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Rescue operations are ongoing on the world's tallest mountain following a severe snowstorm that stranded close to a thousand people isolated at campsites on the eastern side of the summit.

Several Hundred Guided to Safety Amid Heavy Precipitation

Hundreds of trekkers stranded by the blizzard near the eastern face of the mountain were safely guided by rescue teams on the weekend, as unusually heavy snow and rain pummelled the Himalayan region.

As of Sunday, 350 people had reached the small township of the rescue base, while contact had been established with the remaining 200-plus trekkers.

Peak Season Led to High Visitor Numbers

Visitors to the remote valley of the Karma valley, which provides access to the Kangshung east side of Mount Everest, numbered in the hundreds this week, taking advantage of an eight-day National Day holiday in the area.

Snowfall in the region, which lies at an elevation averaging 4,200 metres (over 13,700 feet), began on Friday evening and continued throughout Saturday.

Continued Operations to Bring Remaining Trekkers to Security

The remaining trekkers are scheduled to reach Qudang in stages under the support and direction of rescuers dispatched by the regional authorities.

Hundreds of local villagers and rescue teams have been deployed to help clear pathways obstructing routes to the area.

Uncertainty Over Local Guides and North Face

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

Remains unknown if hikers near the northern side of Everest—also in the area—had been impacted or not.

Peak Season and Access Suspended

The north face of Mount Everest, due to its easy access by paved road, often attracts many of visitors. October is a peak season, when weather improves with the end of the Indian monsoon.

Admission tickets and access to the whole Mount Everest region were suspended from the weekend, according to announcements posted on local platforms.

Nearby Area Affected by Severe Weather

To the south of the area, heavy rains caused mudslides and flash floods that have closed routes, destroyed bridges, and claimed over forty-seven lives since Friday.

Thirty-five individuals lost their lives in multiple mudslides in the eastern Ilam district near the Indian border. Nine people were reported unaccounted for after being swept away by rising waters, and three others were killed in electrical storms in other parts of the nation.