A helicopter crashed during a rescue mission in the Mount Everest region as unseasonably heavy snowfall, driven by Cyclone Montha, forced the closure of tourism activities in both Nepal and Tibet. The incident underscores the severe weather conditions that have stranded hundreds of trekkers and prompted urgent rescue operations amid hazardous snowdrifts.
The Everest region has been experiencing intense snowfall since Monday, with Cyclone Montha from the Bay of Bengal ushering in a second round of severe weather in the Himalayas this month. Authorities in Nepal have suspended trekking on numerous routes due to a combination of rain at lower elevations and heavy snow on higher trails. They have issued warnings advising hikers to avoid areas such as Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri, which are home to some of the world’s highest peaks and are popular among adventurers. This proactive measure aims to prevent further incidents and ensure public safety in the face of unpredictable conditions.
On Wednesday, a small private helicopter en route to Lobuche, near the Everest Base Camp, to rescue stranded trekkers crashed while attempting to land in deep snow. Gyanendra Bhul, spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, confirmed that the helicopter slipped on the snow and ended up on its side. Fortunately, the pilot survived the crash and was later rescued, but it remains uncertain whether the trekkers intended for rescue have been safely evacuated. Video from CAAN showed the helicopter lying on its side, highlighting the precarious conditions that rescue teams are facing in the region.
Rescue operations are in full swing, with reports indicating that approximately 1,500 hikers, including many foreign tourists, have become disoriented or trapped on various trails. In Nepal’s Manang district, military rescuers have successfully guided hundreds to safety, but the deep snow and poor visibility continue to hamper efforts. The situation is dire, with authorities urging extreme caution as more inclement weather is predicted, potentially worsening the crisis. Stranded individuals are relying on coordinated efforts between local and military units to navigate the treacherous terrain.
On the Tibetan side of Everest, tourist activities have been suspended since Tuesday afternoon due to icy roads and plummeting visibility, which have made vehicular traffic impossible. The tourism department of Tingri county announced the closure, though it is unclear if any tourists remain trapped within the region. The press office of the Tibetan government has not immediately responded to inquiries, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the safety of those affected. This closure affects one of the most iconic trekking destinations, disrupting travel plans and local economies.
Weather forecasts indicate that heavy rain and snow will persist through Thursday and Friday as Cyclone Montha continues its path. Temperatures in Tingri are expected to drop further below freezing, increasing the risk of hypothermia and other cold-related injuries. This ongoing bad weather raises concerns about further disruptions and potential emergencies, complicating rescue efforts and endangering more lives. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the cyclone’s progression to provide timely updates and warnings to affected areas.
This recent event echoes a similar crisis in early October, when a blizzard stranded hundreds of trekkers on the Tibetan side of Everest, necessitating a multi-day rescue operation under sub-freezing conditions. In Nepal, the heavy rains have already led to over 50 deaths from floods and landslides this month, highlighting the region’s susceptibility to extreme weather. The recurring nature of such incidents calls for enhanced preparedness and infrastructure to mitigate future risks in one of the world’s most challenging environments. As climate patterns shift, stakeholders may need to reassess safety protocols for high-altitude tourism.