The Rolwaling region’s Beding and Na have witnessed two heavy snowfalls within a week, causing uncertainty among hotel operators about reopening for the tourist season.

Locals usually descend to lower areas after closing hotels in the last week of November. While some remain in Beding to look after the hotels, the unexpected snowfall has disrupted their plans.

“This year, snowfall began in mid-February, whereas in the past, it used to start in mid-December,” said Dawa Tshering Sherpa. Snowfall occurred on Saturday and Sunday in Beding.

“We had planned to reopen hotels by the first week of March, but with worsening weather, it is uncertain when they will reopen,” he said.

Despite the disruptions, the snowfall has provided some relief to potato farmers in the region.