Rescue Operation Saves Missing Tourists in Ladakh

Four tourists from Uttar Pradesh who went missing during a trip to Ladakh’s Pangong Lake region have been rescued alive after being stranded in sub-zero temperatures for days, according to police officials. The successful rescue has brought immense relief to their families.

The tourists, namely Yash Mittal, Shivam Chaudhary, Jaiveer Chaudhary, and Shadanshu Faujdar, all hailing from Agra, had lost contact with their families while exploring the remote high-altitude region, leading authorities to issue a missing persons alert.

After their vehicle encountered a minor accident near Sarchu, the tourists were forced to abandon it. Search teams initially located the vehicle along the roadside and then extended the operation to surrounding areas such as Debring and Whisky Nalla.

Ultimately, the missing tourists were found nearly 20 kilometers away, taking shelter inside a hut to shield themselves from the freezing temperatures. Surviving by spending two nights inside their vehicle, utilizing its heating system until the fuel was exhausted, they eventually ventured out in search of a safe haven.

Utilizing technical inputs and the last known location data, the police launched a well-coordinated search operation despite challenging weather conditions and extreme cold. The group, who had set out for Pangong Lake on January 9 in a private vehicle, mistakenly veered onto the Leh–Manali road while returning to Leh due to heavy snowfall.

Officials confirmed that all four tourists were discovered in stable condition and promptly provided with essential assistance, including food, water, and medical care. Plans are in place to escort them safely back to Leh, where they will be reunited with their families.

Trek Suspension Announcement

Meanwhile, the Ladakh Union Territory administration has decided to suspend the renowned Chaddar trek along the frozen Zanskar River following assessments by a joint committee of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the UT Disaster Response Force. Parts of the river have begun to thaw, rendering the trek perilous.

“No trekking or related adventure activities will be allowed on the route during the suspension period,” stated District Disaster Management Authority CEO Ghulam Mohd during a press conference in Leh. The conditions will be reassessed after January 20.

The Chaddar trek, known as one of India’s most challenging winter expeditions, draws hundreds of tourists annually, with temperatures plummeting to as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius. This season, over 300 individuals had registered for the trek, a decrease from the previous year’s figure of more than 500.

Ensuring safety remains a top priority, officials emphasized that trekkers must obtain medical clearance before embarking on the journey. Additionally, SDRF and NDRF teams have been deployed in recent years to offer assistance to trekkers.