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Search parties have safely led all of the remaining hikers near the eastern slopes of Everest in the Tibet region to safety, including hundreds of native guides and livestock handlers, local government reported. This concludes one of the biggest search-and-rescue missions ever seen in the zone.

Large-Scale Evacuation Operation Completed

Numerous of explorers were left stranded in heavy snow over the recent weekend in the remote Karma valley, after an unusually fierce snowstorm deposited significant snowfall across the area.

Snow persisted all day Saturday in the valley, which rests at an average altitude of 4,200 meters (13,800 feet). By Sunday, rescuers had guided approximately 350 hikers to a safe zone.

Earlier reports had indicated that the remaining roughly 200 individuals were anticipated to reach a secure area by Tuesday.

In total, 580 hikers, coupled with more than 300 guides, yak herders, and other support staff were rescued, according to authoritative announcements released on Tuesday evening.

Those Rescued Recount Severe Conditions

One from China trekker shared how their group had been “too anxious to sleep” on Saturday, as snow quickly piled up around their tents, obliging them to remove it every 90 minutes. They chose to move to lower ground on Sunday as the weather became more severe.

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

Expedition Plans Thwarted

The blizzard also hindered the plans of mountaineers escorted by a US-based expedition firm to summit Cho Oyu, an 8,188-meter (26,864-foot) peak on the border between the People's Republic of China and Nepal.

Visitor Increase in the Area

Karma valley was first explored by international adventurers a long time ago. In recent years, with the development of the Everest region in Tibet as a significant visitor attraction, the area has attracted an rising number of tourists. More than 540,000 sightseers traveled to the Everest region last year, establishing a all-time high.

Region Remains Off-Limits

The Everest region remains currently inaccessible to the visitors, encompassing the Karma and Rongshar valleys, as well as Cho Oyu.

Wider Impact

The significant snowfall over the weekend also influenced many of hikers in other parts of the western regions of China, such as Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu. Unfortunately, at least one individual died, due to a combination of low body temperature and high-altitude illness.

Unusual Conditions

October is typically a busy season for the area, with usually clear and pleasant weather, but one participant of an 18-person expedition team that returned safely to Qudang commented that the weather this year was “unusual.”