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Emergency crews have escorted all of the remaining hikers near the east-facing slopes of Everest in Tibet to a secure location, along with numerous of native guides and livestock handlers, authorities stated. This marks the end one of the biggest search-and-rescue efforts ever seen in the region.

Massive Rescue Effort Completed

Numerous of explorers were left stranded in thick snow over the recent weekend in the secluded Karma valley, after an unexpectedly intense snowstorm unleashed substantial snowfall across the region.

Snow continued to fall all day Saturday in the valley, which rests at an typical altitude of 4,200 meters (13,800 feet). By Sunday, emergency teams had escorted approximately 350 hikers to security.

Previous accounts had indicated that the remaining roughly 200 hikers were anticipated to reach their destination by Tuesday.

In total, 580 hikers, along with more than 300 guides, yak herders, and other support staff were rescued, according to government statements released on Tuesday night.

Survivors Describe Extreme Conditions

One from China trekker recalled how their group had been “too scared to sleep” on Saturday, as snow rapidly accumulated around their tents, compelling them to remove it every 90 minutes. They chose to go down on Sunday as the weather worsened.

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

Climbing Schedules Thwarted

The blizzard also hindered the objectives of mountaineers guided by a US-based expedition firm to ascend Cho Oyu, an 8,188-meter (26,864-foot) peak on the border between the People's Republic of China and the nation of Nepal.

Tourism Growth in the Area

Karma valley was first explored by foreign adventurers a long time ago. In modern times, with the development of the Everest region in Tibet as a prominent visitor destination, the area has attracted an increasing number of tourists. More than 540,000 tourists visited the Everest region last year, setting a new record.

Region Remains Closed

The Everest region continues to be temporarily inaccessible to the general public, covering the Karma and Rongshar valleys, as well as Cho Oyu.

Broader Effect

The intense snowfall over the weekend also affected many of hikers in other parts of the western regions of China, for example Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu. Unfortunately, at least one traveler died, due to a blend of exposure and high-altitude illness.

Unusual Weather

October is typically a high season for the area, with normally fine and pleasant weather, but one participant of an 18-person hiking party that got back to Qudang remarked that the weather this year was “atypical.”