Shimla/dharamshala, Sept. 18 -- Two female pilgrims died of suspected exposure to extreme cold and hypoxia while circumambulating the sacred Mount Drilbu Ri amid sudden snowfall in the Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday. The deceased have been identified as Yangzin, 61, a resident of Keylong, and Dawa Doma Bhutiya, 74, from Darjeeling in West Bengal. Fifteen pilgrims were hospitalised in Keylong after suffering injuries caused by slips and falls in the snow and symptoms of high-altitude sickness. Police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams rescued all 700 pilgrims who had set out for the parikrama. Mount Drilbu Ri, a revered Buddhist site in the Lahaul Valley near Keylong, stands at an altitude of around 4,435 metres (14,551 feet). The site is revered by Tibetan Buddhists as well as Hindus. According to officials, the pilgrims began the trek after 2 am, but weather conditions deteriorated during the course of the yatra, with sudden snowfall and a sharp drop in temperature. Initial reports suggested that the deaths could be linked to low oxygen levels and exposure to extreme cold. However, the exact cause of death will be established only after postmortem examinations. Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner Kiran Bhadana confirmed the two deaths. Keylong deputy superintendent of police KD Sharma said the bodies of the two women had been brought to Keylong hospital for postmortem examination. He said all 700 pilgrims had been rescued. "Fifteen pilgrims have been rescued and admitted to hospital. The bodies of the two women were brought to Keylong hospital for postmortem examination. The exact cause of death will be ascertained after receiving the postmortem reports," Sharma said. Several parts of Himachal Pradesh witnessed rainfall, while the state's higher-altitude mountain passes and peaks received fresh snowfall on Thursday. The Manimahesh Yatra was temporarily suspended at 8 am by the Bharmour administration. It was resumed around noon after weather conditions improved. The high-altitude areas in Lahaul-Spiti, Rohtang Pass and surrounding peaks, as well as the higher reaches in Chamba, including Sach Pass, reported a fresh covering of snow. Officials of the India Meteorological Department said a western disturbance (WD) was active. On Thursday, rainfall was observed in various parts of the state, including Shimla, Bhuntar, Mandi, Palampur, Dharamshala and Bilaspur. During the last 24 hours, light to moderate rainfall was observed at most places, with heavy rain at isolated places in the state. The highest rainfall of 9 cm was recorded in Naina Devi. As many as 60 roads were blocked across the state, including 33 roads in Mandi district alone, followed by 10 in Kangra. IMD's Shimla office said light to moderate showers were likely on September 18, followed by light showers on September 19. On September 20 and 21, light rainfall is likely in the plains and middle hills, while dry weather is expected to prevail in the high hills....