A severe snowstorm and avalanche have wreaked havoc in the Mount Everest region, the world’s highest peak, trapping more than 1,000 climbers. Such extreme weather conditions are highly unusual for October. A large number of mountaineers had gathered at the Everest Base Camp to mark China’s National Day when a sudden snowstorm struck them in the Karma Valley along the trekking route, leaving many stranded in treacherous conditions.
🚨🏔 EMERGENCY ON EVEREST: 1,000+ trapped in #Tibet by historic snowstorm
Tourists are trapped at high altitudes with no safe descent possible. #Chinese authorities are racing against time as weather conditions complicate rescue efforts.
1/2 pic.twitter.com/W69fENCfZ5— Mahalaxmi Ramanathan (@MahalaxmiRaman) October 6, 2025
Chinese authorities swiftly launched large-scale rescue operations after receiving reports of the trapped trekkers. The Tibet Blue Sky Rescue Team, along with local officials, is working jointly to clear heavy snow from roads and trekking paths and reach those stranded. According to Chinese media reports, more than 350 trekkers have already been safely evacuated to a nearby town called Khudang. Efforts are ongoing to contact the remaining climbers and move them to safer locations.
Rescue teams are operating with extreme caution due to severe cold and the heightened risk of hypothermia. Reports indicate that many tents at the campsites have collapsed under the weight of heavy snowfall. As a safety measure, ticket sales for the region have been temporarily suspended until weather conditions improve and all stranded climbers are rescued.