Indian Army executes high-risk night rescue of South Korean nationals at 17,000 ft in Ladakh

In a brave nighttime rescue, the Indian Army Aviation team successfully evacuated two South Korean tourists trapped at a high-altitude pass in Ladakh on September 4. The operation took place at Kongmaru La Pass, which sits over 17,000 feet above sea level and is known for its harsh, snowy conditions.

It all started around 8:05 PM when the army received an urgent request to rescue Hyun Woo Kim and his wife, who were stranded in this remote, icy region. Facing rugged terrain and dangerous weather, the army acted quickly. By 8:20 PM, their helicopter squadron was ready to launch the daring mission.

The pilots had to land the helicopter on an unprepared makeshift helipad using Night Vision Goggles (NVG), which made the task very challenging. They navigated through freezing winds and low visibility, risking it all for a successful rescue. Despite these tough conditions, the pilots managed to land safely around 9:15 PM.

Once on the ground, they quickly evacuated the stranded couple and flew them to safety. Medical teams were waiting to provide immediate care, ensuring the tourists received the help they needed.

This remarkable rescue highlights the Indian Army’s exceptional skills and readiness to handle emergencies in the toughest environments. It also demonstrates India’s commitment to humanitarian aid, regardless of nationality. While the Indian Army’s primary responsibility is border security and defending the nation, it often steps up to help stranded citizens and tourists in distress.

Recently, the Indian Army has been actively involved in relief efforts across flood-hit regions like Uttarakhand, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Whether delivering food by drones, evacuating affected people, or providing medical aid, the army continues to serve with dedication and courage.

This successful high-altitude rescue in Ladakh adds to the Indian Army’s proud record of managing tough missions in some of the world’s most challenging terrains — showing their unwavering commitment to saving lives and helping those in need.