Muktinath 5 April: Amid rising military tensions in the Middle East, Pradip Subedi, who had returned home on leave from the United Arab Emirates, faced significant difficulty reaching the Muktinath Temple on Sunday due to rainfall and snowfall. The temple lies in Waragung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality–1, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
When Subedi, along with his family and relatives from Pokhara, arrived for worship, snowfall was occurring in the surrounding areas along with rain. Continuous snowfall since last night has blanketed the temple and nearby areas in thick snow.
Pilgrim Subedi said, “Along with the worship we got the opportunity to play in the snow. Even locals are happy to see snowfall in the month of Chaitra.” This is the fifth snowfall in the Muktinath area this year.
According to Dinesh Bhushal, office chief of the Muktinath Temple Management Committee, snowfall caused difficulties for pedestrians in the temple pathway, premises, and surrounding areas in the morning. However, as the weather improved, conditions have now become easier.
Ward Chairperson of Waragung Muktichhetra–1 and treasurer of the temple management committee, Pramesh Gurung, said that despite the snowfall, pilgrims and tourists in areas like Ranipauwa and Khinga are moving around without major disruption.
Although snowfall and rain created some inconvenience, the overall situation remains normal. Chairperson Gurung added, “The number of pilgrims visiting the temple is increasing. Since fresh snowfall has occurred before the previous snow has melted, it can be observed for a few more days.”
Meanwhile, light snowfall along with rain in areas such as Thasang, Gharapjhong, and Waragung Muktichhetra—located along the Beni–Jomsom road section—has made morning life difficult. However, the Kagbeni–Lo Manthang–Korala road, which connects Lo Manthang and Loghekar Damodarkunda rural municipalities, remains in regular operation despite the snow.
Due to climate change, snowfall had decreased, but this year there has been heavy snowfall.
