Unseasonal heavy snowfall has brought Everest tourism to a standstill, with both the Nepali and Chinese sides of the region closed to visitors. The unprecedented weather conditions, triggered by Cyclone Montha, have blanketed the Himalayas in deep snow, creating hazardous conditions for trekkers and locals alike. A rescue helicopter crashed in the heavy snow near Lobuche while attempting to reach stranded trekkers, though the pilot fortunately survived.