Early Snowfall Strands Hikers in Western China, Evacuations Ongoing

**Early Snowfall Strands Hikers in Western China** BEIJING, Oct 7 (AP) - Early-season snowfalls have stranded hikers in the mountainous regions of western China, affecting hundreds, including those at Mount Everest's base camp, and have led to the closure of trails in another province. In Nepal, a South Korean climber succumbed to a storm while ascending a peak near Everest. China's national holiday week witnessed severe weather, claiming one life and prompting the evacuation of over 200 people in the remote Qinghai province. Tibetan Plateau's vast, scenic landscape stretches from Nepal's Himalayas to China's Xinjiang region, offering snow-capped mountains and clear lakes. Snow and storm conditions trapped tourists on Mount Everest over the weekend. State broadcaster CCTV reported that by late Monday, 350 had descended, with over 200 still being guided to safety. The hikers, camping at nearly 4,900 meters altitude, faced heavy snow and lightning. A hiker, known as Dong, described the intense storm in an article for China's Xiaoxiang Morning Herald, highlighting the storm's severity on Saturday night. The Chinese side of Mount Everest lies at Tibet's southern edge. In Nepal, the South Korean climber went missing near Mera Peak's summit, a 6,476-meter high mountain. The Nepal Mountaineering Association confirmed his death, while other climbers remain safe on the mountain, popular in autumn. Search operations continue in Qinghai province's Qilian Mountains. Drones joined the search for remaining hikers in the wake of one fatality and 213 evacuations since Sunday. Social media reportedly motivated many to hike in the remote area. The Menyuan county government, citing illegal entry, has prohibited further hikes. North of the Tibetan plateau, snow forced Kanas scenic area's closure in China's northwest Xinjiang region. The snow also impeded motorists on a highway near Kazakhstan's border, cleared by Monday. (Story by AP, Beijing)

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