POKHARA, Jan 29: Heavy snowfall has blanketed the high Himalayan regions, disrupting daily life in mountain districts. Movement has become difficult in several areas, and local administrations have urged trekkers and tourists to remain cautious before heading out on trekking routes.
Dense snowfall has been reported in the upper regions of Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, and Gorkha. Locals say movement has become challenging as snow has accumulated even in settlements. The Manang District Administration Office (DAO) has issued a notice stating that heavy snowfall has occurred in the upper areas. It has requested trekkers heading towards Thorong La Pass, Larke Pass, Kang La Pass, Tilicho, and other sections of the Annapurna Circuit to coordinate with local authorities before proceeding.
Issuing the notice, Assistant Chief District Officer of Manang, Krishna Prasad Poudel, urged caution while trekking. According to him, snowfall has been continuous in the upper parts of the district, with heavy snow reported above the district headquarters, Chame. He said movement is not easy and vehicles are also unable to operate. Trekkers have been advised to stay alert. As it is the off-season, the number of tourists is low, and those currently in the area are staying at hotels. Trekking routes in Thorong La and Tilicho areas have also been affected.
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According to Umakant Sapkota of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) in Manang, snow accumulation has reached up to two feet in some places. Snowfall has occurred above 2,900 meters above sea level. Vehicles can operate only up to Chame, while areas beyond remain inaccessible. Trekking has also been disrupted due to heavy snowfall.
Sapkota said around 25 foreign tourists are currently staying in upper Manang. As it is the off-season, the number of visitors is low. Most of the tourists had come to Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass. Those stranded are mainly from India and Malaysia. Tourists have been stopped from heading further up, and they will only be allowed to proceed once the snow melts. Continued snowfall could further restrict movement.
In another Himalayan district, Mustang, snowfall has similarly affected daily life. Heavy snow in the Muktinath area has prevented tourists from even reaching the temple. Tourism entrepreneur Som Thapa from Pokhara said travel beyond Ranipauwa is not possible. Snow accumulation has made it difficult for vehicles to move uphill, forcing travelers to turn back.
Thapa said tourist travel has been halted due to the snowfall, with only a limited number of visitors staying in the district headquarters, Jomsom. While the cold persists, thick snow has made uphill travel difficult. As it is the off-season, tourist numbers are low, though domestic visitors may arrive later to enjoy the snow.
The Mustang DAO has also urged caution, stating that travel has been disrupted due to heavy snowfall. A notice issued by Chief District Officer Ajita Sharma said movement is difficult in the Muktinath area, Korala border point, Upper Mustang, and the Yakharka area along the Mustang–Dolpa section. Trekking routes such as Thorong La Pass, Mustang–Manang–Saribung Pass, and the Dhaulagiri trekking trail have also been affected.
Similarly, residents of upper Myagdi have reported heavy snowfall. Local resident Jhak Chhatyal said Gurja settlement has been completely covered in snow. The Nepal Tourism Board has also requested travelers to avoid high Himalayan regions for the time being due to the likelihood of further snowfall. Local administrations said that in some areas, security personnel have been deployed to clear snow and keep roads operational.
