Rescue teams have successfully reached the remaining 200 hikers stranded 16,000ft up Mount Everest following a severe snowstorm that hit the world’s highest peak. The adverse weather conditions, including heavy snow and rain, forced trekkers to be stuck on the remote climb from Friday to Saturday. Approximately 350 individuals have already been rescued, and the operation is expected to conclude by Tuesday.
The rescued hikers have been transported to Qudang, a Tibetan town situated about 30 miles away from the Everest base camp. A survivor of the blizzard, Chen Geshuang, highlighted the perilous situation faced by those trapped on the mountain due to the wet and cold conditions, emphasizing the unusual weather patterns for October.
Another witness recounted the challenging experience of dealing with the blizzard despite being experienced hikers, expressing gratitude for making it out safely. Eric Wen, a trekker, mentioned the constant rain and snowfall during the ordeal, leading to some individuals suffering from hypothermia even with appropriate clothing.
Maintenance crews had to clear snow every 10 minutes at the campsite in the Karma Valley, where hikers were on a 12-day ascent to the summit. The Himalayan region was also impacted by the storm, causing landslides and floods in Nepal, resulting in the tragic loss of 40 lives away from Everest.
The Karma Valley, where the climbers were stranded, is a less-traveled route to Everest base camp, requiring a high level of mountaineering expertise and physical fitness. The use of this trail is closely monitored, similar to other paths leading to the summit.
Initial reports suggested 1,000 climbers were stranded, but Chinese state media later confirmed the evacuation of 350 individuals with 200 still awaiting rescue. Mount Everest remains a popular destination, attracting over 540,200 visitors in 2024, although most do not attempt to reach the summit.
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