Overview

• Chinese state media say 350 trekkers have reached Qudang, with contact established with more than 200 others still higher on the mountain.
• Authorities report remaining groups will be guided down in stages as hundreds of villagers and Tibet’s Blue Sky Rescue team clear snowbound routes.
• Distress calls described collapsed tents and hypothermia after snowfall that began Friday evening and buried camps around 4,200 meters.
• Tingri County suspended ticket sales and closed entry to the Everest Scenic Area during the rescue effort linked to the holiday surge of visitors.
• Officials have not provided a full accounting of guides or other sectors on the mountain, and separate severe weather in Nepal has killed at least 47 people.