Over 350 Trekkers Rescued from Blizzard-Hit Mount Everest; Hundreds Still Stranded

More than 350 trekkers have been rescued after being trapped by severe blizzards on Mount Everest’s north route, according to Chinese state media reports. The unexpected Himalayan storm struck the Tingri region of Tibet, one of the main access points to the Mount Everest North Face, leaving over 500 trekkers and guides stranded in freezing conditions.

“It was so wet and cold in the mountains, and hypothermia was a real risk,” said Chen Geshuang, a trekker from an 18-member team that reached Qudang township safely. “The weather this year is not normal — it happened all too suddenly.”

According to CCTV News, the rescued climbers have reached Qudang, located at approximately 4,200 meters (13,800 feet). Another 200 trekkers remain stranded but are being assisted by local rescuers and Tibetan authorities in phases.

Blizzard Conditions Halt Everest Tourism

The Everest Scenic Area has been temporarily closed due to extreme Himalayan weather. Ticket sales and tourist entry have been suspended by the Tingri County Tourism Company after heavy snowfall began late Friday and continued through Saturday.

Weather experts have warned that climate change is increasing the frequency of unseasonal snowfalls and storms across the Himalayan region, making conditions on Everest expeditions more unpredictable than ever.

For real-time mountain forecasts, visit Everest Weather Updates.

Climate Change Impact Across the Himalayas

In Nepal, Sherpa communities are facing growing challenges as rising temperatures and erratic precipitation patterns reshape the climbing landscape. The Himalayas are warming faster than the global average, leading to melting glaciers, unstable slopes, and increased avalanche risks for climbers and guides.

Read more in our in-depth report: How Sherpas Are Adapting to Climate Change in the Himalayas.

Nepal’s Emergency Response and Flood Situation

Meanwhile, the Nepal Tourism Board confirmed that rescue and recovery operations are ongoing after the weather “improved significantly” over the weekend, clearing skies in Kathmandu and several high-altitude areas.

The recent storm also caused landslides and flash floods across Nepal, killing at least 47 people since Friday. Thirty-five fatalities were reported in the Ilam district, with nine missing and three deaths from lightning strikes.

For detailed coverage, see: Heavy Rains Trigger Deadly Landslides Across Nepal.
 

Summary

• 350 trekkers rescued from Mount Everest’s north route

• 200 trekkers still stranded near Qudang, Tibet

• Everest tourism suspended amid heavy snow

• Climate change intensifies Himalayan weather risks

• Nepal faces simultaneous floods and landslides

Mount Everest Summit — Delivering real stories from the Roof of the World.
Visit: www.mounteverest-summit.com