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Search parties have safely led all of the remaining trekkers near the eastern slopes of Everest in Tibet to security, along with scores of local guides and yak herders, local government reported. This marks the end one of the biggest search-and-rescue operations ever seen in the zone.

Large-Scale Evacuation Effort Completed

Hundreds of hikers were became trapped in heavy snow over the weekend in the remote Karma valley, after an unexpectedly intense blizzard deposited significant snowfall across the area.

Snow persisted throughout Saturday in the valley, which is located at an average altitude of 4,200 meters (13,800 feet). By Sunday, emergency teams had guided approximately 350 hikers to a safe zone.

Earlier reports had indicated that the remaining roughly 200 travelers were anticipated to reach their destination by Tuesday.

In total, 580 trekkers, in addition to more than 300 local guides, yak herders, and other crew members were rescued, according to authoritative statements released on Tuesday night.

Survivors Describe Severe Situations

One from China trekker shared how their group had been “too anxious to sleep” on Saturday, as snow rapidly accumulated around their tents, forcing them to clear it every 90 minutes. They decided to move to lower ground on Sunday as the situation worsened.

“On the way, we came across our guide’s father, who had come looking for him. That’s when we realized the snow was intense in the valley, too; local residents, not able to contact their children on the mountain, were extremely worried.”

Climbing Plans Disrupted

The snowstorm also thwarted the objectives of mountaineers guided by a American climbing company to reach the top of Cho Oyu, an 8,188-meter (26,864-foot) peak on the boundary between China and Nepal.

Visitor Growth in the Region

Karma valley was first visited by international travelers a century ago. In modern times, with the growth of the Everest region in Tibet as a significant travel attraction, the area has brought in an growing number of tourists. More than 540,000 tourists traveled to the Everest region last year, marking a all-time high.

Region Remains Closed

The Everest region is still temporarily inaccessible to the visitors, covering the Karma and Rongshar valleys, as well as Cho Oyu.

Broader Impact

The intense snowfall over the weekend also affected many of travelers in other parts of western China, for example Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu. Sadly, at least one traveler died, due to a blend of exposure and acute mountain sickness.

Atypical Weather

October is typically a peak season for the area, with normally fine and pleasant weather, but one member of an 18-person hiking party that made it back to Qudang noted that the weather this year was “unusual.”