Trapped in the Storm: The Harrowing Blizzard on Mount Everest and the Race to Rescue Hundreds
Mount Everest faced an unexpected and severe blizzard starting Friday evening, October 3, 2025, which trapped nearly 1,000 hikers and trekkers on its eastern slopes in Tibet, creating a dangerous situation that has prompted a major rescue operation. The storm dumped heavy snow and caused freezing temperatures that led to hypothermia risks among the stranded individuals, many of whom were on holiday treks during China’s Golden Week.
Blizzard Strands Hundreds of Trekkers
The blizzard struck the eastern face of Mount Everest, also known as Qomolangma, at elevations exceeding 4,900 meters (16,000 feet). This area is popular with trekkers who are not necessarily expert mountaineers. By Sunday, rescue teams had managed to guide about 350 people safely down to the small township of Qudang. Authorities are still in contact with over 200 more individuals who remain trapped near the mountain, with some reports suggesting the total initially trapped may have approached 1,000. The rescue operations involve hundreds of local residents, police, and rescuers using yaks and clearing snow-blocked roads to aid the stranded groups.
Harrowing Experiences and Eyewitness Quotes
Many trekkers described harrowing experiences as the snowfall intensified overnight. One nature photographer, Li Wei, who was in a 20-person group reached an altitude of roughly 4,600 meters but had to retreat due to the heavy snow and the onset of hypothermia in the group, said, “The snow came down like a wall. Visibility vanished within minutes, and the cold was bone-chilling. We huddled together, hoping to make it through the night.”
Astrophotographer Mei Zhang recalled the desperate moments, “Our tents were collapsing under the weight of the snow. I remember feeling suffocated, and the storm howled like a beast outside. It was a fight just to breathe.”
An experienced trekker, Sunil Thapa, who played a part in guiding some groups down, shared, “I have trekked these trails many times, but I have never seen anything like this. The snow piled over three feet deep, and the silence was eerie except for the wind’s roar. We had to rely on local yaks and sheer willpower to clear paths and bring people to safety.”
Acts of Kindness Amid Crisis
Amid the chaos, stories of human kindness emerged. Local villagers opened their homes and hearts, offering warm meals and milk tea to the weary survivors. “We shared whatever we had,” said Nima Dorje, a resident of Qudang. “In times like this, we are one big family. Every stranger was a guest to us.”
Rescued trekkers expressed gratitude for the warmth and support. One hiker, Anjali Kapoor, said through tears, “After hours in the snow, walking into a warm house with steaming tea felt like coming back to life. The kindness here saved us as much as the rescue teams did.”
Rescue and Response Efforts
The Chinese state media and rescue reports detailed continuous efforts to clear pathways and safely evacuate the trapped hikers. Communication lines remain open with those stranded, and gradual evacuations are underway. The rescue teams are battling the challenging terrain and weather conditions, using both manpower and yaks to transport supplies and help evacuate hikers safely.
The blizzard came at a time when the normally favorable weather for trekking the Himalayas during the autumn season was disrupted by this sudden and intense snowstorm. The event coincided with the Chinese National Day Golden Week and the Mid-Autumn Festival, leading to crowded trekking routes that complicated rescue logistics.
This incident highlights not only the unpredictable and hazardous nature of high-altitude trekking but also the strength of community and resilience of the human spirit in facing such perilous weather. The courageous rescuers, local villagers, and the trekkers themselves all played essential roles in navigating this crisis on the roof of the world.