Everest

Oct. 6 (UPI) — Hundreds of hikers have been rescued after being trapped on Mount Everest following an unusually strong snowstorm over the weekend.

The snowstorm struck the eastern slope of Everest on the Tibetan side of the mountain Friday evening. The blizzard came as China was celebrating its weeklong holiday to celebrate the country’s founding.

More than 350 people had been rescued as of Monday and were in Qudang, a community near the Karma Valley, reported The Telegraph, citing state media. The hikers’ route through the valley is at 16,000 feet, making their rescue particularly challenging, according to the news outlet.

“It was so wet and cold in the mountains, and hypothermia was a real risk,” Chen Geshuang said, according to the Telegraph. “The weather this year is not normal. The guide said he had never encountered such weather in October. And it happened all too suddenly.”

Dong Shuchang told the BBC that she and other hikers huddled in a chilly hotel in Qudang where there was neither electricity nor running water.

“A lot of people descended with us,” he said. “But everyone was moving slowly. The route was very slippery. I kept falling because of the ice.”

Another 200 hikers were still being rescued and staff at local tourism agencies told The New York Times they were unsure of their status.

China’s Everest Scenic Area saw a record 540,000 visitors last year, according to state media.

Rescued trekkers reach China’s Qudang township while 200 others still face treacherous Everest conditions awaiting help.

Rescuers have guided more than 350 people to safety after they were stranded by blizzard-like conditions on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest, Chinese state media reported on Sunday.

In total, more than 500 people were caught by surprise when unusually heavy snow and rainfall lashed them on the way in the Tingri region of Tibet, one of the main routes to ascend the world’s tallest mountain.

Those rescued on Sunday were taken to the small township of Qudang, on the Tibetan side of the peak, CCTV reported.

Some 200 trekkers who remained stranded in treacherous conditions as of Sunday were due to arrive in Qudang in stages under the guidance and assistance of rescuers organised by the local government, CCTV reported.

The CCTV report did not indicate whether local guides and support staff accompanying the trekking parties had been accounted for. It was also unclear if trekkers near the north face of Everest, also in Tibet, had been affected or not.

Heavy snowfall in the valley, which lies at an elevation averaging 4,200 metres (13,800 feet), began on Friday evening and persisted throughout Saturday.

Ticket sales and entry to the entire Everest Scenic Area were suspended from late Saturday, according to notices on the official WeChat accounts of the local Tingri County Tourism Company.

“It was so wet and cold in the mountains, and hypothermia was a real risk,” said Chen Geshuang, who was part of an 18-strong trekking team that made it to Qudang.

“The weather this year is not normal. The guide said he had never encountered such weather in October. And it happened all too suddenly,” Chen told the Reuters news agency.

In neighbouring Nepal, Sherpa communities have been adapting to increasingly unpredictable conditions as climate change contributes to more frequent and dramatic climate shifts in the Himalayas, posing risks to climbers and the Sherpa communities who work there.

In a situation update shared on Sunday, Nepal’s Tourism Board said that search and rescue operations were ongoing after the weather “improved significantly” across Nepal, with “clear skies in Kathmandu and many other parts of Nepal”.

The update came after heavy rains triggered landslides and flash floods across Nepal, killing at least 47 people since Friday.

Thirty-five people died in separate landslides in the eastern Ilam district bordering India. Nine people were reported missing after being swept away by floodwaters, and three others were killed in lightning strikes elsewhere in the country.

The floods and landslides in the mountainous regions come as South Asian countries continue to battle ongoing floods, including in Pakistan, where some four million people have been affected.

Andrzej Bargiel, braving heavy snowfall, glided down the world’s highest mountain on his third attempt.

Poland’s Andrzej Bargiel has become the first climber to ski down the world’s highest mountain without supplemental oxygen, his team and expedition organiser say.

Bargiel glided down Mount Everest’s snowy slopes after reaching the summit of the 8,849-metre (29,032ft) mountain on Monday.

“I am on top of the highest mountain in the world, and I’m going to descend it on skis,” Bargiel said in a video taken before his descent and posted on Instagram early on Thursday.

Everest has seen a handful of ski descents but never a continuous downhill without additional oxygen.

