Firefighters in Tibet rescued a group of trekkers trapped by a snowstorm near Mount Everest in Tingri, Tibet, according to a video released on October 6, 2025, by the regional firefighting department. Reuters
Rescue teams in Tibet successfully brought all stranded hikers near Mount Everest’s east face to safety on Tuesday. The operation included hundreds of trekkers, local guides, and yak herders trapped by heavy snow in the remote Karma Valley.
Officials said the rescue marked one of the largest search-and-rescue efforts ever carried out in the Himalayan region.
The ordeal began over the weekend when a fierce blizzard swept across the high-altitude valley, covering the area in thick snow and cutting off access routes.
Blizzard Strands Hundreds in Remote Valley
The snowstorm hit hard on Saturday, dumping heavy snow across the Karma Valley, which sits at an altitude of about 4,200 metres. Many hikers became trapped in mountain passes and narrow trails.
On Sunday, rescuers managed to reach about 350 trekkers and lead them to safety. More teams continued the search over the following days, battling freezing temperatures and poor visibility.
By Tuesday evening, officials confirmed that all 580 hikers and more than 300 local staff, including yak herders and porters, had been safely evacuated.
Rescuers worked around the clock, using snowmobiles, helicopters, and ropes to guide people down the mountain. Some survivors were treated for frostbite and altitude sickness, but no new deaths were reported in the Everest region.
Heavy Snow Disrupts Climbing Season
The powerful storm also disrupted plans for climbers attempting Cho Oyu, an 8,188-metre peak along the border between China and Nepal. A group led by Madison Mountaineering, a U.S.-based expedition company, had planned to summit the mountain before the blizzard forced them to stop.
Tourism officials said all climbing and trekking routes in the region are now closed. The closure includes the Karma and Rongshar valleys, as well as the Cho Oyu route.
They plan to reopen the area only after safety checks are complete and weather conditions improve.
Region Draws Growing Number of Tourists
The Karma Valley, first explored by Western travellers a century ago, has become a popular destination for adventure seekers. The Everest region in Tibet drew more than 540,000 tourists last year, setting a new record for visitors.
Local authorities said the storm served as a reminder of how quickly weather can change in the Himalayas, even for experienced hikers.
Officials thanked rescuers and local residents who risked their lives to bring everyone home. “Their bravery and teamwork saved hundreds,” one rescue leader said.
Deadly Conditions Across Western China
The weekend blizzard also struck several other parts of western China, including Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu. Hundreds of hikers in those areas needed help, and at least one person died from hypothermia and altitude sickness.
Authorities continue to monitor the weather closely and have urged travellers to delay mountain trips until conditions improve.
