Mount Everest Blizzard Chaos: Nearly 1,000 Climbers Stranded as Deadly Snowstorm Hits Tibetan Side

Mount Everest.. A Sudden Disaster Strikes the Roof of the World

What was supposed to be a routine autumn trekking season on Mount Everest quickly turned into a crisis on Friday, when a fierce snowstorm swept across the eastern slopes of the mountain. Officials confirmed that around 1,000 climbers and trekkers were trapped near 4,900 meters (16,000 feet) above sea level in the Karma Valley and Qudang regions.

So far, about 350 people have been rescued, while more than 200 others remain stranded in remote high-altitude camps. The blizzard has destroyed tents, buried routes, and made communication difficult in several areas. Authorities say helicopters, drones, and ground teams are working around the clock to locate missing climbers.

Extreme Conditions and a Race Against Time

Survivors have described the ordeal as terrifying, with snow piling up to the waist and temperatures dropping below freezing. Many reported tents collapsing under the weight of snow and struggling to breathe due to thin oxygen levels.

Rescuers are now facing similar conditions. Thick snow and limited visibility have slowed their progress, forcing them to use drones and pack animals to deliver supplies. Local villagers and Tibetan volunteers have joined the rescue, bringing food and warm clothing to those still trapped.

Officials have temporarily closed sections of the Everest Scenic Area, warning tourists not to attempt treks until the weather stabilizes. It’s one of the worst natural events on Mount Everest’s northern face in recent years.

Broader Impacts Across the Himalayas

The snowstorm’s impact hasn’t been limited to Tibet. The same weather system has caused deadly floods and landslides in Nepal, killing at least 47 people and displacing hundreds. In China’s Qinghai province, one person has been confirmed dead, with entire communities evacuated as the storm moved eastward.

This regional crisis highlights how unpredictable Himalayan weather can be, even during what’s usually considered a safer trekking period. Experts say the severity of this event may be linked to changing climate patterns that are increasing the frequency of extreme conditions at high altitudes.

Voices from the Mountain

Trekkers rescued from Mount Everest shared emotional accounts of survival. One climber described spending two nights huddled in a snow cave without food, while another said visibility dropped to zero within minutes of the storm hitting. “It was like being trapped in a freezing desert,” said a British mountaineer evacuated on Monday.

Local guides, many of whom are Sherpas or Tibetan herders, have been hailed as heroes for leading climbers to safety. “Without them, many more would have died,” one survivor told reporters.

Safety Measures and Ongoing Efforts

Authorities continue to coordinate massive rescue efforts, hoping to reach all remaining trekkers before conditions worsen again. They are focusing on clearing blocked roads and reopening access routes for vehicles and helicopters.

Officials have also started reviewing safety protocols for future expeditions on Mount Everest’s Tibetan side. Recommendations may include mandatory GPS tracking, stricter weather monitoring, and limits on trekking permits during volatile seasons.

Despite the tragedy, the swift response from rescue teams and locals has prevented further loss of life. As operations continue, the event serves as a stark reminder of how unpredictable Mount Everest remains—a place where beauty and danger often coexist in equal measure.