Hundreds of trekkers stranded by a blizzard near the eastern Kangshung face of Mount Everest in Tibet reached safety in Qudang township, with 350 guided out and contact made with over 200 more as heavy precipitation hit the Himalayas.
Snowfall began on Friday evening in the Karma Valley at 4,200 metres elevation and continued through Saturday, trapping nearly 1,000 people during China’s eight-day National Day holiday.
Local government organised rescuers and hundreds of villagers to clear snow-blocked access, with remaining trekkers set to arrive in Qudang in stages under guidance.
Ticket sales and entry to the Everest Scenic Area suspended from late Saturday, with uncertainty over local guides, support staff and trekkers near the north face.
In Nepal, heavy rains since Friday caused landslides and flash floods killing at least 47 people, including 35 in Ilam district, nine missing from floodwaters and three from lightning strikes.
