Snowfall Hits Nepal’s High Mountains

Heavy rain followed by snowfall across Nepal’s high hills and Himalayan areas has brought a sharp rise in cold temperatures, disrupting daily life and prompting authorities to restrict trekking in some high-altitude areas.

Snowfall has been reported from parts of Jumla, Jajarkot, Gorkha and Manang, while authorities have warned residents, trekkers and visitors to take precautions as weather conditions deteriorate.

The cold has been particularly difficult for children, older people and people with illnesses. Families still living in temporary shelters after the earthquake are also facing additional problems as rain and damp conditions make their shelters colder and, in some cases, allow water to enter.

Heavy snow in Jumla’s highlands

In Jumla, heavy snowfall has been reported around the Pansaya Patan area near Gididaha in Tatopani Rural Municipality-4.

Local residents said snowfall has affected areas including Dhangre, Airijhal, Gairigum, Dudhbaadi and Dandamakandh. The highland area is about 24 kilometres from the ward office.

The snowfall has covered grazing areas and added to the difficulties faced by people and livestock in the highlands.

Livestock brought down from Jajarkot’s high pastures

High-altitude areas of Jajarkot have also experienced snowfall alongside continuous rainfall.

Snow has been reported around Chakhure Patan in Barekot and Kushe Patan. As temperatures have dropped, residents have started bringing horses, mules, sheep and goats down from high grazing areas to protect them from the worsening cold.

The weather has also affected people living in the district. Those whose homes were damaged by the earthquake and who continue to live in temporary shelters are particularly vulnerable to the combination of rain, moisture and falling temperatures.

Children, older residents and people who are ill face additional difficulties staying warm in such conditions.

Snowfall reaches upper Gorkha

Snowfall was reported for a short period on Friday morning in Samdo, near Samagaun in Chumnubri Rural Municipality-1, Gorkha.

Police Inspector Dinesh Khadka of the Samdo Border Outpost said the brief snowfall caused temperatures to fall further.

Higher than the Manaslu Base Camp, snowfall has reportedly continued for around two weeks. The weather has already affected mountaineering activity in the Manaslu region.

Heavy rain since Thursday has brought additional snowfall to northern Gorkha, while movement along the Manaslu trekking route has also been restricted because of the conditions.

Manang restricts high-altitude trekking

In Manang, snowfall began in the upper parts of the district early Friday alongside rain.

Local resident Pyarlal Khadkathoki of Munje in Nyeshyang Rural Municipality-5 said the weather had been alternating between rain and snow throughout the morning.

Officials from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project said snow and rain had been falling in the higher areas since around 7 a.m. Although snow has accumulated on the surrounding hills, officials said there was comparatively less accumulation on settlements and trekking trails at lower elevations.

According to Manang Assistant Chief District Officer Krishna Prasad Poudel, snowfall has been reported above Humde, at an elevation of roughly 3,300 metres. Lower parts of the district have mainly received rain.

Snow has also been reported in settlements of Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality, while snow can be seen on the higher ridges above the district headquarters at Chame and toward the Lamjung Himal range.

Trekking suspended in several high-altitude areas

With the risk from snowfall and worsening weather increasing, the District Administration Office in Manang has restricted trekking in several high-altitude areas from Friday through Sunday.

The restriction covers areas including Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Ice Lake, Kang La Pass and Bhimthang.

Authorities have asked tourists already on trekking routes to remain in safe locations and avoid moving toward higher elevations while the restrictions are in place.

Officials say the measures are intended to reduce the risk to trekkers as rain and snowfall continue across the Himalayan region.

The latest snowfall is also a reminder of how quickly weather conditions can change in Nepal’s high-altitude trekking areas, where falling temperatures, snow accumulation and reduced visibility can create difficult conditions even for experienced travellers.