Mustang sees first snowfall of season, halts treks, triggers travel warnings

MUSTANG: Mustang district has experienced the season’s first snowfall since this morning, local officials said.

The District Administration Office (DAO) said it started snowing this morning at Korala checkpoint in Upper Mustang, Muktinath area, and in Lomanthang Rural Municipality.

Mustang’s Chief District Officer (CDO) Bishnu Prasad Bhusal said rain accompanied by snow is falling in Lomanthang‑2 Chhosar, Korala checkpoint and Muktinath, as well as in the highlands of Upper and Lower Mustang.

Meanwhile, the DAO has advised people not to travel from Baragung Muktichhetra‑4, Kagbeni, to Muktinath, warning of a risk of road accidents because of heavy snowfall, and has urged pilgrims not to travel in the present conditions. Officials warned that thick snow accumulation on the roads at Kalobhir, Khinga, Jharkot and other places on Kagbeni–Muktinath road section means travellers should not use vehicles there.

Rabin Subedi of Muktinath Development Committee said continuous snowfall from early morning has caused problems for devotees visiting the temple.

Ward Chairperson Pramesh Gurung said heavy snowfall has occurred in high‑altitude villages of Baragung, including Khinga, Jhong, Chhengur and Phalyak, adding that the cold has increased significantly and is affecting daily life. “There is snow accumulation on the roads and trails, making it impossible to operate vehicles or to walk. Tourists have not left where they are staying because of the risk. We have also urged them not to go out,” he said.

Lopsang Chomphel Bista, Chairperson of Logheker Damodarkund Rural Municipality, said snow is falling in the upper reaches of Logheker Damodarkund, and there has been partial snowfall near settlements along with rain. “This year it snowed in Kartik. There was no snowfall here for the past two to three years. Snowfall is very beneficial for farmers as it significantly supports the crops they have sown,” he said.

Meanwhile, trekking to Annapurna Base Camp is halted and tourists have been brought to Narchyang and Bhurung Tatopani. A report from Myagdi said tourists in Myagdi and Mustang tourism areas have faced difficulties after snowfall accompanied by light rain. Since last night, there has been light rain in the hilly areas and snow in the higher areas.

Tej Gurung, a hotelier at Humkhola at the entrance to the Maurice Herzog Trail to Annapurna Base Camp, said there has been no movement on the trail since early this morning. “While about 500 tourists used to come daily, only around 200 came on Monday,” he said. “Due to rain and snowfall, today’s trek has been postponed.”

Lok Bahadur Pun, Ward Chairperson of Annapurna Rural Municipality‑4, said authorities managed and facilitated visitors’ travel until midnight, adding that tourists who reached Annapurna Base Camp via the Maurice Herzog Trail were dropped off at Narchyang and Bhurung Tatopani.

Dambar Bahadur Pun, a hotel owner in Ghodepani, said tourists had suspended their trekking due to bad weather and were waiting for favourable conditions to continue their plans.

(With inputs from RSS)