Unseasonal snowfall hits Taplejung

By Chandra Pandak,Taplejung, May 10: Taplejung has experienced unseasonal snowfall, with heavy snow reported in the high Himalayan regions, including Pathibhara hill.

Taplejung has been experiencing near-daily rainfall for the past few weeks. While rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning during the first week of May are considered normal with the onset of the monsoon season, unseasonal snowfall at this time of year is regarded as unusual.

The higher Himalayan region received snowfall on Friday night. Locals said snowfall was recorded in the Milke Jaljale area, the Tokpegola-Loden area of Mikwakhola, Manabhara and other high-altitude regions of the district. 

According to them, the unseasonal snowfall has blanketed the higher Himalayan areas in white.

Similarly, heavy snowfall occurred on Friday night at the famous pilgrimage site of Pathibhara, located at an altitude of 3,794 metres. Rajendra Mahat, an employee at the Pathibhara Area Development Committee, said snow had fallen even in areas far below the temple premises. He added that hailstones accompanied the snowfall.

According to Mahat, while snowfall in the Pathibhara area caused some inconvenience to a few pilgrims, most visitors expressed happiness at being able to enjoy the snow while visiting the shrine. 

Tourism entrepreneurs, however, said that continued rainfall and unseasonal snowfall during the ongoing tourist season could negatively affect tourism activities.

Although the weather cleared and sunshine appeared from Saturday morning, clouds gathered again after around 2:00 pm and rainfall resumed. As continuous rain persists, locals say the weather is becoming colder and further unseasonal snowfall may occur.