High altitude mountain districts in Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces have been witnessing snowfall since Tuesday resulting in extremely cold conditions in the areas.

In Karnali, almost all regions of Jumla district have been experiencing snowfall since 5 am today throwing life out of gear.

People have not been able to get out of their houses since morning due to heavy snowfall. Gor Bahadur Budha, a local, said that the snowfall has made it difficult to get the livestock out of the sheds.

Farmers, however, are happy to witness the snowfall. Locals say that snowfall will increase apple, barley and wheat production—the key winter crops in the mountain region.

Govinda Acharya of Chandannath-2 said that the snowfall will help in growing the winter crops as various parts of the district have recorded over five inches of snow.

“The amount of moisture on the ground will increase as the snowfall continues and help the crop to grow,” said Acharya.

Meanwhile, vehicular movement and flight services have also been affected in the district since morning due to snowfall.

Likewise, high altitude areas of Dolpa district have also received snow since today morning. Pemma Wangchen Gurung, vice chairperson of Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality, informed that the farmers, who were disappointed due to the lack of winter rain and snow for a long time, were happy when it started snowing on Tuesday.

Similarly, Rukum (East) is also witnessing snowfall since Tuesday morning, said Dilchan Pun of Bhume.

In Baitadi of Sudurpaschim, it has been snowing since Tuesday night. Vehicular movement in many parts of the district, including Khodpe, Anarkhali, Dholyamod and Sigas among other areas, has been disrupted due to the snow.