Mount Everest Region, Nepal – October 6, 2025:
Nearly 1,000 trekkers have been reported stranded in the Everest region after an unexpected blizzard struck the area earlier this week, disrupting trekking routes and cutting off access to several mountainous areas.
The sudden snowstorm, which hit with little warning, blanketed the region with heavy snowfall and whiteout conditions, making it nearly impossible for trekkers to continue their journeys or retreat to safer altitudes. Local authorities report that most of the stranded individuals are foreign tourists participating in the peak autumn trekking season, which draws thousands to Nepal each year.
Nepal’s Department of Tourism and local rescue agencies have launched a coordinated response. Helicopters were dispatched where weather permitted, and search-and-rescue teams are being deployed on foot in areas where flights remain grounded due to poor visibility.
“We are doing our best to ensure the safety of all trekkers,” said a spokesperson for the Nepal Tourism Board. “While communication remains difficult in some areas, we are in touch with local guides and lodges to track the location and condition of the trekkers.”
So far, no casualties have been reported, but several trekkers are believed to be experiencing mild symptoms of altitude sickness and cold exposure. Efforts are being made to deliver essential supplies, including food, blankets, and medicine.
Local guides have praised the preparedness of many of the trekkers, noting that most had proper gear and training. However, they also cautioned that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and unpredictable.
Authorities are advising all trekkers to delay or cancel trips in the Everest region until conditions stabilize.
This incident comes as a reminder of the growing challenges posed by climate change in high-altitude environments, where weather patterns are becoming more volatile, often with little warning.