More than 200 hikers are currently stranded on Mount Everest following a blizzard that swept through the highest peak in the world. Rescue operations are in progress to bring them safely down from the mountain.
The storm caused significant damage in the Himalayan region, leading to landslides and floods on the Nepalese side of the mountain, resulting in the tragic loss of 40 lives. Chinese state media has reported that 350 individuals have been evacuated from Everest, leaving around 200 still awaiting rescue.
Efforts to rescue the stranded hikers are actively underway, with reports of hikers resorting to preparing instant noodles as they await assistance. This year, hikers have encountered unusual weather conditions, disrupting their plans to climb Everest during the typically clear and favorable peak hiking season in October.
Eric Wen, part of a group of 18 hikers, mentioned that continuous snowfall prompted them to relocate from their campsite. Despite wearing appropriate gear for the expedition, two men and a woman succumbed to hypothermia. Snow clearance was required every 10 minutes at the site due to heavy snowfall.
The Karma Valley, a less frequented trail to the Everest base camp, demands a certain level of mountaineering experience and physical fitness from trekkers. The route is regulated and necessitates the presence of guides, similar to other paths leading to the summit.
Mount Everest remains a popular destination, attracting approximately 540,200 visitors in 2024. While most visitors do not aim to reach the summit, an estimated 1,000 individuals achieved this feat last year.