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Emergency efforts are ongoing on the world's tallest mountain following a severe snowstorm that left close to a thousand people trapped at campsites on the eastern side of the peak.

Hundreds Guided to Safety Amid Unusual Snowfall

Hundreds of trekkers stranded by the snowstorm near the eastern face of the mountain were safely guided by emergency responders on the weekend, as unusually heavy precipitation hit the Himalayan region.

As of Sunday, 350 people had reached the remote town of Qudang, while communication had been established with the remaining 200-plus trekkers.

Peak Season Led to High Visitor Numbers

Tourists in the isolated area of Karma, which leads to the eastern Kangshung face of Mount Everest, numbered in the hundreds this week, taking advantage of an extended holiday break in the region.

Snowfall in the region, which lies at an average altitude of 4,200 meters (13,779 feet), started late Friday and persisted all day Saturday.

Continued Operations to Bring Remaining Trekkers to Security

The other hikers are scheduled to reach Qudang in phases under the guidance and assistance of emergency teams organised by the local government.

Hundreds of local villagers and rescue teams have been sent to help remove snow blocking access to the region.

Unclear Details Over Support Staff and North Face

Reports indicated that close to a thousand individuals had been trapped. It was not specified whether support staff and team members with the trekking parties had been accounted for.

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

Peak Season and Entry Suspended

The northern slope of Mount Everest, due to its easy access by roadway, often attracts many of tourists. October is a busy period, when weather improves with the end of the Indian monsoon.

Ticket sales and access to the entire Everest scenic area were halted from the weekend, according to announcements posted on official channels.

Nearby Area Impacted by Severe Weather

To the south of the region, torrential downpours caused landslides and flash floods that have blocked roads, washed away bridges, and killed at least 47 people since Friday.

Thirty-five people died in multiple mudslides in the eastern Ilam district bordering India. Nine individuals were reported missing after being swept away by flood waters, and three others were killed in electrical storms elsewhere in the country.