Police rescued hundreds of tourists and local passengers stuck amid heavy snow in the Changla Axis of Ladakh’s Leh district on Friday evening, according to senior officials.

Several vehicles, including taxis and private cars belonging to tourists were immobilized due to the heavy snow at Changla Top and had to be evacuated by the Ladakh police supported by rescue teams from the army.

“In response to the emergencies caused by the inclement weather and intermittent snowfall, exacerbated by icy road conditions, the police team from Kharu and Tangste police posts swiftly rushed to Changla Top to rescue stranded passengers with a particular focus on women, children and tourists,” according to a Ladakh police statement.

“Those with self-driven cars were transferred to police vehicles and local taxis, which transported them to safer areas. Private vehicles were also safely driven to secure locations with the assistance of local drivers,” police said.

Apart from the rescue team of Ladakh Police, the Army and GREEF rescue teams also actively participated in the rescue operation. Through their collective efforts, no untoward incidents occurred, and all the passengers were safely evacuated to Leh, police said.

Ladakh police has advised tourists and the general public plan their journeys keeping the weather advisories in mind to ensure safer travel experiences.