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Rescue teams have escorted all of the remaining adventurers near the eastern slopes of Everest in Tibet to security, including hundreds of native guides and animal tenders, local government reported. This marks the end one of the most extensive search-and-rescue missions ever conducted in the zone.

Massive Rescue Operation Completed

Hundreds of trekkers were became trapped in thick snow over the weekend in the remote Karma valley, after an unexpectedly powerful blizzard dumped substantial snowfall across the region.

Snow persisted throughout Saturday in the valley, which rests at an typical altitude of 4,200 meters (13,800 feet). By Sunday, rescue personnel had guided approximately 350 hikers to security.

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

In total, 580 trekkers, coupled with more than 300 escorts, animal handlers, and other support staff were rescued, according to government statements released on Tuesday evening.

Survivors Describe Extreme Situations

One from China traveler described how their group had been “too frightened to sleep” on Saturday, as snow quickly piled up around their tents, obliging them to clear it every 90 minutes. They decided to descend on Sunday as the weather worsened.

“On the way, we encountered our guide’s father, who had set out for him. That’s when we realized the snow was deep in the valley, too; community members, not able to contact their children on the mountain, were very anxious.”

Climbing Plans Disrupted

The severe weather also disrupted the goals of mountaineers led by a United States mountaineering company to reach the top of Cho Oyu, an 8,188-meter (26,864-foot) peak on the boundary between China and Nepal.

Visitor Growth in the Area

Karma valley was first discovered by international explorers a century ago. In recent years, with the expansion of the Everest region in Tibet as a significant travel attraction, the area has attracted an growing number of tourists. More than 540,000 tourists visited the Everest region last year, setting a new record.

Area Still Off-Limits

The Everest region is still currently closed to the visitors, covering the Karma and Rongshar valleys, as well as Cho Oyu.

Broader Impact

The significant snowfall over the weekend also affected many of hikers in other parts of western China, including Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu. Tragically, at least one traveler lost their life, due to a blend of hypothermia and altitude sickness.

Atypical Conditions

October is typically a high season for the area, with normally fine and moderate weather, but one trekker of an 18-person trekking group that made it back to Qudang noted that the weather this year was “atypical.”