Cyclone-Induced Snow Halts Access to Tibet's Everest

Unseasonal heavy snow led to the closure of visitor access to the Tibet side of Mount Everest. A cyclone affecting India caused adverse weather in the Himalayas, leading to snowstorms and possible tourist entrapment. Avalanches in Nepal further disrupted trekking activities in the region.

Unexpected, heavy snowfall has prompted officials to close off access to the Tibet side of Mount Everest, as shown in recent advisories. The weather shift is attributed to a cyclone traversing India, impacting conditions in the Himalayas.

On Tuesday afternoon, ticket sales for the scenic spot were ceased due to accumulating snow and ice, according to warnings from a county meteorological bureau concerning impending snowstorms. The tourism department in Tingri cautioned that conditions were not safe for vehicles.

There remains uncertainty about tourists being stranded in Tibet's Everest region. Meanwhile, Cyclone Montha, causing strong winds and rain, has forced 50,000 people into relief shelters in India. Heavy snowfall has also affected regions in Nepal, closing down popular trekking routes.

(With inputs from agencies.)