A sudden and violent snowstorm has struck the Tibetan side of Mount Everest, catching hundreds of trekkers by surprise and leaving them stranded at altitudes above 4,900 meters. According to local media, one climber has tragically died from hypothermia and altitude sickness in Tiger Valley, located in northwest Qinghai.

The storm, which began on Friday, October 3, intensified over the weekend, blocking mountain roads and damaging tents. Several groups captured footage of the event, showing dark skies and snow-covered landscapes.

So far, over 350 trekkers have been rescued and transported to the village of Qudang. However, more than 200 individuals remain stranded on the mountains. The combination of severe cold, heavy snowfall, and poor visibility is making rescue operations extremely challenging.

Authorities report that the incident occurred during China’s National Day week, a period when Everest typically sees a surge in tourist activity. In response, officials have suspended ticket sales and closed the tourist area for safety reasons.

Rescue teams are maintaining constant radio contact with isolated groups and planning staggered evacuations down to safer areas in the valley. The extreme weather conditions highlight the ongoing risks faced by high-altitude trekkers in the Himalayas.