A group of tourists from Gurugram went missing during the Quarry Pass-Pangarchula trek, triggering a search operation by local authorities. Of the 17 trekkers who began the journey, only 10 have returned safely to the base camp so far.
The group started the trek from Karcho Tugasi village on December 25 and was expected to reach Khulara base camp by Saturday.
Ten Reach Base Camp Safely
Officials said 10 members of the trekking group managed to reach the base camp safely by Saturday evening. However, seven trekkers failed to return on time, raising concern among organisers and local authorities.
Local tour operator guides and villagers immediately launched a search and managed to trace six of the missing tourists along the route.
One Tourist Still Missing
One trekker, identified as Shivam Gupta, is still missing. According to officials, he got separated from the group near the Mini Pangarchula area. Search teams are continuing efforts to trace him amid difficult terrain and weather conditions.
Rescue Teams Deployed
Disaster Management Officer Nand Kishore Joshi said a team was rushed to the area as soon as the missing report was received. He confirmed that the trekkers had set out on foot on December 25 and were scheduled to return two days later.
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District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar stated that teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police have also been deployed to assist in the search operation.
Search Operation Continues
Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored and rescue teams are combing the trekking route and surrounding areas. Weather conditions and mountainous terrain are posing challenges to the operation.