Gangtok, Jan. 31 -- The tranquil, snow-laden landscapes of North Sikkim turned perilous last week when a group of 29 tourists found themselves stranded amid extreme weather conditions. What began as a breathtaking journey through the high-altitude stretch between Shivmandir and Zero Point rapidly escalated into a life-threatening ordeal as nature unleashed its fury.

According to an official release, on the intervening night of January 27-28, severe weather gripped the region. Gale-force winds and relentless snowfall engulfed the narrow mountain roads, rendering civilian vehicles immobile. Several vehicles were buried under heavy snow, while others suffered mechanical failures due to sub-zero temperatures.

The stranded group included you...