Pierwszy w historii zjazd na nartach ze szczytu Mount Everestu bez użycia dodatkowego tlenu ⛷️🏔️

Dziękuję wszystkim za trzymanie kciuków! 🙌

Ogromne podziękowania dla teamu Seven Summit Treks, Chang Dawa, Speed Dawa – bez Was ten sukces nie byłby możliwy 🙏

Serdecznie… pic.twitter.com/udBliwDhZy

— Andrzej Bargiel (@JedrekBargiel) September 25, 2025

In 2000, Slovenian Davorin Karnicar made the first full ski descent from Everest’s summit to base camp using bottled oxygen.

Chhang Dawa Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks, which organised the latest expedition, said Bargiel skied down to Camp 2, spent a night and then reached the base camp on skis the next day.

“This was extremely challenging, and no one had done it before,” Sherpa told the AFP news agency.

Heavy snowfall forced Bargiel to spend 16 hours above 8,000 metres (26,250ft), known as the “death zone” because thin air and low oxygen levels heighten the risk of altitude sickness.

He was greeted with a khada, a traditional Buddhist scarf, when he arrived at the base camp.

“Sky is the limit? Not for Poles! Andrzej Bargiel has just skied down Mount Everest,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted on X.

Bargiel’s team said in a statement that he had made history and called it a “groundbreaking milestone in the world of ski mountaineering”.

Bargiel started eyeing Everest a year after he became the first person to ski down Pakistan’s K2, the second highest mountain in the world, in 2018.

But a dangerous overhanging serac forced him to abandon his 2019 attempt. He returned in 2022, but high winds hindered his plans.

The daredevil adventurer has been on a quest to make ski descents of the highest mountains in the world under his Hic Sunt Leones project, a Latin phrase for “here are lions” and used to refer to uncharted territories.

In Pakistan, he has skied down all four of Karakoram’s mountains that are higher than 8,000 metres and also skied off Nepal’s Manaslu and Shishapangma in Tibet.

Autumn expeditions on Everest are rare because of snowier terrain, shorter and colder days and a narrow summit window compared with the busy spring.

Bianca Adler, who is aiming to become the youngest female to conquer the world’s highest peak, has admitted her devastation at having to turn around when so close to the summit

A girl who is in the process of attempting to climb Mount Everest has been praised on social media after her latest update revealed the toll four days in the mountain’s ‘Death Zone‘ had had on her – before things took an even worse turn. Climbing Everest is a complicated process, which typically requires mountaineers to spend months training both physically and mentally, as well as acclimatising to such high altitudes.

Bianca Adler, 17, is already the youngest female to reach the summit of Manaslu [the eighth-highest mountain in the world at 8,163 metres] and Ama Dablam [6812 metres], and now she has her sights set on the world’s highest peak too. The teenager is documenting her progress, with her clip on TikTok going viral, with a staggering 26million views in just 24 hours.

In it, Bianca shared footage of herself struggling to catch her breath after returning to her camp. Climbers are required to complete their ascent in stages, working their upwards via several camps along the treacherous route.

‘Death Zone’ sits at the ridge of Everest’s summit, some 8,000 metres above sea level and close to its peak of 8,849 metres. It is so-called as the pressure of oxygen is insufficient to sustain human life for an extended time span.

Camp 2, meanwhile, which is located on the expedition’s more popular South Route, sits at approximately 6,553 metres high – and it is the trek there from Base Camp (5,364 meters) that Bianca is currently working on.

Barely able to speak, she muttered under her breath: “I just got back from Camp 2 and I’m at Base Camp and I feel horrible.”

Coughing and gasping for air, she continued: “My throat and my lungs… I’m so out of breath even though yesterday I was at 8,000 metres. I’m feeling the worst I have ever felt.”

In a follow-up video shared on Tuesday (September 23), a dejected Bianca explained that she later made it as high as Camp 4 (7,925 metres) but was “devastated” after being forced to turn around for her own safety.

“It’s so hard. I was feeling so good and so strong but I had to turn around due to something out of my control,” she explained, with the aid of an oxygen mask. “I can’t do anything about that and it would have been stupid to carry on.”

