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Search parties have successfully guided all of the remaining adventurers near the east-facing slopes of Everest in Tibet to security, including numerous of local guides and yak herders, authorities stated. This marks the end one of the largest search-and-rescue missions ever conducted in the area.

Large-Scale Evacuation Operation Completed

Several hundred of explorers were became trapped in deep snow over the recent weekend in the remote Karma valley, after an unexpectedly powerful winter blast unleashed significant snowfall across the area.

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

Earlier reports had estimated that the last group of roughly 200 individuals were projected to reach a secure area by Tuesday.

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

Survivors Recount Severe Situations

One Chinese trekker recalled how their group had been “too frightened to sleep” on Saturday, as snow quickly piled up around their tents, compelling them to remove it every 90 minutes. They decided to descend on Sunday as the weather became more severe.

“On the way, we met our guide’s father, who had ventured for him. That’s when we realized the snow was intense in the valley, too; community members, unable to contact their children on the mountain, were very anxious.”

Climbing Plans Thwarted

The severe weather also hindered the goals of alpinists led by a US-based expedition firm to ascend Cho Oyu, an 8,188-meter (26,864-foot) peak on the boundary between the People's Republic of China and Nepal.

Visitor Increase in the Area

Karma valley was first explored by foreign explorers a hundred years ago. In modern times, with the growth of the Everest region in Tibet as a significant visitor destination, the area has brought in an increasing number of travelers. More than 540,000 visitors explored the Everest region last year, setting a all-time high.

Area Remains Closed

The Everest region is still currently off-limits to the public, encompassing the Karma and Rongshar valleys, as well as Cho Oyu.

Broader Impact

The heavy snowfall over the weekend also impacted numerous of hikers in other parts of the western regions of China, including Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu. Unfortunately, at least one individual died, due to a mix of hypothermia and high-altitude illness.

Unusual Conditions

October is typically a busy season for the area, with usually sunny and pleasant weather, but one participant of an 18-person trekking group that made it back to Qudang commented that the weather this year was “atypical.”