A powerful one snowstorm in the Tibetan side of Everest surprised numerous expeditions and hiking groups in the eastern part of the mountain over the weekend, with rapid accumulations and blocked passes that complicated any movement.
According to official Chinese sources and local media, the storm affected almost 1.000 peopleWhile at least 350 have already been evacuated to the municipality of Qudang and contact is maintained with More than 200 that advance in stages towards safe points. Many of the expeditions and hiking groups In the eastern zone they were forced to reorganize their routes.
Chronology of the storm
Bad weather It started on the night of October 4th and intensified sharply the next day on the eastern slope of the Himalayas, an area frequented by trekkers and expeditions seeking views of the roof of the world.
With the blizzard and orographic clouds, the stores gave way under the weight of the snow and several routes were buried, making orientation difficult and forcing groups to retreat at very slow paces due to the low visibility.
Testimonies from the camps spoke of more than a meter of snow in some areas and closed descent passes, which prolonged exposure to the cold and increased the risk of hypothermia in the most affected areas.
The gusts of wind became so intense that prevented the deployment of helicopters during the worst moments, so the first operations focused on opening tracks and ground support.
The situation affected routes located between the 4.200 and 4.900 metersIncluding Gama Valley and access to the eastern face of Kangshung, where the most severe blockages were reported.
Rescue and provisional balance
The local teams, supported by hundreds of Tibetan neighbors, shoveled a path and guided disoriented groups toward Qudang, the main reception point for evacuees.
So far, authorities confirm at least 350 people evacuated and the establishing contact with more than 200 others, who descend in sections and in groups accompanied by rescue personnel.
On the tour, the teams have reported sufficient supplies on the route priority and constant work to keep the advance corridors open despite the accumulated snow and ice.
For now, state media have not communicated confirmed fatalities in the Tibetan region of Everest; however, the operation is still ongoing, and figures could be updated as the search is completed.
With the gradual improvement of the weather, the use of air support when security permits, while the evacuation on foot of the groups closest to the lower camps continues.
Affected areas and closures
Due to heavy snowfall already reduced visibility, the local government has temporarily closed several tourist spots in Tingri County, including the Everest Scenic Area.
The restrictions also affect areas such as Rongxia Valley, Gama Valley and the accesses to Cho oyu, where the accumulation of snow and ice sheets make traffic unsafe.
The competent departments work in a intense in the reopening of roads, while safety inspections are carried out and visitors are advised to pay attention to weather warnings and official announcements.
Likewise, it has ticket sales suspended to the Everest Scenic Area and have been paused permits and activities tourist until further notice to reduce risks.
The operational priority remains to maintain the clear corridors for the descent and to transfer those affected to designated areas, where accommodation and basic care are provided.
Context and recommendations for those planning to travel
The situation coincides with the Golden week In China, a period of high influx has increased the presence of hikers on high mountain routes despite the adverse weather conditions.
Although September and October usually offer stable windows In the Himalayas, the episode has been described as rare for these dates by guides who were surprised by the speed of the change.
It should be remembered that the information verification in the Tibet Autonomous Region is complex, so official updates may arrive more slowly than desired.
For future trips, it is advisable plan wisely and review high mountain forecasts, respond to communications from the authorities and assess physical condition and the necessary winter equipment.
In environments above the 4.000 metersThe combination of cold, hypoxia and exposed terrain requires conservative decisions and additional safety margin in the event of sudden changes.
The episode leaves a clear image: a fast-moving and severe storm that blocked routes on the eastern slope of Everest, with hundreds already evacuated, contact established with lagging groups and preventive closures while work continues to normalize access and ensure safety.