Authorities in Tibet Autonomous Region have implemented an immediate closure of the Mount Qomolangma (Everest) scenic area following severe winter weather conditions that have rendered access roads hazardous. The decision was announced Wednesday by the Dingri County Culture and Tourism Bureau after substantial snow accumulation created dangerous driving conditions throughout the region.
The closure, effective from 3:30 pm local time on January 28, 2026, comes as meteorological authorities issued warnings for continued heavy precipitation across southern Tibet. The National Meteorological Center has forecasted particularly severe conditions along the southwestern mountainous regions, where blizzard conditions are expected to develop.
Tourism officials confirmed that maintenance crews are actively working to clear impacted roadways and restore safe passage. While no specific reopening timeline has been established, authorities have committed to providing updates as weather conditions improve and safety can be assured. The scenic area management emphasizes that visitor safety remains their paramount concern during these adverse weather events.
Mount Qomolangma, standing at 8,848.86 meters above sea level, represents one of Tibet’s most significant tourist attractions, typically drawing thousands of visitors annually. This temporary closure demonstrates the ongoing challenges of maintaining accessibility to high-altitude destinations during extreme weather conditions, particularly in winter months when snowfall intensifies.