She elaborated on Instagram: “I had to turn around on Mt Everest at 8450m (400m below the summit). The winds were way too strong for what I believed was right for my own safety. I could feel my hands and toes going numb, the first step of frostbite.

“I couldn’t see anything, there was snow blowing everywhere. It was an extremely tough decision, but I always want to choose life over a potential summit. I felt strong, like I could summit, and was devastated.”

Bianca continued: “The next night, my Sherpa guides and I tried again from Camp 4, but I was too exhausted from the 10-hour effort the previous night, and turned around. After three nights, and almost four days in the Death Zone at 8,000m or above, we descended back down to Camp 2.”

She concluded: “On the summit push, dad got sick and stayed at Camp 2 whilst I went up. On the way down, he was still sick and I was exhausted. We both got diagnosed with HAPE (high altitude pulmonary edema) and dehydration (which is normal for mountaineering). I still feel quite sick and extremely exhausted so taking time to recover.”

Scores of mountaineers were quick to praise Bianca’s efforts, however, offering words of comfort and encouragement. “I’m more impressed by how you handled this situation than if you would have pushed yourself to the top… now you can live another day,” one responded on Instagram. “That is what’s important. A true warrior.”

A second person noted: “Such a great effort and the summit isn’t what matters the most, sounds like it was extremely hard and you had to push yourself far but still had to make a tough, but correct decision, which is one of the most valuable and fulfilling experiences you can have in the mountains. So proud!”

Whilst a third individual confessed: “I can’t even imagine how thought that decision was, but safety is always number 1 and you made the right choice. The mountains will always be there girl, well done and huge congratulations on everything you achieved this season.”

The 27-year-old has been in the wars this time around as well, breaking a bone in her hand.

However, a less serious injury, earlier in the season, means she feels part of a group expedition, rather than a rehabbing soloist, as she works towards a different outcome.

“It’s all fine and I’m very healthy right now,” she said.

“This time around, I’m able to connect with the team much better and climb that mountain with everyone.”

Mitchell has told his players that the priority in Mont-de-Marsan is performance, rather than extending their current winning streak to a 27th match.

After England trounced Spain at home last weekend, Dow is expecting a bracing evening in south-west France, one that will steel a near full-strength side for challenges to come.

“I love the French crowd. They’re here for the dramatics, they’re here for the entertainment,” she said.

“It’s really important for us that we don’t look to our left and right, and we look forward as a team.

“All these things that can be thrown at us are really important for us to grow and handle, because it means when things do get tougher, we’ll be able to handle them as well.”

If they slip up in France, it doesn’t mean they won’t reach the summit in September. It might actually help them do so.

The revamped Club World Cup has not received universal acclaim but an unforgettable last-16 tie will be talked about in all corners of the globe.

Al-Hilal clung on in the first half and were fortunate to only be 1-0 down thanks to goalkeeper Bono’s heroics but they recovered to go ahead in the second period.

They were twice pegged back but Marcos Leonardo delivered the decisive blow and once the final whistle was blown, staff and substitutes poured on to the pitch to enjoy the moment with their players.

The joyous Al-Hilal fans, a large cluster of whom were directly behind the dugout, waved the blue flags of the club and the green and white of the country.

Exiting the Camping World Stadium, travelling supporters packed out the concourses, dancing and singing “ole, ole ole ole”, while Saudi journalists hugged and kissed each other in the post-match news conference room.

One walked in with wide eyes and arms raised, screaming “Mabrook” in Arabic, translating as “congratulations”, almost in disbelief as to what he had witnessed.

A journalist from the media outlet Arryadia called the result “one of the biggest in the history of Saudi football” – but added that the country’s shock 2-1 win over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup will “always be top”.

A lot of money has been spent to try to grow the Saudi game’s profile – more than £700m has gone on bringing players to the Pro League, while Portugal great Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Al-Nassr two and a half years ago was a significant signing.

Saudi Arabia will also host the 2034 World Cup – a decision that has been defended by Fifa president Gianni Infantino amid significant criticism – with the human rights campaign group Amnesty International describing it as “reckless”.

Infantino – the man behind the new 32-team Club World Cup format – has argued that staging the World Cup in the Gulf kingdom can be a catalyst for social improvements.

