A severe snowstorm that began on October 3, 2025, has left approximately 1,000 individuals stranded at high-altitude camps on the eastern Tibetan side of Mount Everest. The extreme weather conditions, characterized by deep snow accumulation, have rendered routes above 4,900 meters impassable, leading to collapsed tents and instances of hypothermia among those caught in the unexpected tempest. Rescue operations are in full swing, with hundreds of local villagers and dedicated rescue teams working tirelessly to clear the snow and provide assistance to the stranded climbers. To facilitate these crucial efforts, authorities have temporarily suspended all ticket sales and entry to the Everest Scenic Area.
The harsh weather on Everest's eastern slopes presents significant dangers, particularly for those situated at exposed, high-altitude locations. This unusual October weather event has disrupted what is typically a peak season for climbing, occurring after the end of the Indian monsoon when skies are generally clearer. Reports indicate that over 500 people were caught by surprise by the sudden onset of heavy snow and rainfall in the Tingri region of Tibet.
While around 350 trekkers have been safely guided to the nearby township of Qudang, approximately 200 others remained in precarious conditions as of October 5, 2025, awaiting their turn for rescue. Rescuers have made contact with those still stranded and are working to bring them down in stages. The intensity of the storm has been a significant challenge, with reports of tents collapsing under the weight of the snow and visibility reduced to near zero. Trekkers have described the conditions as intensely wet and cold, with hypothermia being a serious risk.
Guides have noted that they have never encountered such conditions in October. This event also highlights the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns in the region, a phenomenon that experts link to broader climate change impacts. While this particular incident is a stark reminder of nature's power, it also underscores the resilience and collaborative spirit of rescue teams and local communities who are working together to ensure the safety of those in peril. The focus remains on bringing everyone to safety, a testament to the shared commitment to well-being in the face of challenging circumstances.