Unraveling Tragedy: Why This Autumn’s Himalayan Climbing Season Became Deadly

Clear skies, gentle winds, and stunning views of snow-capped peaks have long drawn hikers to Mount Everest in autumn. But that’s changing. Meteorologists say the monsoon season now stretches deep into this traditionally popular time for mountain tourism, making weather unpredictable and hazardous.

For over ten years, at least one extreme rainfall event has marked the late monsoon period each year. Unfortunately, this year was no exception. Just last weekend, a surprise blizzard trapped hundreds of tourists at over 4,900 meters (16,000 feet). By the end of Tuesday, around 600 trekkers were safely guided out, but not without tragedy. One person succumbed to hypothermia and altitude sickness. Meanwhile, another similar rescue was unfolding on the Nepal side of Everest where a South Korean climber died on Mera Peak. Communication issues caused by the weather meant updates took time, and reports suggest that nearly 60 people died in landslides and flash floods across Nepal in just a week.

“This is highly unusual for October when we expect clear skies,” said Riten Jangbu Sherpa, a mountain guide. He noted an increase in storms affecting trekking and mountaineering. The monsoon in this region is typically over by mid-September, but recent trends show it lasting longer. Archana Shrestha from Nepal’s hydrology department observes that the last decade has seen monsoons extending into October, a significant shift from what locals once relied upon.

This month alone, heavy rain and snow on October 4 and 5 were described by Shrestha as “damaging precipitation in a short span of time.” For climbers, such weather results in blizzards that pose serious risks. In fact, last weekend, conditions changed so rapidly that climbers faced freezing temperatures and limited visibility. One hiker shared that they’d never dealt with such harsh weather in their many climbs.

Increasing moisture due to climate change is one culprit behind this unpredictable weather, scientists say. Historically, monsoon rains spread evenly over months, but now they often come in concentrated bursts. For travel agents like Passang in Lhasa, it’s worrying. “September and October used to be peak months, but now we can’t guarantee good weather,” he explained.

Weather experts have found that monsoon systems are becoming stronger, partly due to interactions with westerly disturbances—low-pressure systems bringing cold air from the Mediterranean. “Westerly disturbances can turbocharge the monsoon,” explained Akshay Deoras, a meteorologist. These disturbances have previously occurred mainly in winter but are now arriving sooner, mixing with monsoons to create even more extreme weather.

Moreover, research published in *Nature* in June highlighted that climate warming is allowing these disturbances to push clouds higher, extending rainy conditions to the Tibetan Plateau, which has historically been quite dry. A wet Tibet could lead to more unstable weather patterns, with frequent snowstorms becoming the new norm.

<p“Patterns are becoming less reliable. It’s crucial for teams to remain flexible and responsive,” remarked Logan Talbott of Alpenglow Expeditions. For adventure seekers, this means a new era of trekking, where preparation and real-time decision-making are vital.

As hikers adapt to this changing landscape, climate change continues to pose challenges for tourism in the Himalayas. Keeping informed about these shifts is essential for anyone planning a trek in this magnificent yet unpredictable region.

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