Snowfall returns to lower Mustang after four years

By Hari Krishna Sharma, Muktinath (Mustang), Jan 24:  Lower Mustang has received snowfall for the first time this season after four years.

 Since last night, snowfall has been occurring in market areas and rural settlements of Thasang, Gharapjhong, and  Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality in Lower Mustang.

With the snowfall, temperatures have tipped significantly. However, the snowfall has not affected vehicular movement on the Beni–Jomsom road, and many are commuting easily.

Although snowfall had occurred in Muktinath Temple, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, and in Upper Mustang during the second week of Nepali month Kartik, there had been no snowfall below Kagbeni until now.

 The daily life of locals has been disrupted due to the heavy cold and snowfall.

Varagung Muktikshetra–4 ward chair Karma Gyatso Gurung said that the intense cold has forced people to stay indoors. 

He said, “It has snowed after four years, and life has become still due to extreme cold.”

Snowfall can also be seen blanketing the surrounding areas near Puthang Airport in Jomsom, the district headquarters. Recently, due to severe cold, tourist destinations have also become quiet. On the other hand, farmers are happy with the snowfall. 

According to the Chief of the Agriculture and Livestock Development Office, Mustang, Dr Lalmani Aryal, melting snow kills insects in fields, and increased moisture helps plants grow better, leading to higher production.

Dr Aryal said that snowfall supports apple farming and other agricultural production. 

Snowfall helps increase the yield of apples, barley, wheat, naked barley, and buckwheat. 

Apples require cold temperatures for proper pollination, and snowfall also helps grass grow in grazing areas, making regular snowfall a blessing for farmers.

In recent years, irregular snowfall due to climate change has negatively affected agriculture and livestock farming.

Meanwhile, as temperatures drop in Upper Mustang, most residents have already migrated to lower regions to escape the cold, and development and construction works have come to a halt. 

The presence of service seekers in local governments and other government offices has also significantly decreased.