Rescuers Race to Evacuate Stranded Everest Hikers by Tuesday

As of October 7, 2025, over 200 trekkers remain stranded in freezing temperatures near the eastern face of Everest in Tibet. The hikers were caught off guard by an unexpectedly strong snowstorm that pummeled the Himalayas over the past weekend.

The evacuation of the stranded trekkers began on Monday and is expected to be completed by Tuesday, according to a source familiar with the situation. The sudden blizzard struck the region during China's eight-day National Day holiday, when outdoor enthusiasts had flocked to the country's rugged interior to catch a glimpse of Everest's Kangshung face.

Rescuers have been guiding the trapped hikers to safety, with some trekkers reporting that they had to trudge through 19 kilometers of heavy snow to leave the Karma valley, where the average altitude is around 4,200 meters. One hiker, Eric Wen, said that the footprints left by those ahead of them made the journey slightly easier, as they could follow the trail.

The situation remains critical, as there has been no official word on the condition of the remaining trekkers. Experts advise that in such extreme weather conditions, hikers and climbers should always carry satellite phones or tracking devices and alert local authorities about their location, seeking shelter in safe areas away from avalanche zones or riverbeds.