Solukhumbu, October 7
The autumn tourist season has begun in the Everest region, usually marked by bustling activity among tourists, traders, and locals along the Namche Bazaar–Gokyo–Dingboche–Phorche route. However, this year, the Khumbu region was blanketed in white following an unusual snowfall in the first week of October.
Snowfall this early in the season is rare for the region and has affected locals, business owners, and expedition teams. Following heavy rain that began last Sunday morning, snow accumulated in areas above Namche, particularly in Solukhumbu’s Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality.
Local resident Pasang Sherpa reported that continuous rain and snow have covered Dingboche, Labuche, Phereche, and Gokyo. Laxman Adhikari, chairperson of Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality–4, said the snowfall led to over four feet of snow accumulating on rooftops in upper Khumbu. “The snow that fell above Namche has disrupted daily life,” Adhikari said.
According to the District Police Office, five hotels in the Dingboche area collapsed under the weight of snow.DSP Manojit Kunwar said, “The roofs of five hotels were damaged due to the heavy snow and continuous rainfall. While there have been no human casualties, the economic losses are significant.”
