Snowfall Brings Relief to Farmers, Halts Highways in Western Nepal

Several mountainous districts of western Nepal have witnessed snowfall since Friday night, bringing relief to farmers but disrupting road transport and daily life in many areas.

Humla district received its first snowfall of the season after remaining dry since mid-August 2025. Rainfall was recorded in the lower parts of the district. Farmers welcomed the snowfall and winter rain, saying prolonged dry conditions had begun to damage winter crops. They hope the precipitation will restore soil moisture and support crop growth.

However, snowfall has severely affected transport. The road to Hilsa via Namkha Rural Municipality has been completely blocked, according to the state-owned RSS news agency.

In Sudurpashchim Province, snowfall has halted transport services in Baitadi since Friday night. The Dashrath Chand Highway and the Jaya Prithvi Highway remain obstructed due to snowfall at Narkholi, Khodape, Shreebhawar, Satbanjh and Dehimandau.

Baitadi Police Spokesperson Inspector Suraj Singh said the snowfall has also disrupted electricity supply. Efforts were under way to restore both transport and power services.

Snowfall was also reported in Sahukharka and Hagulte areas of Dadeldhura, leading to the closure of the Bhimdutta Highway. Along with Baitadi, highland areas of Darchula, Bajhang, Doti and Dadeldhura have experienced snowfall since Friday evening.

The cold spell has affected daily life across the region.

In Lumbini Province, snowfall has obstructed the Mid-Hill Highway in Rukum East. The Lukum–Patihalna section has been closed since Friday night, leaving vehicles stranded, including buses travelling from Kathmandu.

According to District Police Office Rukum East, a team led by Police Inspector Himraj BK from Kakhri Police Station has been deployed to clear the road as snowfall continues.

Chief District Officer Sita Pariyar said efforts were under way to rescue stranded passengers, with coordination ongoing with Bhume Rural Municipality. Preparations are being made to clear snow using heavy machinery.

Local farmer Bimal BC of Sisne Rural Municipality-5 said wheat crops had dried up due to a prolonged lack of rain, adding that the recent rainfall has brought much-needed relief.

(With inputs from RSS)

Photos below show snowfall in Darchula, Upper Mustang, Baitadi, Humla, Jumla, Mustang, and Myagdi since the evening of Friday, January 23, 2026. RSS