Mount Qomolangma Scenic Area Closed After 7-Magnitude Quake Hits Xizang

The Mount Qomolangma (Mount Everest) scenic area has been temporarily closed following a 7-magnitude earthquake that struck Dingri County in the Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region on Tuesday morning. Local authorities confirmed that all tourists and staff in the area are safe.

Dingri, home to the base camp of the world’s highest peak, Mount Qomolangma, experienced significant impacts from the earthquake. According to the regional disaster relief headquarters, 53 people have been confirmed dead and 62 injured.

The hotel buildings and surrounding infrastructure in the scenic area remain intact, ensuring the safety of tourists and staff, as reported by the Dingri Culture and Tourism Bureau. However, the Qomolangma Station for Atmospheric and Environmental Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, located in Dingri, is experiencing a power outage. Despite this, the station’s facilities remain in good condition.

Mount Qomolangma, located on the China-Nepal border, reaches an altitude of over 8,840 meters, with its northern section situated in Xizang. The weather forecast for Dingri indicates temperatures ranging from minus 18 degrees Celsius to zero, adding to the challenges faced by relief and recovery efforts.

The Chinese side of Mount Qomolangma recorded a surge in international visitors in 2024, with 13,764 overseas tourists—more than double the number in 2023—reflecting the booming tourism industry following China’s relaxation of visa policies. Most tourists hailed from countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, and France, according to the County Bureau of Culture and Tourism.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with measures in place to ensure the safety of those in the region. Further updates on the impact and ongoing relief efforts will follow as more information becomes available.