This post summarizes and analyzes a recent, unexpected blizzard that struck Mount Everest on October 3, 2025. The storm trapped hundreds of climbers and triggered deadly landslides in Nepal.
Drawing on firsthand survivor accounts, statements from veteran climbers, and scientific context, I explain what happened on the mountain. I also describe how rescue efforts unfolded.
Sudden, out-of-season blizzard on the world’s highest peak
The storm began late on a Friday and continued through Saturday. Climbers and officials described it as unusually intense and out-of-season for early October.
Even highly experienced mountaineers reported unprecedented conditions. Snowfall was so rapid that many feared being buried overnight.
Initial reports estimated about 1,000 hikers were stranded on Everest as the blizzard struck. Rescue teams subsequently assisted hundreds, but authorities cautioned that exact numbers remained unclear as operations continued into October 6.
The storm triggered deadly landslides at lower elevations in Nepal that killed nearly 50 people. This underscored the cascading risks of Himalayan storms.
Conditions on the mountain and survivor accounts
Survivors described terrifying conditions: whiteout visibility, high winds, and snow accumulation measured in inches per hour. Veteran climbers such as Dong Shuchang and Geshuang Chen told media outlets they had not seen weather this erratic in decades of Himalayan expeditions.
Rescue teams faced logistical challenges at extreme altitude. Helicopters were limited by wind and thin air, and ground teams were hampered by avalanche risk.
This combination prolonged the period during which climbers remained exposed to hypothermia and other altitude-related hazards.
Rescue efforts and human cost
Search-and-rescue operations mobilized quickly, and hundreds received assistance. Coordination was complicated by the scale of the event and continuing severe weather.
Authorities reported uncertainty about how many people remained stranded as teams worked on multiple fronts.
The broader human toll extended beyond Everest’s slopes. Landslides in Nepal killed nearly 50 people.
This demonstrated that a single extreme storm can produce deadly impacts across a wide elevation gradient—from high-altitude camps to lower hill communities.
Key facts at a glance
Below are the main points to keep in mind from this event:
Why this matters: climate context and mountaineering safety
Experts emphasize that this blizzard fits a global pattern of intensified extreme events. Warmer oceans and altered atmospheric circulation increase the frequency and intensity of storms, and high mountains are not immune.
For climbers, expedition operators, and governments, traditional seasonal expectations are less reliable. Planning must integrate enhanced weather forecasting, flexible expedition timelines, and improved rescue capabilities at altitude.
Lessons and next steps
Practically speaking, stakeholders should prioritize:
Here is the source article for this story: Hundreds trapped on world’s tallest mountain following devastating blizzard: ‘I’ve never experienced anything like this’