After two days of rainfall, the weather cleared, revealing the district’s hills and mountains blanketed in pristine snow, giving the landscape a silver-white appearance. Areas in Maiwakhola Rural Municipality, including Tijure, Milke, and Jaljale, were covered in a white blanket since early morning, creating breathtaking views for locals and tourists alike.
Iconic peaks such as Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain, along with Kumbhakarna, Pathibhara, and Manabhraka, were also covered in a white blanket, sparkling like silver under the clear skies. The opening of favorable weather has encouraged an increase in domestic tourists visiting the region to enjoy winter activities.
Heavy Snowfall Across Villages
Thick snowfall began in Taplejung’s high-altitude areas on Friday evening. The white blanket, following the rainy period, has coated various mountainous regions in a white blanket. Significant silver white was reported in Ghunsa and Phale of Lelep, Fokthanglung Rural Municipality–6, and in Olangchungola, Ward No. 7.
Similarly, heavy white blanket accumulation was observed in Papungegola of Maiwakhola Rural Municipality–5, the upper regions of Aathrai Triveni Rural Municipality, the Milke–Jaljale area, and Timbung Pokhari of Sidingwa Rural Municipality, according to residents.
The famous pilgrimage site, Pathibhara, was also covered in a white blanket. Rajendra Mahat, an official from the Pathibhara Area Development Committee, confirmed that snow had accumulated from Pathibhara Dham to Fedi Bazaar and up to Gurase Danda.
Locals, including Futi Sherpa, noted that the snowfall has brought a significant drop in temperatures across the highland settlements, particularly in areas such as Olangchungola, Yangma, Phale, and Ghunsa.
Tourism and Local Impact
The white blanket-covered landscapes have attracted domestic tourists eager to experience the winter scenery and engage in snow-related activities. The recent snowfall has also highlighted the district’s potential as a winter tourism destination, contributing to local tourism development and seasonal economic activity.
