26,864-foot) peak on the boundary between the People's Republic of China and Nepal.

Tourism Increase in the Area

Karma valley was first discovered by western explorers a hundred years ago. In modern times, with the development of the Everest region in Tibet as a significant tourism draw, the area has brought in an rising number of travelers. More than 540,000 visitors traveled to the Everest region last year, setting a unprecedented number.

Area Still Off-Limits

The Everest region remains currently closed to the general public, encompassing the Karma and Rongshar valleys, as well as Cho Oyu.

Wider Impact

The intense snowfall over the weekend also affected numerous of trekkers in other parts of the western regions of China, such as Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu. Sadly, at least one traveler lost their life, due to a mix of exposure and altitude sickness.

Unusual Conditions

October is typically a high season for the area, with typically fine and mild weather, but one participant of an 18-person hiking party that got back to Qudang noted that the weather this year was “atypical.”