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Search parties have safely led all of the remaining hikers near the east-facing slopes of Everest in Tibet to a secure location, along with scores of native guides and livestock handlers, officials reported. This marks the end one of the most extensive search-and-rescue operations ever undertaken in the zone.

Massive Evacuation Effort Completed

Numerous of hikers were became trapped in deep snow over the recent weekend in the remote Karma valley, after an unusually powerful blizzard unleashed substantial snowfall across the area.

Snow continued to fall all day Saturday in the valley, which sits at an average altitude of 4,200 meters (13,800 feet). By Sunday, rescuers had led approximately 350 hikers to safety.

Earlier reports had estimated that the last group of roughly 200 hikers were projected to reach their destination by Tuesday.

In total, 580 trekkers, coupled with more than 300 guides, yak herders, and other crew members were brought out, according to government reports released on Tuesday late in the day.

Survivors Describe Extreme Conditions

One Chinese traveler described how their group had been “too frightened to sleep” on Saturday, as snow swiftly built up around their tents, compelling them to shovel it every 90 minutes. They decided to descend on Sunday as the situation deteriorated.

“On the way, we met our guide’s father, who had set out for him. That’s when we realized the snow was intense in the valley, too; villagers, unable to contact their children on the mountain, were very anxious.”

Expedition Plans Disrupted

The blizzard also hindered the goals of climbers escorted by a United States expedition firm to ascend Cho Oyu, an 8,188-meter (26,864-foot) peak on the boundary between China and the nation of Nepal.

Visitor Growth in the Area

Karma valley was first discovered by western explorers a long time ago. In recent years, with the expansion of the Everest region in Tibet as a major travel draw, the area has drawn an growing number of travelers. More than 540,000 sightseers explored the Everest region last year, marking a all-time high.

Region Still Off-Limits

The Everest region is still for the time being off-limits to the public, encompassing the Karma and Rongshar valleys, as well as Cho Oyu.

Wider Effect

The heavy snowfall over the weekend also impacted many of hikers in other parts of the western regions of China, including Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu. Sadly, at least one traveler succumbed, due to a blend of low body temperature and high-altitude illness.

Unusual Weather

October is typically a busy season for the area, with usually clear and moderate weather, but one participant of an 18-person expedition team that made it back to Qudang remarked that the weather this year was “not normal.”