“`html
Chinese state media reports that 580 hikers, stranded near Mount Everest due to severe weather, have been successfully guided to safety in Tibet.
CCTV reported on Tuesday that the trekkers, along with 300 local guides, yak handlers, and support staff, have reached the township of Qudang and its surrounding areas.
A final group of approximately 10 hikers, accompanied by rescue personnel, is en route to Qudang, having already arrived at a designated rendezvous point equipped with heating, oxygen, and other emergency provisions.
The hikers became stranded at an altitude exceeding 4,900m (16,000ft) after heavy snowfall obstructed their path on Everest’s eastern slopes over the preceding weekend.
The unseasonable blizzard occurred during China’s Golden Week holiday, an eight-day period that typically sees a surge in domestic tourism.
October is generally favored for trekking in the Mount Everest region, offering clear skies and moderate temperatures.
Hundreds of hikers were drawn to the Karma Valley trail, a less frequented yet picturesque route to the base of Everest, offering views of the world’s highest peak.
The heavy snowfall commenced on Friday evening and intensified throughout the weekend, taking mountain guides by surprise.
One trekker, a veteran of the Himalayas, recounted to the BBC that they had “never experienced weather like this.”
Dong Shuchang, 27, reported that several members of his group of 20 exhibited symptoms of hypothermia.
Chen Geshuang, a member of Mr. Dong’s hiking party, described the snow as reaching a depth of approximately one meter when the group initiated their retreat on Sunday.
“All of us are experienced hikers,” Ms. Chen stated. “But this blizzard was exceptionally challenging. I feel very fortunate to have made it out.”
Police, firefighters, and hundreds of local Tibetan volunteers were mobilized to conduct the rescue operation.
Another woman informed the BBC that her husband, who was caught in the storm, endured sleepless nights in his tent out of concern of being buried by the accumulating snow.
Eric Wen told Reuters that three individuals in his group experienced hypothermia, despite wearing appropriate attire.
They experienced difficulty sleeping due to the intense snowfall and the necessity to clear snow every 10 minutes.
“Otherwise, our tents would have collapsed,” he added.
In a separate incident in the mountainous Qinghai province in western China, CCTV reported that one hiker died from hypothermia and altitude sickness, while 137 others were successfully evacuated.
Neighboring Nepal, situated south of Tibet, has also been affected by severe rainfall, resulting in extensive flooding and landslides that have claimed the lives of over 50 people.
Rob Mason says his group were “so, so lucky” after trekking near Everest base camp.
The Shenzhen-based electric car maker says the UK is now its biggest market outside China.
Downing Street says the CPS decision to drop charges was made “entirely independently of government”.
Chinese state media reports say around 350 people have been rescued and efforts are under way to reach more than 200 others.
One twin will be dressed in modern equipment, the other in kit from 100 years ago.
“`