Over 580 hikers were safely evacuated from Mount Qomolangma's foothills in Xizang Autonomous Region this week after an unexpected blizzard disrupted trekking routes, local authorities confirmed. The incident occurred Sunday when heavy snowfall trapped adventurers at high-altitude campsites on the Chinese side of the world's highest peak.
More than 300 local guides and tourism workers were also escorted to safety through coordinated rescue efforts. Ten remaining individuals are being assisted by emergency teams as of Tuesday, according to China Media Group reports.
The rapid response involved multiple agencies collaborating to navigate challenging weather conditions. Xigaze City officials mobilized resources to establish safe meeting points along the affected routes, demonstrating regional preparedness for mountain emergencies.
This incident highlights both the growing popularity of adventure tourism in Xizang and the importance of robust safety protocols in extreme environments. Authorities remind travelers to monitor weather alerts and register itineraries with local stations during peak hiking seasons.
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Hundreds of hikers guided to safety in Xizang after heavy snowfall
cgtn.com