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Rescue operations are ongoing on the world's tallest mountain following a severe snowstorm that stranded nearly 1,000 people trapped at base camps on the eastern side of the peak.

Hundreds Guided to Safety Amid Unusual Precipitation

Numerous hikers stranded by the blizzard near the east side of the mountain were led to safety by rescue teams on the weekend, as exceptional snow and rain hit the Himalayan region.

By the weekend, 350 people had reached the remote town of the rescue base, while contact had been made with the remaining 200-plus trekkers.

Holiday Rush Led to High Crowds

Visitors to the remote valley of Karma, which leads to the eastern Kangshung face of Mount Everest, totaled several hundred this week, benefiting from an extended holiday break in the region.

Snowfall in the valley, which sits at an elevation averaging 4,200 metres (13,779 feet), began on Friday evening and continued all day Saturday.

Continued Operations to Rescue Others to Security

The remaining trekkers are scheduled to reach the safe zone in stages under the support and direction of emergency teams dispatched by the local government.

Many residents and rescue teams have been deployed to help clear pathways blocking access to the region.

Unclear Details Over Local Guides and North Face

Estimates indicated that nearly 1,000 people had been trapped. It was not specified whether support staff and other personnel with the trekking parties had been located.

It was also unclear if hikers near the north face of the mountain—also in the region—had been impacted or not.

Peak Season and Entry Suspended

The northern slope of Mount Everest, due to its easy access by roadway, regularly draws large numbers of tourists. This month is a busy period, when weather improves with the end of the monsoon season.

Admission tickets and access to the entire Everest scenic area were halted from the weekend, according to notices posted on local platforms.

Neighboring Region Impacted by Severe Weather

To the southern side of the region, torrential downpours caused mudslides and sudden flooding that have blocked roads, washed away bridges, and claimed over forty-seven lives since last week.

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