Non-stop snow, instant noodles and yaks: tales of being trapped on Everest

A severe snowstorm trapped hundreds of people on the eastern face of Mount Everest in Tibet, forcing guides to lead groups through deep snow down the mountain to seek rescue. Photograph: Shu Wei

The weather wasn’t great. A bit drizzly and cold. But about 1,000 people steeled themselves on Mount Everest’s eastern flank to spend the long weekend for China’s national day trekking.

As he led the group along the path lined with stunning icy peaks, 32-year-old guide Shu Wei felt increasingly uneasy. He knew the weather on the mountains could be unpredictable and dangerous, but this snowfall was something else.