Widespread Snowfall Across Nepal’s Himalayan Region: Impacts on People, Animals, and Agriculture
Kathmandu —
Heavy snowfall has recently blanketed large parts of Nepal’s Himalayan and high-hill regions, bringing both relief and hardship to communities living at high altitudes. While snow is a seasonal phenomenon in Nepal’s mountains, its increasing intensity and irregular patterns are drawing attention to the vulnerability of people, livestock, and ecosystems that depend on predictable weather cycles.
From the far-western Himalayas to eastern highlands, snowfall has affected daily life, disrupted transportation, threatened livelihoods, and reshaped agricultural expectations.
Districts Most Affected by Snowfall
Snowfall has been reported in many high-altitude and trans-Himalayan districts, including:
- Far West: Humla, Bajura (upper belts), Bajhang, Darchula
- Karnali Province: Dolpa, Mugu, Kalikot (higher elevations), Jumla
- Lumbini & Gandaki highlands: Mustang, Manang, Myagdi (upper regions), Baglung (Dhorpatan area)
- Central Himalayas: Rasuwa, Dolakha, Sindhupalchok
- Eastern Himalayas: Sankhuwasabha (Makalu region), Taplejung, Solukhumbu
In districts like Humla, Dolpa, Mustang, and Manang, snowfall is not just a weather event—it dictates survival, mobility, and food security.
Impact on Local Communities Without Heating Systems
One of the most critical challenges is that most Himalayan households lack modern heating systems. Unlike urban areas, central heating, electric heaters, or gas-based warming systems are rare or unaffordable.
To protect themselves from extreme cold, people rely on:
- Traditional firewood stoves (Chulho): Used for both cooking and heating
- Thick woolen clothing: Made from sheep or yak wool
- Layered bedding: Blankets, quilts, and traditional felt mats
- Small, compact homes: Designed to retain heat
- Community living: Families often sleep in shared rooms to conserve warmth
However, prolonged snowfall increases risks of hypothermia, especially among elderly people, children, and pregnant women. In remote villages, access to health posts becomes extremely difficult due to snow-blocked trails and roads.
In districts like Humla and Dolpa, air transport is often the only option, but adverse weather frequently grounds flights, isolating entire communities for days or even weeks.
Livestock and Wild Animals: A Struggle for Survival
Snowfall poses severe challenges for domestic animals, which are the backbone of Himalayan livelihoods.
Impact on Livestock
People in high-altitude regions depend heavily on:
- Yaks
- Sheep and goats
- Chauri (yak-cow hybrids)
- Horses and mules
Heavy snow:
- Buries grazing land
- Freezes water sources
- Increases animal mortality due to cold and starvation
To cope, herders:
- Store dry grass and hay before winter
- Move animals to lower altitudes (seasonal migration)
- Keep animals indoors for extended periods
Despite these measures, loss of livestock during harsh winters remains common, directly impacting household income and food supply.
Impact on Wild Animals
Wildlife is equally affected. Species such as:
- Snow leopards
- Himalayan blue sheep (Naur)
- Musk deer
- Himalayan tahr
Face reduced access to food and shelter. As prey species descend toward human settlements in search of grass, human–wildlife conflict increases, sometimes leading to livestock attacks or retaliatory harm to wildlife.
At the same time, snowfall helps maintain healthy mountain ecosystems, preserving alpine vegetation and regulating predator-prey balance in the long term.
Is Snowfall Good or Bad for Agriculture?
Snowfall has both positive and negative effects on agriculture, depending on intensity and timing.
Benefits for Agriculture
- Natural irrigation: Snow slowly melts and replenishes soil moisture
- Water source for rivers: Major rivers like the Karnali, Gandaki, and Koshi depend on snowmelt
- Improved soil fertility: Snow helps break down organic matter
- Pest control: Cold temperatures reduce harmful insects
For crops like barley, wheat, potatoes, apples, and buckwheat, moderate snowfall is considered beneficial.
Challenges for Farmers
- Excessive snowfall can delay planting seasons
- Frost damage can destroy winter crops
- Snow-covered fields restrict early cultivation
In recent years, farmers report unpredictable snowfall patterns, making traditional farming calendars unreliable—an issue increasingly linked to climate change.
Cultural and Symbolic Meaning of Snow
In Himalayan culture, snow holds deep symbolic and spiritual meaning.
- It is seen as a symbol of purity and renewal
- Snow-covered mountains are considered sacred, home to deities
- Many believe good snowfall ensures water security and prosperity
For Buddhist communities in Mustang, Manang, and Dolpa, snow represents balance in nature. Hindu traditions also associate snow-fed rivers with divine blessings.
However, symbolism fades when snowfall turns destructive, highlighting the fine line between reverence and risk.
Climate Change and Growing Concerns
Experts warn that snowfall patterns in Nepal are becoming less predictable. Some years see extremely heavy snow, while others experience unusually dry winters.
This inconsistency:
- Threatens food security
- Increases disaster risks such as avalanches and landslides
- Affects long-term water availability
Glaciologists caution that while short-term snowfall may appear beneficial, rapid glacial melting during warmer months remains a serious concern.
Conclusion: A Balance of Blessing and Burden
Snowfall in Nepal’s Himalayan districts is neither purely good nor entirely bad—it is a complex force shaping life, livelihood, and landscape.
For communities without modern heating, it brings hardship and isolation. For animals, it means survival challenges. For agriculture and water systems, it offers long-term benefits if balanced and timely.
Ultimately, snowfall remains a powerful symbol of nature’s rhythm, reminding Nepal of its deep connection to the mountains—and the urgent need to support vulnerable high-altitude communities with better infrastructure, healthcare access, and climate-resilient planning.