Hundreds of hikers stranded by a blizzard near the eastern face of Mount Everest in Tibet have been safely guided by rescuers, according to reports from Chinese state media. The Himalayas experienced unusually heavy snow and rainfall during this period.
Around 350 trekkers managed to reach a small township, and contact has been established with the remaining 200-plus trekkers, as per CCTV’s report. The remote valley of Karma, leading to the eastern Kangshung face of Everest, saw a significant influx of visitors this week, taking advantage of the eight-day National Day holiday in China.
The Karma Valley, initially explored by Western travelers a century ago, stands out as a relatively untouched part of the Everest region. Contrary to the arid north face of the peak, it features abundant vegetation and pristine alpine forests nourished by the meltwaters from the Kangshung glacier at the mountain’s base.
The sudden adverse weather conditions caught many hikers off guard. It remains uncertain if trekkers near the north face were impacted. The north face is a popular spot for tourists due to its easy accessibility via a paved road, especially during the peak season in October when skies typically clear after the Indian monsoon.
Chen Geshuang, part of an 18-member trekking team that made it to Qudang, shared their challenging experience of coping with the wet and cold conditions, risking hypothermia. The weather anomalies this year took them by surprise, with the guide noting unprecedented conditions for October.
Following a distressing night of heavy snowfall accompanied by thunder and lightning, Chen’s group descended from the mountains and received warm hospitality from villagers, offering them comfort and sustenance.
Local villagers and rescue teams mobilized to clear snow blocking access to the area, where nearly 1,000 individuals were stranded, per an earlier report by state-backed Jimu News. The remaining trekkers are set to reach Qudang gradually under the guidance and support of local government-organized rescuers, as reported by CCTV.
In Nepal and India, devastating landslides and heavy snowfall were reported. Snowfall in the Karma Valley, situated at an average elevation of 4,200 meters (13,800 feet), commenced on Friday evening and persisted through Saturday, obscuring views of Everest for many trekkers.
Survivors like Eric Wen recounted the challenges faced during the ordeal, highlighting the continuous snowfall that prompted their decision to retreat from their campsite. The group had to constantly clear snow to prevent their tents from collapsing, with some members succumbing to hypothermia despite being adequately dressed.
While Wen’s expedition party managed to avoid severe consequences, ticket sales and access to the entire Everest Scenic Area were halted. Meanwhile, in Nepal, heavy rains triggered fatal landslides and flash floods, causing significant damage and loss of life, including casualties in the eastern Ilam district bordering India.
