Two French trekkers go missing in Himachal

Two French backpackers, both in their early 20s, went missing while trekking in the Triund area, the popular trekking route overlooking this Himachal Pradesh town, police said here Saturday.

Marcel Gorges and Francois Xavier Camille gone for trekking along with their friend but took a different route on the way back and haven't been seen since, a senior police official told IANS.

"A search of the entire trek route was started today (Saturday)," he said.

Police said a group of 32 foreigners went for trekking Aug 19. Some local trekkers and porters were also accompanying them.

"From Triund, Gorges and Camille took a different route," said an official.

"We have also deployed a team of local trekkers. They are searching the entire area," he said.

According to the tourism department, more than 10,000 trekkers, mainly foreigners, visit Triund every year and tourism, including climbing, is a key source of income for the local people.