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**Summary:**

A large-scale rescue operation has successfully evacuated nearly 900 people, including hikers, guides, and yak herders, from the Karma Valley on the east face of Mount Everest in Tibet. They were trapped by a heavy snowstorm that began on Friday. The operation, one of the largest in the region, involved rescue teams providing food, medicine, and warmth. The stranded individuals have now been safely transported to Qudeng township and surrounding areas. The incident has sparked debate on Chinese social media about the risks and appropriateness of trekking in such a dangerous area. The Karma Valley, while relatively untouched, presents challenges due to its isolation and lack of road access.
**News Article:**

**Massive Rescue Operation Saves Hundreds Stranded by Everest Snowstorm**

*By [Your Name or News Agency Name]*

DINGRI COUNTY, TIBET – A major search-and-rescue operation has concluded successfully, bringing nearly 900 people to safety after they were stranded by a severe snowstorm in the Karma Valley, located on the east face of Mount Everest. The storm, which began on Friday, trapped hundreds of hikers, local mountain guides, and yak herders in freezing conditions.

Chinese authorities confirmed that 580 hikers and over 300 guides and herders were safely evacuated to Qudeng township and nearby areas of Dingri county in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Rescue teams delivered vital supplies, including food, medicine, oxygen, and warming materials, to the isolated area, located at an average altitude of 4,200 meters (13,800 feet).

“This was one of the largest search-and-rescue operations we’ve conducted in this region,” said a local official. “Our priority was to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone stranded.”

The rescued trekkers were among a wave of outdoor enthusiasts who had flocked to China’s mountainous interior during the recent eight-day national holiday.

The incident has triggered criticism on Chinese social media platforms like WeChat and Douyin, with users questioning the wisdom of engaging in potentially dangerous recreational activities in such a challenging environment. Some users questioned who will pay for rescue operation costs.

Eric Wen, a 41-year-old hiker, described the difficult conditions to Reuters. “Thankfully, some people ahead of us were breaking trail, leaving footprints we could follow – that made it a little easier,” he said. He added that he hiked 19 kilometers (12 miles) through heavy snow to leave the valley. “Otherwise, it would’ve been impossible for us to make it out on our own,” he said.

The Karma Valley, while relatively pristine compared to the more accessible north face of Everest, presents logistical challenges due to its lack of road access. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of mountain weather and the potential risks associated with high-altitude trekking, especially as climate change contributes to more extreme weather events in the Himalayas. The neighbouring country of Nepal, is experiencing increasingly unpredictable conditions, posing risks to climbers and the Sherpas who work there.

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