by Ennio Bassi
One of the region’s largest rescue missions concludes after extreme snow traps over 580 hikers and guides in Tibet’s remote Karma Valley
Authorities in Tibet have confirmed that all remaining trekkers trapped near Mount Everest’s eastern face have been brought to safety, concluding one of the largest search-and-rescue operations ever conducted in the Himalayas.
More than 580 trekkers, along with over 300 local guides, yak herders, and support staff, were stranded in deep snowafter an unusually strong blizzard swept through the remote Karma Valley over the weekend.
The storm, which dumped heavy snowfall across the region beginning Saturday, hit during peak trekking season. The Karma Valley, situated at an altitude of around 4,200 meters (13,800 feet), quickly became impassable, cutting off communication and safe passage for hundreds of hikers.
By Sunday, roughly 350 hikers had been led to safety, and by Tuesday, rescuers completed the evacuation of the remaining 200, many of whom had endured two nights exposed to extreme cold.
“We were too scared to sleep,” said one Chinese trekker. “Snow piled up around our tents so quickly we had to clear it every 90 minutes. On Sunday, we decided to descend even though the weather had worsened.”
Villagers, worried for their family members working as guides or herders, joined the rescue efforts with oxen and horses, trekking into the mountains to search for loved ones.
The severe weather also forced US-based expedition team Madison Mountaineering to cancel a planned summit attempt of Cho Oyu, the sixth-highest peak in the world, located along the China-Nepal border.
Tourist Hotspot Temporarily Closed
The Everest region in Tibet, which welcomed over 540,000 tourists last year, has been temporarily closed following the storm. Chinese state media outlet Xinhua reported that Karma and Rongshar valleys, as well as the Cho Oyu climbing routes, are now off-limits until further notice.
The blizzard’s impact extended beyond the Everest region, affecting hikers in Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu provinces. Authorities confirmed at least one fatality—a trekker who succumbed to hypothermia and acute mountain sickness.
Although October typically brings clear skies and mild conditions, trekkers this year faced abrupt and extreme weather shifts.
“This year, the weather is not normal,” said Chen Geshuang, part of a group of 18 that safely returned to Qudang town.
Rescue teams praised the swift coordination between local authorities, villagers, and trekking organizations in helping prevent further loss of life.
(Associated Medias) – Tutti i diritti sono riservati
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