Muktinath, one of Nepal’s revered religious destinations located in the Varagung Muktichhetra area of Mustang, has witnessed heavy snowfall once again. This marks the fourth instance of snowfall in the region during the current winter season.
According to Arjun Kafle, Assistant Administrator of the Muktinath Development Committee, continuous snowfall has been occurring since this afternoon, with moderate snowfall reported across the surrounding areas. He confirmed that snowstorm activity remains ongoing in and around Muktinath.
Repeated Snowstorm This Season
The first snowfall of the season in Muktinath began on Kartik 10. Since then, the area has experienced four separate snowstorm events. Earlier, on Tuesday night, a heavy snowstorm was recorded across the Muktinath region and areas above Kagbeni. Partial snowfall was also reported in the higher altitudes of Mustang during the same period.
Area Covered in Snow
Local tourism entrepreneur Suraj Gurung stated that the hills, ridges, and Ranipauwa Bazaar surrounding Muktinath have been completely covered in snow. He added that the snowstorm has been continuous for several hours and warned that if it continues through the night, all settlements in the Muktinath area could be buried under snow.
The Muktinath Temple itself has been covered in snow, including the temple premises, sacred ponds, the 108 water spouts, and nearby areas. Authorities estimate that the snowstorm could exceed two feet if it continues overnight.
Impact on Pilgrims and Travel
Following the onset of the snowstorm, pilgrims visiting Muktinath have begun descending hurriedly towards Jomsom, anticipating travel difficulties due to snow accumulation. Concerns are rising over possible disruptions to transportation and access routes.
Snowfall Across Lower Mustang
Ashok Limbu, an official at the Temperate Horticulture Development Center, reported a partial snowstorm in settlements as well as higher elevations of Gharapjhong and Thasang rural municipalities, located below Kagbeni. He noted that this is unusual, as lower Mustang settlements have not experienced a snowstorm for the past three years, indicating a likelihood of a significant snowstorm in residential areas this time.
Meanwhile, Salina Nepali from ACAP Lomanthang stated that while light snowfall has occurred in the higher elevations of Upper Mustang, no snowstorm has been recorded in settlements there. However, strong winds have been affecting residential areas.
Road Blockage Risk
Previously, heavy snowfall on Tuesday night had obstructed the Kagbeni–Muktinath–Korala road section. Although dozers deployed by the Kali Gandaki Corridor (Beni–Jomsom–Korala) Road Project cleared the snow and reopened the road, fresh snowfall has raised the risk of renewed blockages along the Muktinath and Korala routes.
Authorities and local stakeholders remain on alert as the snowstorm continues, urging travelers to exercise caution while visiting the region.
