Reporters learned from the Mountaineering Sports Management Center of the Tibet Autonomous Region Sports Bureau (Mountaineering Management Center) on the 15th that recent heavy snowfall in Shigatse, Tibet, has impacted ongoing autumn mountaineering activities. The Mountaineering Management Center has urged all mountaineering teams still in the mountains to prioritize safety and hopes those severely affected by the snow to descend as soon as possible.
According to Zhang Mingxing, director of the Mountaineering Management Center, most foreign mountaineering teams that came to Tibet for climbing this autumn have already completed their expeditions. Currently, there are two foreign teams still climbing in the Nyalam County area of Shigatse, Tibet — one ascending Shishapangma Peak at an altitude of 8,012 meters and the other climbing Molamenqing Peak at 7,703 meters.
According to Zhang Mingxing, director of the Mountaineering Management Center, most foreign mountaineering teams that came to Tibet for climbing this autumn have already completed their expeditions. Currently, there are two foreign teams still climbing in the Nyalam County area of Shigatse, Tibet — one ascending Shishapangma Peak at an altitude of 8,012 meters and the other climbing Molamenqing Peak at 7,703 meters.
Shishapangma Peak
Zhang Mingxing told reporters that these two teams entered the mountainous area in early September but have made little progress due to abnormal weather with frequent precipitation and the challenging nature of the climbs. The recent heavy snowfall in southern Shigatse has severely affected climbing activities. While emphasizing safety, the Mountaineering Management Center hopes the two teams will stop climbing and descend as soon as possible. The center has prepared vehicles for pickup and has made arrangements for camp breakdown and other logistics.
Affected by the outer cloud bands of the super cyclonic storm "Phailin" from the Bay of Bengal, heavy snowfall has occurred across southwestern Shigatse since the evening of the 13th, stranding 86 Chinese and foreign tourists who were sightseeing at Everest Base Camp. All of these tourists have now been evacuated to safe areas. Reporters learned from the Tibet Autonomous Region Meteorological Bureau on the 15th that on the 14th, southern Shigatse continued to experience heavy to torrential rain (or snow), with Nyalam County receiving 118 mm of precipitation and accumulating 6 cm of snow.
Meanwhile, an amateur mountaineering team composed of 18 Chinese climbers is ascending Ningjin Kangsha Peak, which stands at 7,206 meters on the border between Shigatse and Shannan. The team will decide whether to continue toward the summit or descend early based on weather conditions. To ensure the safety of the climbers and the smooth progress of the expedition, the organizing team has deployed over 30 staff members to serve as guides, support personnel, and for logistical assistance.
Mountaineering activities in Tibet are highly seasonal, especially in the Himalayas. In winter, low temperatures and harsh weather make climbing difficult and increase the risk of frostbite. In summer, rising temperatures cause snow and ice to melt, bring heavy rainfall, reduce visibility, and heighten the risk of avalanches. Therefore, mountaineering activities are generally concentrated in spring and autumn.
Affected by the outer cloud bands of the super cyclonic storm "Phailin" from the Bay of Bengal, heavy snowfall has occurred across southwestern Shigatse since the evening of the 13th, stranding 86 Chinese and foreign tourists who were sightseeing at Everest Base Camp. All of these tourists have now been evacuated to safe areas. Reporters learned from the Tibet Autonomous Region Meteorological Bureau on the 15th that on the 14th, southern Shigatse continued to experience heavy to torrential rain (or snow), with Nyalam County receiving 118 mm of precipitation and accumulating 6 cm of snow.
Meanwhile, an amateur mountaineering team composed of 18 Chinese climbers is ascending Ningjin Kangsha Peak, which stands at 7,206 meters on the border between Shigatse and Shannan. The team will decide whether to continue toward the summit or descend early based on weather conditions. To ensure the safety of the climbers and the smooth progress of the expedition, the organizing team has deployed over 30 staff members to serve as guides, support personnel, and for logistical assistance.
Mountaineering activities in Tibet are highly seasonal, especially in the Himalayas. In winter, low temperatures and harsh weather make climbing difficult and increase the risk of frostbite. In summer, rising temperatures cause snow and ice to melt, bring heavy rainfall, reduce visibility, and heighten the risk of avalanches. Therefore, mountaineering activities are generally concentrated in spring and autumn.