🔗 Share this article All Hikers Currently Secure Following Multiple Days Caught in Severe Blizzard Search parties have safely led all of the remaining trekkers near the east-facing slopes of Mount Everest in Tibet to security, including numerous of native guides and animal tenders, officials announced. This marks the end one of the most extensive search-and-rescue efforts ever conducted in the area. Massive Evacuation Operation Completed Hundreds of hikers were became trapped in thick snow over the past few days in the remote Karma valley, after an exceptionally intense blizzard dumped significant snowfall across the area. Snow persisted all day Saturday in the valley, which is located at an typical altitude of 4,200 meters (13,800 feet). By Sunday, emergency teams had guided approximately 350 hikers to a safe zone. Previous accounts had indicated that the last group of roughly 200 travelers were anticipated to reach a secure area by Tuesday. In total, 580 trekkers, along with more than 300 local guides, animal handlers, and other assistants were evacuated, according to authoritative statements released on Tuesday late in the day. Those Rescued Describe Extreme Situations One from China trekker shared how their group had been “too anxious to sleep” on Saturday, as snow swiftly built up around their tents, obliging them to remove it every 90 minutes. They chose to move to lower ground on Sunday as the weather worsened. “On the way, we came across our guide’s father, who had come looking for him. That’s when we found out the snow was heavy in the valley, too; community members, unable to contact their children on the mountain, were very anxious.” Climbing Plans Disrupted The severe weather also disrupted the objectives of alpinists led by a US-based mountaineering outfit to reach the top of Cho Oyu, an 8,188-meter (26,864-foot) peak on the frontier between the People's Republic of China and Nepal. Visitor Growth in the Area Karma valley was first visited by foreign travelers a long time ago. In recent years, with the expansion of the Everest region in Tibet as a significant visitor attraction, the area has attracted an increasing number of travelers. More than 540,000 visitors visited the Everest region last year, establishing a unprecedented number. Area Remains Closed The Everest region is still temporarily closed to the visitors, covering the Karma and Rongshar valleys, as well as Cho Oyu. Broader Impact The intense snowfall over the weekend also impacted numerous of hikers in other parts of the western regions of China, such as Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu. Unfortunately, at least one person died, due to a blend of hypothermia and high-altitude illness. Unusual Conditions October is typically a peak season for the area, with usually clear and moderate weather, but one member of an 18-person expedition team that made it back to Qudang commented that the weather this year was “atypical.”