Solukhumbu, Oct 7: As autumn begins in the Everest region, the Khumbu area typically gears up for its peak tourist season. Every year, mid-October sees bustling activity among tourists, traders, and locals along the routes from Namche Bazaar to Gokyo, Dingboche, and Phorche. However, this year, the region witnessed an unexpected blanket of snow in the first week of October.
Snowfall this early in the season is considered highly unusual for Khumbu. The sudden weather change has affected locals, business owners, and expedition teams alike. Following continuous rainfall that began on Sunday morning, significant snow accumulation was reported in areas above Namche, particularly within Solukhumbu’s Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality.
Local resident Pasang Sherpa said persistent rain and snowfall have covered Dingboche, Labuche, Phereche, and Gokyo in white. Laxman Adhikari, chairperson of Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality–4, stated that the snowfall led to over four feet of snow piling up on rooftops in the upper Khumbu region. “The snow that fell in areas above Namche has disrupted daily life,” Adhikari said.
According to the District Police Office of Solukhumbu, five hotels in the Dingboche area were damaged when their roofs collapsed under the weight of heavy snow. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Manojit Kunwar confirmed, “While there have been no human casualties, the economic loss is considerable due to roof collapses caused by the continuous snowfall and rain.” #nepal #everest #snowfall
