Hundreds Rescued from 'Freak' Everest Blizzard, Search Continues for the Stranded
Published Date: 6th Oct, 2025
Tibet, China – October 6, 2025 – A massive rescue operation is underway on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest after an unusually severe and sudden blizzard trapped nearly 1,000 trekkers during China’s National Day holiday weekend.
As of Monday, Chinese state media reported that approximately 350 hikers have been successfully guided to safety from the snow-swept slopes of the Karma Valley, which leads to Everest's eastern Kangshung face. However, emergency teams are still working to reach and evacuate over 200 other trekkers who remain stranded in the remote, high-altitude terrain.
The hikers, primarily Chinese tourists visiting the Everest Scenic Area, were caught off-guard when the early-season storm—described by local guides as "not normal" for October—struck on Friday and continued through Saturday.
Survivors Describe 'Terrifying' Ordeal
Those who made it to the small township of Qudang described a terrifying ordeal of relentless snowfall, thunder, and lightning. The extreme conditions, which included one-meter (three-foot) deep snow at camps situated above 4,900 meters (16,000 feet), quickly made routes impassable and crushed tents.
"It was so wet and cold in the mountains, and hypothermia was a real risk," said Chen Geshuang, one of the trekkers who reached safety. Another survivor, Eric Wen, reported that his group had to clear snow from their tents every ten minutes just to prevent them from collapsing.
Hundreds of local villagers, along with organized rescue teams using horses and oxen to clear blocked trails, were deployed to the affected area. The operation has been complicated by continuous heavy snow and the treacherous terrain.
In a related incident, Chinese state media reported that one hiker died of hypothermia and acute altitude sickness in a mountainous region of Qinghai province, as the same severe weather system batters the Himalayas.
Access and ticket sales to the entire Everest Scenic Area in Tingri County have been suspended as a safety precaution while the rescue mission continues. Authorities remain in contact with all the remaining stranded trekkers, who are being guided down in stages. The focus of the rescue remains on bringing everyone to safety.
Date: 6th Oct, 2025
