Dhaka, Oct. 23 -- The rescue operation has been ongoing at an altitude of 17,000 feet of the location where 17 trekkers, including tourists, porters, and guides, lost their way on Oct 18 due to heavy snowfall and inclement weather, NDTV reports.

The search began with the Indian Air Force deploying two Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) choppers to reach Harsil - a tourist hill station in the state -- in a response to a SOS call made by authorities On Oct 20.

Three personnel of the National Disaster Response Force surveyed the area from an ALH craft, according to NDTV.

The next day, an ALH carrying State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel found four bodies at an altitude of 15,700 feet.

The helicopter then reached another location a...