Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: Widespread rain and heavy snowfall have struck several Himalayan and high-hill districts of Sudurpashchim and Karnali provinces since Tuesday night, disrupting transportation and daily life while raising strong optimism among farmers about improved agricultural output.
Districts including Mustang, Manang, Humla, Dolpa, Mugu, and Bajura witnessed continuous precipitation, turning hills and mountain ridges completely white. In many areas, rainfall accompanied the snowfall, improving soil moisture conditions critical for winter crops.
In Mustang, heavy snow has blocked the Kagbeni–Korala road section, a key route in the trans-Himalayan region. Snow accumulation in some locations has exceeded two feet, according to local reports. Despite the disruption, agricultural officials say the snowfall is highly beneficial for farming.
Roshan Thakali, chief of the agriculture section at Gharapjhong Rural Municipality, said the moisture from the snowfall is expected to significantly benefit apple orchards, barley, buckwheat, wheat, and potato cultivation. Snow acts as a natural insulator, protecting crops from extreme cold and gradually releasing water into the soil as it melts, which enhances productivity in high-altitude agro-ecological zones.
In Humla, Mugu, Dolpa, Jumla, and Kalikot, heavy snowfall has continued since Tuesday night. According to District Police Chief Shankar Khadka, around one foot of snow has accumulated in higher areas, including the district headquarters Simkot. Air services have been disrupted, and key road sections linking Limi, Nyalu, Yari, and Hilsa have been closed.
In Bajura, dense snowfall has been reported in highland areas of Badimalika, Budhiganga Triveni, Budhinanda Municipality, Himali, Khaptad Chhededaha, Gaumul, Swamikartik, and Jagannath Rural Municipality. Daily life has been affected in settlements such as Bichhya, Rugin, Bandhu (Himali), Allis and Dahkot (Gaumul), and Kuru village (Budhinanda).
Jasirām Sahani, chief of the Agriculture Knowledge Center, said that snowfall accompanied by rain is especially beneficial for wheat crops, which require sustained winter moisture for healthy growth. Agricultural experts note that such precipitation helps replenish groundwater, improve soil structure, and support the spring growing season, offering long-term gains for mountain agriculture and food security.
Meanwhile, the District Police Office Mustang has urged travelers to avoid journeys toward Muktinath and Upper Mustang due to ongoing snowfall and blocked roads. In a public notice circulated via social media, police warned that travel conditions are hazardous and several visitors heading toward Muktinath have been stranded en route.
Authorities are monitoring the situation as snowfall continues, balancing concerns over mobility and safety with the clear agricultural advantages the precipitation brings to Himalayan farming communities.
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