On the 15th, it was learned from the Mountaineering Sports Management Center of the Tibet Autonomous Region Sports Bureau (Mountaineering Management Center) that the recent heavy snowfall in Shigatse, Tibet, has impacted the ongoing autumn mountaineering activities. The Mountaineering Management Center has reminded all mountaineering teams still in the mountains to pay attention to safety and hopes that those severely affected by the snow conditions will 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 mountaineering teams still climbing in the Nyalam County area of Shigatse, Tibet — one on Shishapangma Peak at an altitude of 8,012 meters and the other on Melungtse Peak at 7,703 meters.
Zhang Mingxing told reporters that these two teams entered the mountainous area in early September but have made little progress due to abnormal weather conditions, frequent precipitation, and the challenging nature of the climbs. The recent heavy snowfall in southern Shigatse has severely impacted mountaineering 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" in the Bay of Bengal, heavy snowfall occurred across southwestern Shigatse starting 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 on the 15th from the Tibet Autonomous Region Meteorological Bureau that on the 14th, southern Shigatse continued to experience heavy to blizzard (rain) conditions, with Nyalam County receiving 118 millimeters of precipitation and accumulating 6 centimeters of snow.
Meanwhile, an amateur mountaineering team composed of 18 Chinese climbers is currently ascending Ningjin Kangsha Peak, which stands at 7,206 meters on the border between Shigatse and Shannan regions. The team will decide whether to continue toward the summit or descend early based on weather changes. 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 staff, and for logistical services.
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, melting snow, heavy precipitation, poor visibility, and a higher likelihood of avalanches create additional hazards. As a result, mountaineering activities are generally concentrated in spring and autumn.