The Khumbu region, known for attracting trekkers and climbers during the autumn season, experienced an unusual snowfall in the first week of October this year, blanketing areas above Namche Bazaar in white.
Typically, mid-October marks the start of peak tourist activity in the Everest region, with a surge of trekkers, traders, and locals along routes to Gokyo, Dingboche, and Phorche. However, this year’s early snowfall has disrupted tourism and daily life across the region.
Meteorologists consider snowfall in the first week of October rare for Khumbu, as the region usually experiences clear skies and stable weather during early autumn—conditions ideal for trekking and mountaineering.
According to local resident Pasang Sherpa, continuous rainfall since Sunday morning turned into snowfall, covering the Dingboche, Lobuche, Phereche, and Gokyo areas in Solukhumbu’s Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality.
Laxman Adhikari, chairperson of Ward No. 4 of Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality, said that more than four feet of snow had piled up on rooftops in the upper Khumbu area. “The snow that fell above Namche has affected daily life and local businesses,” Adhikari said.
The District Police Office, Solukhumbu, confirmed that five hotels in the Dingboche area were damaged due to the heavy accumulation of snow. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Manojit Kunwar said, “The roofs of five hotels collapsed under the weight of snow and continuous rain. Fortunately, there were no human casualties, but the economic loss is significant.”
Locals and tourism entrepreneurs said the untimely snowfall has affected mountaineering teams, the transport of goods, and overall tourism activities in the Everest region. -- RSS
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