A powerful snowstorm in the Himalayas has left thousands of hikers stranded near Mount Everest on the Tibetan side. Heavy snow and rain disrupted hiking activities, forcing rescue teams to act quickly. So far, 350 people have been evacuated to safety, while authorities have made contact with over 200 others who are still stranded, according to Chinese state media.

The snowstorm coincided with heavy rainfall in Nepal, where floods and landslides have killed at least 47 people since Friday. Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain at over 8,849 meters, attracts many climbers each year. October is typically considered a good month to attempt the summit due to its mild weather. However, this year, the snowstorm hit unexpectedly, catching hikers and guides by surprise.

The blizzard started late on Friday, October 3, and continued into Saturday, severely affecting the Karma Valley, which leads to Everest’s eastern face. The number of stranded hikers was initially reported at around 1,000. By Monday, October 6, 350 people had been rescued, while rescue teams continued efforts to help the remaining hikers.

Local villagers and rescue teams are working to clear snow blocking key routes at altitudes above 4,900 meters (16,000 feet). Because of the extreme weather, authorities halted ticket sales and restricted access to the Everest Scenic Area starting Saturday. The storm also disrupted a busy period for domestic tourism in -, as the Golden Week holiday brought many hikers to the region.

One rescued hiker, evacuated to Qudang Township, told Reuters, “It was so wet and cold in the mountains, and hypothermia was a real risk.” The hiker added that even experienced guides had never faced such severe conditions in October.

Social media posts from hikers and guides show tents buried in snow, while rescuers navigate the blizzard to reach stranded tourists. Teams continue working to clear blocked paths and assist those still trapped as snow continues to fall in the region.