Snowstorm Everest 2025: What’s Happening?

Rescue operations are underway on Mount Everest’s eastern slopes after a severe snowstorm struck the region, trapping hundreds of hikers and climbers in remote areas of Tibet. 

The disaster, which unfolded during China’s National Day Golden Week holiday, has left rescue teams battling extreme weather and heavy snow at altitudes exceeding 4,900 meters (16,000 feet).

According to Chinese state media, hundreds of villagers and trained rescue workers have been mobilized to clear snow-blocked routes and locate those stranded on the mountain. While 350 people have been safely guided down to the township of Qudang, approximately 200 more remain in contact with rescuers and are awaiting evacuation.

Key Takeaways

• A powerful snowstorm hit Mount Everest’s eastern slopes in Tibet during the Golden Week holiday.
• Around 350 hikers have been rescued, while 200 remain stranded on the mountain.
• The storm dropped over a meter of snow overnight, making routes impassable.
• Local rescuers are battling freezing temperatures and poor visibility to reach those trapped.
• Survivors describe the blizzard as “unprecedented” and far worse than forecasted.

The Snowstorm That Shook Mount Everest

The snowstorm began late on Friday, 4 October 2025, and intensified through the weekend, blanketing the Karma Valley region and surrounding routes leading toward Cho Oyu Base Camp, a popular trail offering views of Mount Everest and nearby Himalayan peaks.

Many of the trapped hikers were part of groups traveling during China’s week-long National Day holiday, one of the country’s busiest tourism seasons. What was supposed to be a scenic mountain trek quickly turned into a survival challenge as temperatures plummeted and snow piled up overnight.

Geshuang Chen, a 29-year-old outdoor enthusiast, told the BBC that her group set out from Qudang township on 4 October, expecting light snow that would clear by the next day. “When we woke up the next morning, the snow was already about a meter deep,” she said. “All of us are experienced hikers, but this blizzard was extremely difficult to deal with. I was so lucky to get out.”

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Hundreds Trapped in High Altitude Chaos

The snowstorm trapped hikers across several campsites along Everest’s eastern face. Many were attempting to reach Cho Oyu Base Camp or Karma Valley when they became stuck due to impassable snowdrifts.

Rescue teams have been working around the clock to clear routes and guide stranded groups to safety. However, progress is slow due to relentless snowfall and treacherous terrain. Rescuers are using shovels, ropes, and snow vehicles to open narrow paths through thick snow that in some areas has reached over one meter deep.

Local officials confirmed that emergency shelters have been set up in Qudang township for evacuees, offering food, heat, and medical aid.

Voices from the Mountain

Survivors and relatives of those still trapped have shared chilling accounts of the ordeal.

A woman in Shenzhen told the BBC that her husband, who was stuck in the storm, managed to contact her and said that “the route back was extremely difficult because of the thick snow.” She added, “Even for rescuers, it’s not easy. They need to clear snow to make a path. I hope my husband’s team reaches safety soon.”

Other hikers described long nights filled with fear and exhaustion. One trekker, Eric Wen, told Reuters that three members of his group suffered hypothermia despite being well-equipped. “We had to clear snow every ten minutes; otherwise, our tents would have collapsed,” he said.

Many have reported sleepless nights, staying awake in fear of being buried under the snow.

Why the Storm Took Everyone by Surprise

Meteorologists have pointed out that while light snow was forecast for 4 October, no warnings were issued about a major blizzard. The sudden intensification of the storm caught many groups unprepared, especially those camping at high altitudes without heavy snow gear.

Local guides have called this snowstorm “highly unusual” for the eastern side of Mount Everest, where October typically marks the end of the monsoon season and the start of drier, more stable weather.

“This year’s snow was exceptional,” said a local guide who helped lead evacuations from Karma Valley. “In all my years, I haven’t seen such rapid accumulation and strong winds in this area.”

Regional Impact: From Tibet to Nepal

The extreme weather in the Everest region has not been confined to Tibet. Neighboring Nepal has been battered by heavy rains that triggered flash floods and landslides, killing at least 47 people and destroying vital bridges over the past two days.

Meanwhile, Typhoon Matmo has struck China’s eastern coast, forcing more than 150,000 people to evacuate. Meteorologists have described this convergence of storms across Asia as part of a rare large-scale weather pattern affecting the Himalayas and beyond.

The Dangers of Mount Everest’s Eastern Routes

Mount Everest, standing 8,849 meters high, remains one of the world’s most challenging and dangerous climbs. However, the eastern Tibetan approach, less commercialized than Nepal’s southern route, has gained popularity among hikers and amateur mountaineers seeking less crowded trails.

The Karma Valley trail, though visually stunning, runs through high-altitude terrain where weather can shift rapidly. Sudden storms, avalanches, and freezing winds are constant hazards, especially during transitional months like October.

Rescue officials have urged future hikers to closely monitor local weather advisories and avoid traveling to remote areas without emergency gear.

Current Rescue Status

As of Monday morning, 350 people have been safely rescued and brought down to Qudang township. Another 200 remain in communication with rescue teams who are navigating difficult conditions to reach them.

Authorities have deployed helicopters for aerial surveillance, though poor visibility has limited their use. Satellite phones and GPS trackers are being employed to locate stranded groups.

State media reports that no fatalities have been confirmed so far, though several hikers are being treated for hypothermia and altitude sickness.

Final Thoughts

The Mount Everest snowstorm of October 2025 serves as a reminder of how quickly nature can turn even the most prepared adventure into a fight for survival. While hundreds have been rescued, ongoing efforts continue to save those still trapped in one of the world’s harshest environments.

This event underscores the growing unpredictability of Himalayan weather patterns, intensified by climate shifts. As China and Nepal both deal with simultaneous natural disasters, the coordination of rescue resources will be key to preventing further tragedy.

For now, the world watches anxiously as rescue workers battle time, cold, and terrain to bring everyone home safely from the roof of the world.

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FAQs

What caused the Mount Everest snowstorm in 2025?

Meteorologists believe the storm was the result of a convergence of cold fronts and moisture-laden winds that intensified unexpectedly over Tibet’s high-altitude terrain.

How many people were trapped during the Everest snowstorm?

Around 550 hikers were affected, with 350 already rescued and about 200 still awaiting evacuation as of Monday.

Where did the snowstorm occur?

The storm struck the eastern slopes of Mount Everest in Tibet, particularly near Qudang township and along the Karma Valley route leading toward Cho Oyu Base Camp.

How severe was the storm?

The blizzard dropped nearly a meter of snow overnight and caused whiteout conditions, making trails impassable and tents collapse under the weight of accumulated snow.

Is it safe to hike in the Everest region now?

Authorities have temporarily suspended trekking routes in the affected area and advised all tourists to delay travel until rescue operations and weather conditions stabilize.