Efforts are underway to rescue over 200 trekkers stuck near the eastern side of Mount Everest in Tibet following severe snowstorms in western China. The evacuation operation is set to be completed by Tuesday, according to a reliable insider. The sudden blizzard over the weekend caught many outdoor enthusiasts off guard during the eight-day holiday that began on October 1.
Rescue teams have been working since Monday to bring the stranded trekkers to safety. Snowfall in the Karma valley, with an average altitude of 4,200 meters, affected the trekkers. Rescuers successfully guided around 350 hikers out of the remote valley on Sunday.
Eric Wen, a 41-year-old trekker, expressed gratitude for the trailblazers ahead of them, making their journey through heavy snow more manageable. Regional authorities facilitated the safe return of Wen and his team to Lhasa by Monday.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident north of Tibet, one trekker lost their life due to hypothermia and acute mountain sickness in the Qilian Mountains. By Monday evening, 213 individuals in the area were rescued. Authorities in Xinjiang have halted hiking and camping activities in the Kanas lake district in the Altai mountains as a precaution.
Police have been proactive in persuading over 300 hikers to turn back from the risky areas. Highways have been cleared of snow and ice accumulation that stranded tourist vehicles over the weekend. The situation is now under control, with efforts ongoing to ensure the safety of all individuals in the affected regions.