A massive Mount Everest blizzard rescue operation is underway after nearly 1,000 trekkers were trapped in Tibet due to heavy snowfall and strong winds. The blizzard, which began on Friday evening, caught trekkers off guard and blocked access to remote valleys in the region. Rescue teams, along with local villagers, quickly mobilized to guide trekkers to safety.
By Sunday, about 350 trekkers had reached the township of Qudang, while contact was established with more than 200 others. Authorities are evacuating trekkers in stages, prioritizing those most at risk. Many trekkers described the conditions as “wet and cold,” with hypothermia posing a serious threat. Even guides said they had never experienced such extreme weather in October.
The affected area lies at an elevation of approximately 4,200 metres (13,800 feet), including the eastern slopes and the remote Karma valley that leads to Everest’s eastern Kangshung face. October is typically a peak trekking season with clear skies, making this year’s blizzard highly unusual. The large crowds this month were partly due to an eight-day national holiday in China, which drew additional trekkers to the area.
The blizzard coincided with heavy rainfall in Nepal and parts of India, causing landslides and flash floods that killed and injured several people. Rescue operations continue, with teams working to ensure that all trekkers reach safety. Officials have confirmed that the Mount Everest blizzard rescue effort remains ongoing and is being closely coordinated with local authorities.
This incident highlights the dangers of extreme weather at high altitudes and serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness for trekkers visiting the Himalayas during the winter months.
