More Than 200 Trekkers Stranded in Freezing Conditions Near Mount Everest as Blizzard Hits Tibet

Blizzard Strikes Without Warning

A sudden and powerful snowstorm swept across Tibet’s eastern Himalayas, trapping hundreds of trekkers near the eastern face of Mount Everest. The blizzard struck over the weekend, catching hikers off guard as they trekked through the Karma Valley — a remote area at around 4,200 meters (13,800 feet) above sea level.

The region had been crowded with travelers during China’s eight-day National Day holiday, when thousands set out to explore the country’s mountainous west. Many aimed to see the Kangshung Face of Everest, a less-frequented but breathtaking route known for its unspoiled scenery.

Rescue operations began Monday and continued through Tuesday as snow and freezing winds complicated efforts. By late Tuesday, most of the more than 200 stranded trekkers had been evacuated, though several groups remained in contact with rescuers as they awaited air or ground evacuation.

“Thankfully, some people ahead of us were breaking trail, leaving footprints we could follow," said Eric Wen, a 41-year-old hiker who walked nearly 19 kilometers through heavy snow to reach safety. “Otherwise, it would’ve been impossible for us to make it out on our own."

Evacuations in Harsh Conditions

Snow fell through Saturday, blanketing roads and collapsing tents under its weight. By Sunday, rescuers had guided about 350 people to safety in Tingri County, according to Chinese state media. Another 200 were reached by rescue teams that made contact via satellite communication.

A hiker who managed to descend early said snow on the slopes had reached one meter (three feet) deep, destroying several campsites. Hundreds of rescuers, joined by locals using horses and oxen, cleared paths through the snow so that hikers could descend.

The storm struck at an elevation of nearly 4,900 meters (16,000 feet) , where oxygen levels are low and wind chills can plunge far below freezing.

Warnings for Future Treks

As communication was reestablished with stranded groups, experts urged caution for anyone attempting similar routes in coming weeks.

“If bad weather is approaching, trekkers and climbers should alert local authorities and stay in a safe place — a lodge, tent, or shelter clear of avalanche zones or riverbeds," said Adriana Brownlee, a British mountaineer. “Every group should carry at least one satellite phone or GPS tracker — it can save lives."

The Karma Valley was first explored by Western travelers a century ago and remains one of the most pristine areas near Everest. It is far less visited than the northern approach, which has road access. Last year, the Everest region attracted more than 540,000 tourists, setting a new record.

Blizzard’s Reach Across Western China

The same weather system spread far beyond Tibet, bringing snow and chaos to several mountain regions. In the Qilian Mountains, straddling Qinghai and Gansu provinces, one trekker died from hypothermia and altitude sickness, while 251 others were rescued.

Farther north, in the Altai Mountains of Xinjiang, hiking and camping were suspended around Kanas Lake as police warned of worsening weather. Authorities said more than 300 hikers were turned back, and one person showing signs of hypothermia was hospitalized.

The storm also paralyzed road traffic across parts of western China, covering highways in ice and snow. Crews worked around the clock to clear blocked roads and free stranded tourist buses.

Climbers Forced to Retreat

The snowstorm disrupted professional climbing expeditions as well. On Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-highest peak at 8,188 meters (26,864 feet), teams guided by Madison Mountaineering, a U.S.-based company, were forced to halt their ascent.

“A major storm suddenly developed and dumped over a meter of snow on Everest and the surrounding Himalayan peaks," said Garrett Madison, the team’s expedition leader. He confirmed that climbers plan to resume their climb once the weather improves.

After the Storm

In the aftermath, the mountains stood quiet, covered in deep snow that glistened under a pale sky. Rescue teams continued to move cautiously through the terrain, checking for missing hikers and assessing damaged routes.

For those who made it out, the memory of the storm will linger. What began as a scenic autumn trek through the Himalayas turned into a battle against cold, exhaustion, and time.

The trail to Everest’s eastern face is once again visible — but the footprints in the snow tell the story of a narrow escape from one of nature’s sudden turns.