At least 1,500 people, including foreign tourists, have been missing since Wednesday following the devastating flash floods in Nepal and Tibet

Police say they expect the death toll, already above 160, to rise further as search teams reach cut off areas

This season, climbers attempted the 8,849-metre peak from the Nepal side after China closed the northern route through Tibet

Heavy snowfall also forced ticket sales and entry to Everest Scenic Area to be suspended from late Saturday

The 14th Dalai Lama has repeatedly said his successor will be born outside China and urges followers to reject any candidate appointed by Beijing