Saudi Arabia has faced years of scrutiny over its human rights and environmental record. Its World Cup bid was backed by the Football Association in December after it received assurances that all fans would be welcome.

The Saudi bid for the World Cup was unopposed, as Australia – the only other potential candidate – decided not to enter the running, hinting it was futile to do so after being given less than a month by Fifa to mount a challenge.

Fifa stood by a fast-tracked process that critics argued lacked transparency. They suggested it effectively paved the way for the Saudis thanks to a decision that only bids from Asia and Oceania would be considered.

Serbia midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who joined Al-Hilal from Lazio in 2023, was asked about the disapproval players have received in leaving Europe for the riches of the Middle East.

“Let’s see now if they will criticise us,” he said. “We showed them it’s not like they are speaking about the league.

“We show against Real Madrid, Salzburg, Pachuca and tonight. I hope we will continue to show it.”

Former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who scored in extra time, added: “We knew it would be difficult against one of the best in the world.

“We wanted to show our talents. We are so happy because we wanted to show Al-Hilal had the talent to be here.”

Climbing Mount Everest is a dream for many adventurers around the world – but the iconic mountain peak in Nepal is not just dangerous to climb, it’s also incredibly expensive

Mount Everest, the towering peak of the Himalayas, soars to a staggering 8,849 metres (29,032ft) above sea level. Each year, approximately 800 intrepid adventurers attempt to conquer its summit, facing numerous hazards from reliance on bottled oxygen to the threat of hypothermia and frostbite.

Climbers typically spend months acclimatising to the harsh conditions as they gradually ascend the mountain. The climb itself is gruelling due to the severe weather, high altitude, and sheer exhaustion that prevents many from reaching the pinnacle.

Since 1953, around 7,000 climbers have successfully reached the summit.

Embarking on this ascent isn’t just perilous, it’s also incredibly expensive. For those who’ve contemplated scaling Mount Everest, a TikTok user named @geogeek2_8 shed light on the true cost of climbing Everest, leaving viewers gobsmacked.

According to the content creator, you’ll need a permit from Nepal which will set you back $11,000 (£8,000). Additionally, you’ll need to employ guides and sherpas to help you navigate the brutal conditions, costing anywhere between $5,000 and $8,000 (between £3,700 and £5,900).

The necessary gear for the trek, ranging from boots to oxygen tanks and high-altitude equipment, can cost anything from $6,000 to $10,000 (£4,400 to £7,400).

And that’s before you’ve even set foot in Nepal. Flights to Lukla Airport, inclusive of grub and porters, can set you back anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000 (£2,900 to £5,900).

All in all, you’re looking at a total cost ranging from $26,000 to $37,000 (£19,300 to £27,462).

However, some reckon the Everest trek costs a fair bit more. According to Alan Arnette, who conquered Everest in 2011 and has reached “just below the Belcony” three other times, for most it will cost between $40,000 to $60,000 to scale Everest, but some people will fork out as much as $200,000.

Alan detailed how various operators compete on either price or luxuries and technologies, and guides have upped their rates. He also factored in budget for things like insurance, hotel, airport transport and jabs.

When quizzed if the price estimate was a tad low, GeoGeek responded: “There are still many less important costs that have not been included.”

From September, those aiming to ascend the world’s tallest peak during peak season (April to May) will have to cough up a hefty $15,000 (£11,100). For those wishing to climb from September to November, the fee is $7,500 (£5,500), and from December to February, it’s $3,750 (£2,700).

Many viewers were left astounded by the steep cost of ascending the famed peak, as seen in the comments on the video. “11k for a permit? Why?” someone questioned.

GeoGeek answered: “Mount Everest is inside Nepal’s territory, and the government regulates all climbs for safety, environmental protection, and revenue.”

Another chimed in: “With that much money I’d pay my bills and pay off loans! and sleep in my bed without being cold or no oxygen.

“People pay all that money to risk death?” questioned yet another baffled commenter. One more admitted their surprise: “Why did I think it was free?” Another wrote optimistically about alternative travel plans: “For that price I could see all of Europe, Asia and do a lower 48 state road trip”.