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Search parties have safely led all of the last hikers near the east-facing slopes of Everest in the Tibet region to security, along with numerous of local guides and animal tenders, officials stated. This marks the end one of the biggest search-and-rescue operations ever seen in the area.

Large-Scale Rescue Operation Completed

Numerous of trekkers were left stranded in heavy snow over the past few days in the remote Karma valley, after an exceptionally intense snowstorm deposited heavy snowfall across the area.

Snow persisted throughout Saturday in the valley, which rests at an mean altitude of 4,200 meters (13,800 feet). By Sunday, rescuers had guided approximately 350 hikers to safety.

Earlier reports had estimated that the remaining roughly 200 individuals were expected to reach their destination by Tuesday.

In total, 580 hikers, in addition to more than 300 escorts, yak herders, and other assistants were evacuated, according to official statements released on Tuesday evening.

Survivors Recount Extreme Situations

One Chinese traveler described how their group had been “too scared to sleep” on Saturday, as snow rapidly accumulated around their tents, compelling them to clear it every 90 minutes. They decided to descend on Sunday as the situation worsened.

“On the way, we encountered our guide’s father, who had ventured for him. That’s when we learned the snow was heavy in the valley, too; local residents, not able to contact their children on the mountain, were extremely worried.”

Expedition Schedules Thwarted

The severe weather also hindered the objectives of climbers guided by a United States climbing outfit to reach the top of Cho Oyu, an 8,188-meter (26,864-foot) peak on the frontier between China and Nepal.

Visitor Increase in the Area

Karma valley was first explored by international explorers a long time ago. In the past few years, with the expansion of the Everest region in Tibet as a major tourism draw, the area has attracted an increasing number of travelers. More than 540,000 tourists visited the Everest region last year, setting a all-time high.

Area Still Off-Limits

The Everest region is still temporarily off-limits to the general public, covering the Karma and Rongshar valleys, as well as Cho Oyu.

Broader Effect

The heavy snowfall over the weekend also impacted hundreds of trekkers in other parts of western China, including Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu. Sadly, at least one traveler died, due to a mix of exposure and high-altitude illness.

Atypical Conditions

October is typically a peak season for the area, with usually clear and moderate weather, but one participant of an 18-person expedition team that made it back to Qudang remarked that the weather this year was “not normal.”