Farmers Relieved by Late Snowfall in Manang

Farmers in Manang have expressed relief after the upper parts of the district received snowfall after a prolonged dry spell. According to the state-run national news agency RSS, the snow has blanketed areas from the district headquarters in Chame to Upper Manang, bringing much-needed moisture to the region.

While other regions of Nepal witnessed snowfall earlier, Manang experienced a prolonged dry spell before receiving the snowfall recently. However, lower areas are yet to receive any snow, RSS added.

Yangdung Gurung, a local farmer, highlighted that while the delay in snowfall caused difficulties in irrigation, it still provides some relief.

"We depend on snow for farming, and when it arrives late, irrigation suffers. However, having snowfall now is still better than none at all," he said. He added that during prolonged dry spells, the extreme cold causes water in rivers, streams, and lakes to freeze, making irrigation even more challenging.

Farmer Serap Bista also pointed out the difficulties caused by frozen water sources. "Since the water sources are far away, limited supply cannot fully address the problem," he told RSS. Despite this, he noted that the snowfall is expected to benefit apple cultivation and the production of vegetables and food crops.

In addition to aiding agriculture, the snowfall has led to an uptick in tourism, with more visitors drawn to the snow-covered mountains.

Manang, a key stop along the Annapurna Circuit, attracts trekkers eager to experience the breathtaking Himalayan views, the unique customs of the people of Manang, and the region’s natural beauty and landscape. Many travelers also cross the Thorangla Pass from Manang before heading to Mustang and onward to Pokhara while some opt for visiting the famed Tilicho Lake.

The renowned Annapurna Circuit trek begins at Manange Chautara in Besisahar Municipality-7, Lamjung. It spans five districts—Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, and Kaski—offering trekkers a diverse and immersive experience. Most tourists travel by vehicle from Kathmandu to Besisahar before setting off on foot, exploring Manang’s picturesque landscapes along the way.

According to media reports, Manang and Mustang districts generally receive less rainfall and snowfall than other parts of Nepal due to their location in the rain shadow of the Himalayas. However, in recent years, erratic weather patterns linked to climate change have made conditions unpredictable. In June 2021, Manang faced severe flash floods that damaged homes, public buildings, and infrastructure, including a school in Chame. Similarly, Mustang experienced flash floods in September 2023 after heavy rainfall, raising concerns about the increasing risks of climate-induced disasters.  (With inputs from RSS)