Heavy snowfall following rain in the high-altitude areas of Dolakha District since Saturday morning has disrupted normal life, covering settlements in a thick layer of snow and reducing visibility due to dense fog.

Tourist villages such as Beding and Nama have been affected, while snowfall in destinations like Kalinchowk has drawn domestic visitors. Shailung has also reported increased hotel activity.

The farmers of Lapchhi in Bigu Rural Municipality–1, say that they have been unable to move their yaks from Lumnang due to continuous snowfall. Locals usually descend to Lumnang during colder periods and return once temperatures rise.

Despite disruptions, farmers said the moisture from snow and rain has benefited potato cultivation and created favourable conditions for maize planting.

Meanwhile, continuous rainfall has blocked the BP Highway after the swelling Roshi River inundated diversion routes along the riverbed. The road has remained obstructed since early Sunday morning at multiple points, including Charasayabesi, Gimdi, Baunne and Kaldhunga in Roshi Rural Municipality.

According to District Traffic Office chief Sunil Dhonju, the highway can only reopen once water levels recede, as vehicles are currently forced to pass through sections of the river.

In Hetauda, strong winds have damaged the transmission tower of Hetauda FM 99.6 MHz, halting broadcasts. The 120-metre tower broke at its midsection, causing an estimated loss of Rs 1.5 million, according to station chair Ujjwal Chaulagain. Repair work is underway to restore transmission.

Further east, the Pathibhara Temple area in Taplejung District has been covered in thick snow, making movement difficult for pilgrims.

Snow has entered structures along the temple route, slightly affecting movement on the upper walking trail. Despite the conditions, the site recorded over 1,800 visitors on Saturday, the highest this season, according to the Pathibhara Area Development Committee.

Officials said this was the eighth snowfall in the area this season and the heaviest so far. Children and elderly pilgrims have faced greater difficulty due to the cold.

Temple authorities have arranged queue management, with priority access for elderly and disabled visitors. Firewood and warming facilities have also been set up near the priest area.

The temple, situated at an altitude of 3,794 metres, is accessed by a roughly five-kilometre trek from Kaphlepati, where vehicles can reach.