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An unexpected blizzard on Mount Everest’s eastern side stranded hundreds of holiday trekkers last weekend, including Shanghai-based IT engineer Isaac Wang, who described bright red lightning, deep thunder and hours spent shoveling heavy snow from tents. Snow piled more than three feet in places as conditions worsened overnight Oct. 4. According to Chinese state media, roughly 580 hikers and over 300 guides, yak herders and workers were rescued and reached safety; some suffered hypothermia. Local guide Gama Donzhu helped lead the final group down. The area remains temporarily closed.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.