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Rescue operations are actively underway on Mount Everest following a intense blizzard that stranded nearly 1,000 individuals isolated at base camps on the eastern side of the peak.

Hundreds Guided to Safety Amid Heavy Precipitation

Numerous hikers cut off by the snowstorm near the eastern face of the peak were led to safety by rescue teams on the weekend, as unusually heavy precipitation hit the Himalayas.

As of Sunday, three hundred and fifty individuals had reached the small township of Qudang, while contact had been made with the remaining 200-plus trekkers.

Peak Season Contributed to High Crowds

Tourists in the isolated area of Karma, which provides access to the Kangshung east side of Mount Everest, numbered in the hundreds this period, taking advantage of an extended holiday break in the area.

Heavy snow in the region, which sits at an elevation averaging 4,200 metres (over 13,700 feet), started late Friday and continued throughout Saturday.

Ongoing Efforts to Bring Remaining Trekkers to Safety

The remaining trekkers are scheduled to reach the safe zone in phases under the guidance and assistance of emergency teams organised by the local government.

Hundreds of local villagers and rescue teams have been sent to help remove snow blocking access to the region.

Unclear Details Over Local Guides and Other Areas

Estimates indicated that close to a thousand individuals had been stranded. It was not specified whether support staff and team members with the trekking parties had been accounted for.

Remains unknown if hikers near the northern side of the mountain—also in the area—had been affected or not.

Peak Season and Access Suspended

The north face of Everest, due to its convenient approach by paved road, regularly draws many of visitors. October is a busy period, when skies clear with the conclusion of the monsoon season.

Ticket sales and access to the entire Everest scenic area were suspended from the weekend, according to announcements posted on official channels.

Nearby Area Affected by Severe Weather

To the south of the region, torrential downpours triggered mudslides and sudden flooding that have blocked roads, washed away bridges, and killed at least 47 people since last week.

Thirty-five individuals lost their lives in multiple mudslides in the eastern Ilam district bordering India. Nine people were reported unaccounted for after being carried off by flood waters, and three others were fatally struck in electrical storms elsewhere in the country.