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Emergency crews have successfully guided all of the remaining trekkers near the east-facing slopes of Everest in Tibet to a secure location, including scores of regional escorts and animal tenders, authorities stated. This wraps up one of the largest search-and-rescue efforts ever undertaken in the zone.

Large-Scale Rescue Operation Completed

Hundreds of trekkers were left stranded in deep snow over the weekend in the isolated Karma valley, after an exceptionally intense winter blast dumped heavy snowfall across the territory.

Snow continued to fall throughout Saturday in the valley, which rests at an average altitude of 4,200 meters (13,800 feet). By Sunday, rescuers had led approximately 350 hikers to a safe zone.

Previous accounts had indicated that the remaining roughly 200 individuals were projected to reach their destination by Tuesday.

In total, 580 mountaineers, coupled with more than 300 local guides, livestock herders, and other assistants were rescued, according to government statements released on Tuesday night.

Survivors Recount Harsh Conditions

One Chinese traveler recalled how their group had been “too anxious to sleep” on Saturday, as snow swiftly built up around their tents, compelling them to clear it every 90 minutes. They chose to descend on Sunday as the conditions deteriorated.

“On the way, we met our guide’s father, who had ventured for him. That’s when we learned the snow was deep in the valley, too; local residents, incapable to contact their children on the mountain, were extremely worried.”

Climbing Plans Disrupted

The blizzard also disrupted the plans of climbers led by a US-based expedition company to summit Cho Oyu, an 8,188-meter (26,864-foot) peak on the frontier between the People's Republic of China and Nepal.

Tourism Growth in the Region

Karma valley was first explored by international adventurers a long time ago. In the past few years, with the development of the Everest region in Tibet as a prominent tourism destination, the area has attracted an growing number of visitors. More than 540,000 visitors traveled to the Everest region last year, setting a all-time high.

Area Remains Off-Limits

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

Broader Effect

The intense snowfall over the weekend also impacted numerous of hikers in other parts of western China, for example Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu. Tragically, at least one traveler died, due to a mix of exposure and acute mountain sickness.

Unusual Weather

October is typically a high season for the area, with normally sunny and moderate weather, but one participant of an 18-person trekking group that returned safely to Qudang commented that the weather this year was “atypical.”