Massive Rescue Underway: Hundreds of Trekkers Stranded by Blizzard on Mount Everest Slopes
October 6, 2025 | Global Mountain News Desk
The Critical Situation: Nearly 1,000 People Stranded
Primarily hikers and tourists visited the remote Karma Valley near the mountain’s eastern face during a national holiday period, becoming the stranded individuals. Initial reports showed the sudden snowstorm, which started late last week and intensified through the weekend, impacted as many as 1,000 people.
Key Details of the Rescue Effort:
- **Location:** Eastern face of Mount Everest (Mt. Qomolangma) in Tibet, specifically in the Karma Valley.
- **Altitude:** Trekkers were trapped at elevations of over **4,900 meters (16,000 feet)**.
- **Immediate Danger:** Trekkers reported tents collapsing under a meter of snow, and extreme cold posing a severe risk of **hypothermia**.
- **Status:** As of Monday, approximately **350 trekkers** had been guided to safety in the small township of Qudang. Contact has been established with over 200 more, and rescue efforts are ongoing.
Relief and Risk: The Descent to Safety
The arduous descent to safety is being coordinated by hundreds of local villagers and professional rescue teams. These heroic efforts involve clearing deep snow to open trails and guiding the stranded groups down to lower, safer altitudes in stages. Trekkers who have reached safety described the conditions as brutal, with one stating it was the “hardest night of my life.”
The unusual severity and timing of the blizzard—in early October, which is typically a peak trekking season—has led mountain guides to comment that they have never experienced such erratic weather. The combination of heavy snowfall, strong winds, and thunder and lightning has turned the picturesque trekking route into a deadly challenge.
Importance of Mountain Preparedness
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and unforgiving nature of the world’s highest mountains. Even on well-trodden tourist paths, conditions can change in an instant.
For any trekker or climber planning an expedition to the Himalayas, the following safety precautions are paramount:
- **Check Weather Forecasts:** Do not rely on seasonal norms. Continuously monitor high-altitude weather reports.
- **Carry Emergency Gear:** Always pack suitable layers of **warm, windproof, and waterproof clothing**, a comprehensive first aid kit, and emergency shelter.
- **Communication:** A reliable means of communication, such as a satellite device, is crucial where cell service is non-existent.
- Inform Others: A trusted contact must know your detailed route plan and expected return time. They will alert authorities if you are overdue.
Looking Ahead
The rescue operation remains the top priority. With teams working tirelessly to account for all remaining hikers. But The collective efforts of the local communities and rescue personnel highlight the resilience. The dedication of those who live and work in the shadow of Mount Everest. We will continue to provide updates as more trekkers are safely brought down from the mountain.
