Mustang, October 28
Mustang experienced its first snowfall of the season on Monday morning, covering high-altitude regions of Upper and Lower Mustang in white. The District Administration Office (DAO) said snowfall began early in the morning around the Korala checkpoint, Muktinath region, and Lomanthang Rural Municipality.
Chief District Officer Bishnu Prasad Bhusal confirmed rainfall and snowfall in Upper Mustang’s Lomanthang-2 Chhosar, Korlanaka, and Muktinath areas, as well as parts of Lower Mustang. Continuous snowfall has also been reported in Muktinath, affecting devotees visiting the temple, according to Rabin Subedi of the Muktinath Development Committee.
Lopsang Chomphel Bista, Chairperson of Logheker Damodarkund Rural Municipality, said partial snowfall occurred near settlements, adding, “It has snowed this year in Kartik month after two to three years. Snowfall is beneficial for farmers as it supports winter crops.”
Ward Chairperson Pramesh Gurung said heavy snowfall has hit high-altitude villages of Baragung, including Khinga, Jhong, Chhengur, and Phalyak, significantly increasing cold and disrupting daily life.
The DAO has urged people not to travel from Baragung Muktichhetra-4 Kagbeni to Muktinath, warning of road accidents due to snow accumulation in Kalobhir, Khinga, and Jharkot.
Meanwhile, snowfall has also affected tourism in Myagdi and Mustang. Trekking on the Maurice Herzog Trail to Annapurna Base Camp has been halted. Ward Chairperson Lok Bahadur Pun said tourists stranded on the route were safely escorted to Narchyang and Bhurung Tatopani, while hotel owners in Ghodepani said trekkers are waiting for better weather to resume their journey.
