The Himalayan district of Manang experienced snowfall in the last week of Poush, bringing joy to the locals who had been worried due to the lack of snow.
Despite the extreme cold, there had been no snowfall until now. Unlike previous years when it snowed as early as Mangsir, this year, snow arrived only in late Poush. Mukhiya Gurung, a farmer from
Neshyang Rural Municipality-1, Pisang, shared that the snow has covered the mountains, which were turning barren.
Although the snowfall was delayed, Gurung expressed his happiness. He said, “Even though it’s not heavy snow, it’s a start, and it gives us hope.” Gurung, who relies on agricultural produce that lasts only two months, is optimistic about the snowfall. He explained that snow moistens the soil and enriches it, which helps crops grow better.
Farmers believe the snowfall will also benefit valuable herbs like yarsagumba, niramsi, and chiraito. Additionally, snow in the lower regions acts as a natural fertilizer for crops. Sherap Bista, a farmer from Chame, shared that the snowfall has brought much-needed relief after irrigation efforts two weeks ago.
Yagya Ghale from Neshyang Rural Municipality-8, Tachai, highlighted the impact of no snowfall on tourism. “Without snow, what will tourists come to see in this Himalayan region with no factories? The natural beauty was fading,” he said. Snowfall, he added, boosts tourism and preserves the Himalayan beauty.
Climate change has significantly delayed snowfall, turning Manang’s white peaks into barren black rocks. Over half of mountains like Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Lamjung are now devoid of snow. Thuten Lama, Ward Chairperson of Neshyang Rural Municipality-5, mentioned that while there’s light snowfall in the upper areas, the lower regions are still dry. He added that the lack of snow makes it hard to plow fields and grow crops like potatoes, wheat, and buckwheat.
