Mount Everest hikers describe ‘extreme’ conditions as huge rescue effort continues

Villagers with oxen and horses ascend Mount Everest during rescue efforts to reach hundreds of hikers trapped by heavy snow. Photograph: Lingsuiye/AP

Trekkers have described facing “extreme” conditions after an unseasonable snowstorm during one of China’s busiest holiday weekends stranded hundreds of people on Mount Everest, prompting a massive rescue effort.

Chinese authorities said about 350 people had made their way down but at least 200 remained stranded at the Everest Scenic Area, to the east of the mountain, on the Tibetan side of the border.