A large-scale rescue mission is currently in progress as a result of a sudden snowstorm that has left numerous individuals stranded on Mount Everest.
Annually, the mountain attracts hundreds of adventurers attempting to conquer its summit at an elevation of 29,032 feet.
Despite Everest’s popularity among thrill-seekers, it remains a formidable challenge, with recent events highlighting the inherent dangers of such an expedition.
To combat the heavy snow blocking paths on the Tibetan side, hundreds of local volunteers and rescuers have been dispatched after a significant snowfall and blizzard struck the region.
The intense snowfall began on Friday evening (3 October) and grew stronger over the eastern slopes of Everest throughout the weekend.
About 350 trekkers have been safely evacuated, and contact has been made with roughly 200 others still on the mountain.
There hasn’t been an immediate update on the rescue operations for the remaining climbers, though Chinese media Jimu News reported that they are trapped at an altitude exceeding 4,900 meters.
Efforts are underway to guide them safely to the small town of Qudang, coordinated by local government and rescue teams.
Geshuang Chen, who was among a group of hikers that ventured onto the slopes on Saturday (October 4), described how they chose to retreat the following day when the blizzard resulted in unexpectedly high snow levels.
In a conversation with the BBC, Chen shared: “When we woke up the next morning, the snow was already about a metre deep. All of us are experienced hikers. But this blizzard was still extremely difficult to deal with. I was so lucky to get out.”
Chen is now making her way back to Lhasa city, ensuring her safety.
Currently, it is the hiking season in Tibet, coinciding with China’s ‘Golden Week Holiday,’ an eight-day period when trails are busier with tourists and visitors tackling the world’s tallest mountain.
Chen also told the BBC: “Many people come here to hike during the Golden Week, but this year’s snow was exceptional.”
Recently, the Himalayas have been experiencing severe weather conditions, with reports of at least 47 fatalities in Nepal due to extreme landslides and flooding.