LEH, Jan 14: In a dramatic rescue operation, four tourists from Uttar Pradesh who went missing during a trip to the high-altitude Pangong Lake were successfully recovered by Ladakh police on Tuesday.
The travelers—identified as Yash Mittal, Shivam Chaudhary, Jaiveer Chaudhary, and Shadanshu Faujdar, all residents of Agra—had sparked an intensive search after their families lost contact with them several days ago.
The group had reportedly set out for the lake in a private vehicle on January 9 but became stranded after accidentally taking the Leh-Manali road, which is currently closed to traffic due to heavy seasonal snowfall.The rescue team located the tourists’ abandoned vehicle near Sarchu, which had been involved in a minor roadside accident.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, police expanded their search to the Debring and Whisky Nalla areas, eventually finding the four men inside a remote hut approximately 20 kilometers from their car.
Before reaching the shelter, the group had managed to survive two nights inside their vehicle by utilizing its heating system; however, they were forced to move on foot once the fuel was exhausted.Despite enduring harsh winter conditions and sub-zero temperatures, all four tourists were found in stable health.
Local authorities provided immediate medical aid, food, and water to the group. The rescued individuals are expected to be reunited with their families upon their arrival in Leh this Wednesday.
