Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Tourism and Daily Life Across Nepal’s Mountain Regions

Kathmandu, Oct 28:
Widespread snowfall has blanketed several high-altitude regions of Nepal, including Manaslu, Annapurna, Manang, and Khumbu, disrupting tourism and affecting the daily lives of locals. The unexpected cold spell, influenced by a low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea, has also prompted authorities to issue safety warnings for trekkers.

Snowfall Impacts Manaslu Region, Tourism Comes to a Halt

The northern belt of Gorkha district witnessed continuous snowfall since last night, affecting life in Chumnumbri Rural Municipality.
Pasang Funjo Lama of Chumnumbri-7 said

“The area received light rainfall and snowfall last night. Snowfall is still ongoing. People are staying indoors, and yaks have been kept in sheds.”

Villages such as Nile, Chhule, Pangdun, Lar, Phurpe, Lamagaun, Burji, Jong, and Chhekam, all above 3,000 meters, are blanketed in snow. Likewise, Samagaun, Syala, and Lho are covered in a thick white layer.

Tourists and trekkers heading towards the Larke Pass have been forced to stop midway due to heavy snow. The snowfall has also disrupted local travel and communication in the area.

First Major Snowfall of the Season at Annapurna Base Camp

Heavy snowfall has been reported in Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) since Monday night, according to locals from Annapurna Rural Municipality-11. Situated at an altitude of 4,130 meters, the base camp currently hosts both domestic and international visitors, who are witnessing the first major snowfall of the season.

While the cold has intensified and affected normal routines, locals expressed happiness, saying the snow would help moisturize farmlands and benefit crops.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology confirmed that the ongoing precipitation is a result of the Arabian Sea’s low-pressure system and warned of further rain and snow over the next two days.

Manang: Trekkers Stranded as Tilicho and Thorong La Covered in Snow

In Manang district, heavy snowfall began late Monday night around 9:30 PM and continued until Tuesday morning. Reports confirm that snow has covered areas from Pisang (3,200 m) to the upper reaches of Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality.

Chief District Officer Navaraj Paudel stated that Tilicho and Thorong La have witnessed the heaviest snowfall, with snow accumulation from Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp. “It is raining in Chame, the district headquarters, but heavy snow continues in upper Manang,” he said.

Authorities have instructed trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit to remain where they are until the weather improves. An estimated 800–1,000 Nepali tourists are currently stranded at Tilicho Base Camp, while most trekkers heading to Thorong La are foreigners.

ACAP ranger Prakash Adhikari warned that traveling during heavy snowfall is dangerous and urged trekkers to wait for clear weather. Around 1,000–1,500 foreign tourists are currently in the upper Manang region. The administration has also requested tourists to contact authorities if rescue assistance is required.

Khumbu Sees Heavy Snowfall, Tourism Temporarily Halted

Heavy snowfall has also been reported in the Khumbu region of Solukhumbu district, home to Mount Everest. Snow began falling Monday evening and intensified Tuesday morning above Thyangboche in Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality.

According to Lama Kazi Sherpa, Chairman of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, areas including Thyangboche, Lobuche, and Everest Base Camp have received significant snowfall. Around 900 foreign tourists currently in the region have been affected, many confined to lodges and teahouses.

Namche Bazaar has been experiencing continuous rainfall since Monday, further disrupting travel and daily life. Local resident Pasang Sherpa said that snowfall has impacted tourism, livestock, and daily livelihood in the high-altitude settlements.

Meteorologist David Dhakal forecasted that skies are expected to clear for the next two days before another round of snowfall likely hits the region within three days.

Widespread Weather Alert

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has issued a general alert for travelers and residents across high-altitude regions. Moderate to heavy snowfall and rainfall are expected in parts of Bagmati, Gandaki, and Karnali provinces, with partially cloudy conditions across the Terai belt.

Authorities have urged trekkers to verify weather updates before travel and to coordinate with local officials or conservation offices during their stay in affected areas.

From Manaslu to Everest, Nepal’s mountains have turned white under early-season snowfall, a breathtaking yet challenging moment for locals and visitors alike. While the scenery has delighted many tourists, authorities emphasize caution as travel disruptions, cold waves, and safety risks increase across the Himalayan trails.