Lhasa: A sudden and severe blizzard has left close to 1,000 climbers and trekkers stranded on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest, authorities reported on Saturday. The extreme weather struck late Friday and continued into Saturday, bringing heavy snowfall and harsh winds that blocked access to Everest’s eastern slope. Many of those trapped were at high-altitude camps, some exceeding 4,900 meters (16,000 feet), making conditions perilous for both visitors and rescuers.
Chinese state media, including Jimu News, confirmed that rescue teams and local villagers have been mobilized to clear snow-clogged paths and reach the stranded climbers. Emergency operations have already succeeded in evacuating some tourists safely from the mountain, though officials caution that ongoing blizzard conditions continue to pose a risk.
In light of the situation, the Tingri County Tourism Company announced the suspension of ticket sales and entry to the Everest Scenic Area starting late Saturday, urging visitors to postpone travel until conditions stabilize. Authorities emphasized that high-altitude trekking and climbing are highly dangerous under such extreme weather, calling for vigilance and caution.
The disaster comes amid broader severe weather in the region. Just across the border in Nepal, torrential rains and flash floods have claimed at least 47 lives since Friday, highlighting the vulnerability of the Himalayan region to sudden climatic extremes. Officials in both countries have urged residents and tourists to follow safety instructions closely as rescue and relief operations continue.
This incident underscores the increasing unpredictability of Himalayan weather and the urgent need for preparedness measures to protect climbers and local communities alike.