In the Manang district of the Himalayan region, heavy snowfall has occurred since Wednesday evening. Despite adequate snowfall expected in Manang this year, it couldn’t happen on time. However, after a delay, snowfall has finally arrived. Even though the snowfall was minimal initially, it was insufficient. Yet, heavy snowfall has been reported since the second week of Falgun (February-March).
The onset of light snowfall here started from Wednesday evening, followed by heavy snowfall throughout the night. The delayed snowfall has affected homes, roads, and trails in the area. With the delay, tourists who used to come to play in the snow when it snowed on time couldn’t make it this year. The anticipation was that tourists would come to play in the snow once heavy snowfall occurred, as stated by the Chief District Officer Subaskumar Lamichhane.
He stated, “There has been minimal snowfall so far. It was very cold. However, heavy snowfall occurred throughout the night yesterday, which has made the farmers happy. This will also attract tourists.” He mentioned that those who had gone out for work have returned to the Manang district. As agricultural activities are about to begin, farmers are delighted, even after the snowfall.
Lamichhane further explained, “Schools and hotels inside the Manang district have already opened. This will attract tourists to visit here. Once the cold decreases, it will gradually become easier. However, we urge tourists and locals to be cautious about health risks caused by the cold.” He also mentioned that with the favorable weather conditions, construction works will also gain momentum.
Despite the snow and unpredictable weather, there have been around 15 to 20 tourists coming daily to Manang. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) has started attracting tourists to Manang as well. With the start of snowfall, he urges tourists to come with caution. He said, “Compared to before, the timing of snowfall has changed. Heavy snowfall usually occurs from Mangsir to Magh (November to January). But now, heavy snowfall is expected only from Falgun (February-March). Therefore, tourists should pay attention to the risks while traveling.”
Tourists visiting Manang are attracted to iconic sites such as Tilicho Lake, located at an altitude of 4,919 meters, Ice Lake at 4,000 meters, and Gangapurna Lake at 3,500 meters. However, Gangapurna Lake has now turned into a bog due to its changing appearance. The gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, Lamjung Besisahar Municipality-7, starts trekking from Chame. The Annapurna Circuit includes Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, and Myagdi districts. Tourists come to Besisahar from Kathmandu to travel by road and start their journey along the Annapurna Circuit, including various places in Manang.
