Lhasa, Oct. 7 — A powerful snowstorm struck the eastern face of Mount Everest during one of China’s busiest holiday periods, leaving more than 200 trekkers stranded in deep snow and prompting an urgent large-scale rescue effort.

According to Chinese authorities overseeing the Tibet Autonomous Region, around 350 other trekkers have already been safely evacuated to the small town of Kudang, about 48 kilometers from the base camp on Everest’s northern side.

Heavy snowfall on Friday and Saturday trapped hundreds of hikers at elevations above 4,900 meters. Rescue teams said efforts to reach the remaining trekkers began on Monday and are expected to continue through Tuesday, depending on weather conditions.

Footage shared by local residents showed long lines of people trudging through thick snow, while horses and yaks were used to clear paths for rescue operations amid poor visibility and freezing winds.

Meanwhile, on the Nepalese side of the Himalayas—around 31 kilometers south of Everest—a 46-year-old South Korean climber died while attempting to summit Mera Peak, officials confirmed. Tulsi Gurung, president of the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association, said the death was likely caused by extreme cold.

Authorities in both Tibet and Nepal have advised mountaineers to avoid high-altitude routes until weather conditions stabilize.