The snowfall buried tents and reduced visibility. The local authorities said that they were in contact with the hikers and that rescue efforts were underway.

A power struggle is taking shape over choosing a successor to the 90-year-old Buddhist leader. In a trip to Tibet’s capital, China’s leader emphasized maintaining Beijing’s control.

Washington had been a buffer against China’s efforts to use UNESCO to influence education, historical designations and even artificial intelligence.

The exile government that was built by the Dalai Lama to preserve Tibetans’ cultural identity will be put to the test by his eventual succession.

The Tibetan spiritual leader may announce a succession plan intended to thwart Chinese interference.