October 8, 2025 | 07:56 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Hundreds of hikers stranded on Mount Everest's eastern slope after a heavy snowstorm were evacuated on late Tuesday, October 7, 2025, according to China's state broadcaster CCTV, as cited by the South China Morning Post.
A total of 580 trekkers, over 300 local guides and yak porters have safely reached the relocation point in Qudang, Tibet Autonomous Region. They are now being assisted in their return journey home.
The rare snowstorm hit the climbers' camp on the eastern slope of Mount Everest in Tingri County, Shigatse City, on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Nearly 1,000 climbers were stranded, leading the local authorities to close several tourist spots due to heavy snow accumulation, icy conditions, and low visibility.
Unpredictable Weather
October is typically the peak climbing season for Mount Everest, characterized by relatively breezy temperatures and clear skies. The sudden snowstorm caught both climbers and guides by surprise. According to Chinese media reports, even experienced climbers were taken aback by the snowstorm.
A staff member at the Qomolangma tourist area, who identified as Yeshe, told National Business Daily that 60 to 80 people at the Qomolangma Base Camp were successfully evacuated on Sunday.
Meanwhile, CCTV, as quoted by The South China Morning Post, reported that about 580 trekkers and over 300 local guides and yak porters had safely reached a relocation point in Qudang on late Tuesday. Arrangements were being made for them to return home.
Additional dozen hikers had also reached a rendezvous point on the descent.
Rescue efforts focused on the 55-kilometer Gamagou Valley, ranging from 2,100 meters to over 5,000 meters in altitude, as stated by Yeshe, as quoted by China Daily. Located in the core area of the Qomolangma National Nature Reserve, this valley offers one of the world's top 10 classic climbing routes, with yaks and horses being the sole means of transportation.
Snowstorm Since Friday
According to the National Business Daily, climbers who had descended first reported that the snowstorm began on Friday night and continued overnight into Saturday. The climbers' tents were destroyed, and the snow accumulated to over one meter at the base camp, cutting off all climbing routes.
The climbers' camp is situated in the Gama Valley, home to the largest and best-preserved primeval forest in the Everest region, located between Tingri County and Dinggye in Tibet.
After trekking about 40 km from this valley, the eastern side of Mount Everest, the world's highest peak at around 5,300 meters, comes into view. However, this route heavily relies on yaks and mules to transport supplies, with the round trip taking about 10 days.
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