All Trekkers Now Safe After Multiple Days Stranded in Powerful Winter Storm

Search parties have escorted all of the last hikers near the east-facing slopes of Everest in the Tibet region to security, including scores of native guides and animal tenders, local government stated. This wraps up one of the largest search-and-rescue operations ever seen in the zone.

Large-Scale Rescue Operation Concluded

Numerous of trekkers were became trapped in heavy snow over the recent weekend in the secluded Karma valley, after an exceptionally powerful blizzard dumped significant snowfall across the area.

Snow kept coming down throughout Saturday in the valley, which rests at an average altitude of 4,200 meters (13,800 feet). By Sunday, rescuers had guided approximately 350 hikers to safety.

Previous accounts had suggested that the last group of roughly 200 travelers were expected to reach a secure area by Tuesday.

In total, 580 hikers, along with more than 300 escorts, livestock herders, and other support staff were evacuated, according to official reports released on Tuesday night.

Those Rescued Describe Extreme Conditions

One Chinese hiker shared how their group had been “too anxious to sleep” on Saturday, as snow rapidly accumulated around their tents, obliging them to clear it every 90 minutes. They opted to move to lower ground on Sunday as the conditions worsened.

“On the way, we met our guide’s father, who had ventured for him. That’s when we realized the snow was deep in the valley, too; local residents, not able to contact their children on the mountain, were very anxious.”

Expedition Plans Thwarted

The snowstorm also disrupted the objectives of alpinists led by a United States climbing firm to summit Cho Oyu, an 8,188-meter (26,864-foot) peak on the boundary between the People's Republic of China and the nation of Nepal.

Tourism Growth in the Area

Karma valley was first visited by international travelers a long time ago. In modern times, with the expansion of the Everest region in Tibet as a major tourism draw, the area has attracted an rising number of visitors. More than 540,000 visitors traveled to the Everest region last year, setting a new record.

Area Still Off-Limits

The Everest region continues to be temporarily off-limits to the public, including the Karma and Rongshar valleys, as well as Cho Oyu.

Broader Effect

The significant snowfall over the weekend also influenced hundreds of hikers in other parts of western China, for example Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu. Sadly, at least one traveler lost their life, due to a combination of low body temperature and altitude sickness.

Unusual Weather

October is typically a busy season for the area, with typically clear and pleasant weather, but one member of an 18-person expedition team that got back to Qudang noted that the weather this year was “unusual.”