A group of 17 trekkers including tourists, porters and guides had lost their way on 18 Oct 21 at Limkhaga Pass at an altitude of 17000 ft due heavy snowfall and incliment weather.

IAF responded  to the SOS call by civil authorities on 20 Oct and 2 ALH helicopters reached Harsil. 

A search was undertaken with 3 NDRF personnel onboard on 20 Oct while operating at the maximum permissible altitude of ALH aircraft at an altitude of 19500 ft in the afternoon hours.

On 21 Oct, an ALH again got airborne at first light with SDRF personnel and was able to locate two rescue sites. 

It inducted the rescue team at an altitude of 15,700 ft where 4 mortal remains were found. 

The helicopter thereafter moved to another location and winched up a survivor from around 16800 ft who was unable to move . 

On 22 Oct , ALH got airborne at first light to recover a survivor and 5 mortal remains from around 16500 ft, in 4 shuttles, at an altitude of 16500 ft, despite unfavorable terrain and strong wind conditions. 

The mortal remains were  handed over to local Police.

Survivors were given first aid at Harsil and sent to Dist Hospital, Uttarkashi. 

Two more mortal  remains have been located and are being rescued on foot by Jt Patrol of Dogra Scouts, 4 Assam & 2 ITBP to Nithal Thach.

Search for remaining two individuals will be undertaken by the ALH crew on 23 Oct.