Early-season snowfalls have created significant challenges in western China, stranding hundreds of hikers and leading to the closure of trails. Among those affected, several hundred tourists found themselves stuck at the base of Mount Everest due to an intense snow and rainstorm that hit the region over the weekend. The harsh weather conditions have coincided with a weeklong national holiday in China, prompting many individuals to visit national parks and tourist attractions.
In neighboring Nepal, a tragic incident occurred as a South Korean climber lost his life while attempting to ascend Mera Peak, located just south of Everest. This unfortunate event underscored the risks associated with climbing in the Himalayas, particularly during inclement weather. As a result of the severe conditions, one person died and over 200 others had to be evacuated after venturing into a remote area of Qinghai province.
The Tibetan plateau, a vast elevated region in western China, is characterized by its scenic landscapes, including snow-capped mountains and clear lakes. It serves as the source of major rivers such as the Yangtze and Mekong, which flow through various parts of China and neighboring countries. The plateau stretches from the Himalayas at the border with Nepal to areas in Qinghai province and the Xinjiang region to the north.
The snowstorm that impacted Mount Everest stranded many hikers as they were forced to stay overnight in tents at altitudes exceeding 4,900 meters (16,076 feet). As of late Monday, approximately 350 individuals had successfully descended, while more than 200 were in the process of being guided to a designated meeting point. The severe weather, which included heavy snow and lightning flashes, began on Saturday afternoon and intensified overnight. A hiker, referred to only by the surname Dong, described the storm as unprecedented in intensity.
In Nepal, the Nepal Mountaineering Association confirmed the death of the South Korean climber, who was initially reported missing near the summit of Mera Peak, a mountain that stands at 6,476 meters (21,250 feet) and is popular among autumn climbers. Thankfully, other climbers reported being safe on the mountain despite the adverse weather conditions.
As search efforts continued, authorities were actively looking for remaining hikers trapped in the Qilian Mountains of Qinghai province. Reports indicated that one hiker had died from hypothermia and altitude sickness, while 213 others were evacuated following their distress. Many of these individuals had embarked on the trek after discovering it through social media, leading to a surge in hikers attempting the challenging route.
Search missions, which involved drone surveillance, commenced on Sunday after hikers in Laohugou, a valley in Menyuan county, reported being stranded. The elevation in this area averages over 4,000 meters (13,100 feet), complicating rescue efforts due to the difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. In response to the incident, the Menyuan county government issued a warning against hiking, citing illegal entry into the area.
In addition to the challenges faced by hikers on Mount Everest and in Qinghai, the Kanas scenic area in the northwest of China also experienced severe weather, resulting in a snowstorm that left motorists stranded on a nearby highway. Traffic on this route in the Xinjiang region had been cleared by Monday, but the shutdown of the scenic area underscores the widespread impact of the adverse weather.
