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Rescue teams have escorted all of the remaining trekkers near the eastern slopes of Everest in Tibet to security, along with hundreds of native guides and livestock handlers, authorities reported. This marks the end one of the biggest search-and-rescue operations ever conducted in the zone.

Massive Evacuation Effort Concluded

Several hundred of trekkers were became trapped in deep snow over the past few days in the secluded Karma valley, after an unusually fierce snowstorm dumped significant snowfall across the territory.

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

Previous accounts had indicated that the remaining roughly 200 travelers were anticipated to reach safety by Tuesday.

In total, 580 mountaineers, in addition to more than 300 guides, animal handlers, and other assistants were rescued, according to authoritative reports released on Tuesday late in the day.

Survivors Recount Harsh Situations

One from China traveler shared how their group had been “too frightened to sleep” on Saturday, as snow rapidly accumulated around their tents, compelling them to clear it every 90 minutes. They opted to move to lower ground on Sunday as the conditions deteriorated.

“On the way, we came across our guide’s father, who had ventured for him. That’s when we realized the snow was heavy in the valley, too; villagers, incapable to contact their children on the mountain, were very anxious.”

Climbing Schedules Disrupted

The blizzard also hindered the goals of climbers escorted by a American mountaineering outfit to ascend Cho Oyu, an 8,188-meter (26,864-foot) peak on the border between China and the nation of Nepal.

Tourism Growth in the Area

Karma valley was first discovered by international explorers a long time ago. In modern times, with the development of the Everest region in Tibet as a prominent travel draw, the area has drawn an rising number of visitors. More than 540,000 sightseers traveled to the Everest region last year, establishing a unprecedented number.

Region Remains Off-Limits

The Everest region remains currently off-limits to the general public, covering the Karma and Rongshar valleys, as well as Cho Oyu.

Broader Effect

The significant snowfall over the weekend also affected hundreds of travelers in other parts of the western regions of China, such as Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu. Sadly, at least one individual succumbed, due to a mix of exposure and altitude sickness.

Unusual Weather

October is typically a busy season for the area, with usually fine and mild weather, but one participant of an 18-person trekking group that made it back to Qudang remarked that the weather this year was “not normal.”