900 Hikers Rescued After Blizzard Strikes Mount Everest’s Chinese Side

Blizzard Leaves Hundreds Stranded at Mount Everest

When a blizzard swept across the Chinese side of Mount Everest on Saturday night, it quickly turned a weeklong holiday into a fight for survival for nearly 900 hikers, guides, and support staff. The storm struck the Karma valley, trapping people in tents at an altitude of more than 16,000 feet, where oxygen is thin and cold bites harder than most are prepared for. As the hours passed, anxiety and uncertainty grew among the stranded.

According to Chinese state media, the group included about 580 hikers and over 300 guides, yak herders, and other workers. The timing of the storm coincided with the annual holiday marking the anniversary of Communist Party rule in China—a period when travel activity spikes, drawing crowds to the region’s breathtaking but unforgiving landscapes.

Rescue Efforts and the Human Toll

Rescue operations began as soon as conditions allowed. Early on, around 350 hikers managed to make their way down by noon on Monday, guided by the footprints of those who braved the path first. Eric Wen, a 41-year-old hiker, described the ordeal to Reuters: “Thankfully, some people ahead of us were breaking trail, leaving footprints we could follow—that made it a little easier. Otherwise, it would’ve been impossible for us to make it out of the valley on our own.”

Teams equipped with food, medicine, heating devices, and oxygen supplies helped escort about a dozen hikers who had developed hypothermia. Local authorities, as reported by Xinhua News Agency, coordinated efforts to ensure everyone reached safety, with the last groups arriving by Tuesday.

Firefighters from Tibet and local emergency teams played a crucial role, navigating hazardous terrain in Tingri, Tibet Autonomous Region. They faced unpredictable weather and rapidly changing snow conditions, pushing their limits to reach those most in need. For many, the ordeal was a stark reminder of Everest’s dual nature—spectacular beauty and relentless danger.

Mount Everest Temporarily Closed as Caution Prevails

With rescue operations underway, officials temporarily closed the scenic area around Mount Everest on the Chinese side, prioritizing safety over adventure. The world’s highest peak, standing at 29,000 feet, straddles the border with Nepal, and its unpredictable weather has long challenged even the most seasoned climbers.

Authorities issued warnings, urging would-be trekkers to avoid undeveloped areas without proper permission, citing the dangers posed by difficult terrain, sudden storms, and an average altitude exceeding 13,000 feet. For many, these warnings are more than bureaucratic caution—they are lessons written in snow and ice.

Regional Impacts and Tragedies Beyond Everest

The blizzard that struck Everest was not an isolated event. In Nepal, a South Korean climber died in a weekend storm near the summit of Mera Peak, a 21,250-foot Himalayan mountain south of Everest. Early-season snowstorms also hit western China, killing one person in the Qilian Mountains and stranding motorists on icy highways near scenic hiking spots.

In northwest China’s Xinjiang region, the Kanas scenic area was closed after a snowstorm stranded travelers on a nearby highway, though roads were cleared by Monday. More than 200 people had to be evacuated from remote valleys, and one person succumbed to hypothermia and altitude sickness, underscoring the region’s perils.

The Everest Experience: Adventure and Adversity

Mount Everest holds a legendary allure, drawing thousands each year who seek to test their limits against its harsh climate and imposing height. But as this incident reveals, the mountain’s challenges extend far beyond the summit. Even those who never intend to climb all the way must contend with the unpredictability of high-altitude weather, where a sudden storm can upend the best-laid plans.

For the rescued hikers, guides, and workers, their ordeal was a test of resilience and solidarity. The footprints left in the snow became lifelines, and the coordinated efforts of rescue teams transformed a potential tragedy into a story of perseverance. Yet, as authorities reiterate, Everest’s dangers remain ever-present, and respect for its power is as essential as any piece of gear.

While the successful rescue of nearly 900 people stands as a testament to human determination and coordinated response, the episode is a sobering reminder: adventure on Everest is not just about conquering heights, but about respecting the unpredictable forces of nature that shape every journey. For future trekkers, preparation and caution are not optional—they are the difference between a memorable ascent and a perilous ordeal.