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Emergency efforts are actively underway on Mount Everest following a intense blizzard that stranded close to a thousand people trapped at campsites on the east face of the summit.

Several Hundred Guided to Safety Amid Unusual Snowfall

Hundreds of trekkers cut off by the snowstorm near the eastern face of the peak were safely guided by rescue teams on Sunday, as exceptional precipitation pummelled the Himalayan region.

By the weekend, three hundred and fifty individuals had reached the small township of the rescue base, while communication had been established with the other two hundred hikers.

Holiday Rush Led to High Visitor Numbers

Tourists in the remote valley of the Karma valley, which leads to the eastern Kangshung face of Everest, totaled several hundred this period, benefiting from an eight-day National Day holiday in the area.

Heavy snow in the region, which sits at an elevation averaging 4,200 metres (over 13,700 feet), started late Friday and continued throughout Saturday.

Continued Operations to Rescue Others to Safety

The other hikers are scheduled to reach Qudang in phases under the guidance and assistance of emergency teams dispatched by the local government.

Hundreds of local villagers and response units have been deployed to help remove snow blocking access to the region.

Uncertainty Over Support Staff and North Face

Reports indicated that close to a thousand individuals had been trapped. Details were unclear whether local guides and other personnel with the hiking groups had been located.

It was also unclear if trekkers near the north face of Everest—also in the area—had been impacted or not.

Tourist Rush and Entry Halted

The north face of Everest, due to its convenient approach by paved road, regularly draws many of visitors. This month is a peak season, when skies clear with the end of the monsoon season.

Admission tickets and entry to the whole Mount Everest region were halted from Saturday, according to announcements posted on official channels.

Neighboring Region Impacted by Severe Weather

To the southern side of the region, torrential downpours caused mudslides and sudden flooding that have closed routes, washed away bridges, and killed at least 47 people since last week.

Thirty-five individuals lost their lives in separate landslides in the Ilam eastern region bordering India. Nine individuals were reported missing after being carried off by flood waters, and three others were killed in lightning strikes elsewhere in the country.