Snowfall Disrupts Muktinath Pilgrimage and Trekking in Annapurna Region

Mustang witnessed this season’s first snowfall on Monday morning, affecting travel and pilgrimage routes in the region.

According to the District Administration Office, snowfall began early in the morning in Korala checkpoint and Lomanthang areas of Upper Mustang as well as Muktinath. Chief District Officer Bishnu Prasad Bhusal said rainfall accompanied by snow occurred in Lomanthang-2 Chhosar, Korla border point, and Muktinath, as well as in highlands of both Upper and Lower Mustang.

Rabin Subedi of the Muktinath Development Committee said continuous snowfall since early morning disrupted temple visits, causing inconvenience to devotees.

Lopsang Chomphel Bista, chairperson of Logheker Damodarkund Rural Municipality, said snow fell in the upper reaches of Logheker Damodarkund and nearby settlements. “Snowfall occurred in the region this season after remaining absent for the past two to three years. The snowfall is beneficial for farmers as it helps the winter crops,” he said.

Similarly, Ward Chairperson Pramesh Gurung said heavy snowfall hit high-altitude villages of Baragung, including Khinga, Jhong, Chhengur, and Phalyak, significantly lowering temperatures and affecting daily life.

The District Administration Office has urged people not to travel from Kagbeni to Muktinath due to heavy snowfall and slippery road conditions. It warned that thick snow accumulation along Kalobhir, Khinga, and Jharkot sections of the Kagbeni–Muktinath road poses a risk of accidents, advising travelers and pilgrims to avoid vehicle movement.

Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp halted

In Annapurna Circuit, light rain in lower areas and snowfall in higher regions have disrupted tourism activities in the Myagdi and Mustang districts.

Ward Chairperson Pramesh Gurung said tourists have been advised not to go out due to snow-covered trails and roads. “Snow accumulation has made both walking and driving impossible,” he said.

Tej Gurung, a hotel entrepreneur at Humkhola, the entry point of the Maurice Herzog Trail to Annapurna Base Camp, said trekking activities have been suspended. “Around 500 tourists used to arrive daily, but only about 200 came on Monday. Today’s trek has been postponed due to rain and snowfall,” he said.

Annapurna Rural Municipality-4 Chair Lok Bahadur Pun said tourists returning from the Annapurna Base Camp were assisted to reach Narchyang and Bhurung Tatopani safely. Hotel owner Dambar Bahadur Pun of Ghodepani said trekkers were waiting for improved weather to resume their journey.

Snowfall disrupts normal life and trekking in Manaslu region

The northern belt of Gorkha district has received continuous snowfall since Monday night, affecting normal life and tourism activities in the Manaslu region.

Local residents said snowfall occurred across several settlements of Chumnumbri Rural Municipality. “Light rainfall and snowfall began last night and are still continuing. People have stayed indoors, and yaks have been kept in sheds,” said Pasang Funjo Lama of Chumnumbri-7.

Villages including Nile, Chhule, Pangdun, Lar, Phurpe, Lamagaun, Burji, Jong, and Chhekam—located above 3,000 meters—are blanketed with snow. Samagaun, Syala, and Lho villages have also been covered.

Tourists trekking through the Manaslu Circuit have been affected, with several groups unable to proceed beyond the Larke Pass due to heavy snowfall, local authorities confirmed. -- RSS