Race against time to find US, UK women stranded at Uttarakhand peak

The mountaineers were part of an expedition organised for foreigners by the India Mountaineering Foundation. They were reported stranded after their logistical and technical equipment fell from a height of 6,015 metres during an expedition.

The search operation is now a race against time as cold temperatures at such altitudes, especially during night time, could pose a serious threat to the climbers.

In addition to aerial search efforts, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were mobilised to aid the search. According to a senior official, SDRF personnel were also being deployed on foot to assist with the ground search operation. A request has been sent to the SDRF commandant to allocate more personnel for the mission.

Chaukhamba peak, part of the Garhwal Himalayas, is characterised by its four towering pillars and presents a challenging climb, with its highest point – Chaukhamba-III – being at an elevation of 6,995 metres.

The expedition that the stranded mountaineers were part of was a high-altitude technical climb, one of the most difficult in the region. Mountaineers attempting this peak often face extreme weather, limited oxygen supply, and steep climbs that require both technical skill and physical endurance. Despite these challenges, the peak remains a sought-after destination for climbers around the world.