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Emergency crews have escorted all of the remaining adventurers near the east-facing slopes of Mount Everest in Tibet to security, along with hundreds of local guides and yak herders, local government reported. This concludes one of the largest search-and-rescue missions ever undertaken in the area.

Large-Scale Rescue Operation Completed

Hundreds of trekkers were left stranded in thick snow over the recent weekend in the remote Karma valley, after an unexpectedly powerful snowstorm unleashed substantial snowfall across the region.

Snow persisted all day Saturday in the valley, which rests at an average altitude of 4,200 meters (13,800 feet). By Sunday, rescuers had escorted approximately 350 hikers to safety.

Earlier reports had suggested that the remaining roughly 200 travelers were anticipated to reach safety by Tuesday.

In total, 580 mountaineers, coupled with more than 300 escorts, livestock herders, and other crew members were brought out, according to authoritative announcements released on Tuesday night.

Survivors Recount Harsh Conditions

One from China hiker described how their group had been “too anxious to sleep” on Saturday, as snow swiftly built up around their tents, forcing them to remove it every 90 minutes. They chose to go down on Sunday as the weather became more severe.

“On the way, we came across our guide’s father, who had come looking for him. That’s when we found out the snow was heavy in the valley, too; villagers, incapable to contact their children on the mountain, were extremely worried.”

Climbing Plans Thwarted

The severe weather also hindered the goals of alpinists guided by a American expedition outfit to reach the top of Cho Oyu, an 8,188-meter (26,864-foot) peak on the border between the People's Republic of China and Nepal.

Tourism Increase in the Area

Karma valley was first visited by foreign explorers a century ago. In recent years, with the development of the Everest region in Tibet as a prominent travel destination, the area has attracted an rising number of travelers. More than 540,000 tourists explored the Everest region last year, setting a all-time high.

Area Still Off-Limits

The Everest region remains currently closed to the public, including the Karma and Rongshar valleys, as well as Cho Oyu.

Wider Effect

The significant snowfall over the weekend also impacted hundreds of trekkers in other parts of western China, including Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu. Sadly, at least one traveler lost their life, due to a mix of hypothermia and high-altitude illness.

Unusual Conditions

October is typically a busy season for the area, with usually clear and pleasant weather, but one trekker of an 18-person hiking party that returned safely to Qudang commented that the weather this year was “atypical.”