Rescue Operations Underway as Hikers Face Hypothermia in Everest Blizzard

Sun Oct 19 2025 15:10:48 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Emergency responders are racing against time to evacuate stranded hikers on Mount Everest after a sudden and severe blizzard left over 200 people trapped. One hiker has died as hypothermia poses a significant risk to many.

A fierce blizzard near Mount Everest has resulted in at least one death and left hundreds stranded, as rescuers work tirelessly to evacuate approximately 200 hikers in hypothermic conditions. The storm, which began during China's National Day holiday, has caused severe snowfall, impacting both tourists and local residents. Experienced hikers recount the challenges faced during this unexpected weather event, which is amongst the worst they have encountered.

Hikers caught in a shock blizzard near Mount Everest have spoken of experiencing hypothermia as they battled relentless snowfall, while rescuers continue to evacuate scores of people.

At least one hiker has died and more than 200 are still stranded on Everest's eastern slopes in Tibet, an area popular with climbers and hikers, according to Chinese state media.

Snowfall began on Friday evening and intensified over the weekend. Hundreds of local villagers and rescue workers have been deployed to clear out snow blocking access to the area, which sits at an altitude of more than 4,900m (16,000ft).

Rescuers have guided 350 people to safety in the small township of Qudang, and authorities are in contact with all the hikers who are still trapped.

Nature photographer Dong Shuchang was among dozens of tourists who flocked to the area during China's Golden Week holiday. He was looking forward to capturing the Himalayan marvel when the snowstorm hit just hours after his trek started.

The lightning and thunderstorms would not stop. The snowfall was so heavy I could hardly sleep, Mr. Dong explained. His group had reached an altitude of 4,600m before they decided to turn back.

Our windbreakers and raincoats were no match for the snow. We were all drenched, he said, adding that several people in his group of 20 showed signs of hypothermia.

The 27-year-old, who had been to the Himalayas more than a dozen times, described this storm as unprecedented.

Mr. Dong's escape was fraught with peril; slipping on icy paths, he finally spent the night in a hotel room in Qudang.

We’re just so relieved to get help and support, he said.

Chen Geshuang, another hiker, noted that the snow was about a metre deep during their descent on Sunday. All of us are experienced hikers, but this blizzard was still extremely difficult to deal with. I was so lucky to get out, she said.

This year's weather has been exceptional, with heavy conditions impacting recovery efforts.

The blizzard struck at a peak time for tourism, during China's week-long National Day holiday known as Golden Week, which usually sees favorable hiking conditions.

Moreover, ongoing extreme weather events have hit the wider region, including torrential rains and floods in neighboring Nepal leading to significant disruptions and loss of life.