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Emergency efforts are ongoing on the world's tallest mountain following a severe snowstorm that stranded close to a thousand people isolated at base camps on the eastern side of the summit.

Several Hundred Rescued Successfully Amid Unusual Snowfall

Numerous hikers stranded by the snowstorm near the eastern face of the mountain were safely guided by emergency responders on Sunday, as exceptional precipitation hit the Himalayas.

As of Sunday, three hundred and fifty individuals had reached the remote town of Qudang, while communication had been established with the other two hundred hikers.

Holiday Rush Contributed to High Crowds

Visitors to the remote valley of the Karma valley, which leads to the eastern Kangshung face of Mount Everest, totaled several hundred this period, taking advantage of an extended holiday break in the region.

Snowfall in the valley, which lies at an elevation averaging 4,200 metres (13,779 feet), started late Friday and continued all day Saturday.

Continued Operations to Rescue Others to Security

The remaining trekkers are scheduled to reach the safe zone in phases under the guidance and assistance of rescuers organised by the regional authorities.

Hundreds of local villagers and rescue teams have been sent to help clear pathways obstructing routes to the area.

Uncertainty Over Local Guides and North Face

Reports indicated that close to a thousand individuals had been trapped. Details were unclear whether local guides and other personnel with the trekking parties had been accounted for.

It was also unclear if trekkers near the northern side of Everest—also in the area—had been affected or not.

Tourist Rush and Access Suspended

The north face of Mount Everest, due to its convenient approach by roadway, regularly draws large numbers of visitors. This month is a busy period, when skies clear with the conclusion of the monsoon season.

Admission tickets and entry to the entire Everest scenic area were halted from the weekend, according to notices posted on official channels.

Nearby Area Impacted by Severe Weather

To the southern side of the area, heavy rains triggered mudslides and flash floods that have blocked roads, destroyed bridges, and claimed over forty-seven lives since Friday.

Thirty-five people died in separate landslides in the Ilam eastern region near the Indian border. Nine people were reported unaccounted for after being swept away by rising waters, and three more were fatally struck in lightning strikes elsewhere in the country.