Taplejung: The Pathibhara (Mukumlung) area of Taplejung has experienced heavy snowfall, blanketing the revered pilgrimage site and its surrounding regions. The snowfall, which occurred last night, was the heaviest recorded this year following moderate snowfall last month, according to Rajendra Mahat, a member of the Pathibhara Area Development Committee.

Snowfall has reached as far as Kafle Pati, but pilgrims visiting Pathibhara Dham remain unaffected. Prajin Hangbang, the executive director of the committee, credited the fiber-roof installation along the two-kilometer trekking route for ensuring safe passage to the shrine even in snowy conditions. Despite the harsh weather, 300 pilgrims successfully performed rituals at Pathibhara Dham today.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Forecasting Division has predicted light rain with thunder and lightning in some hilly areas of Koshi and Gandaki Provinces today. Additionally, light snowfall is expected at various locations in the high hills and mountainous areas of the country.

The weather is expected to be partly to generally cloudy in the hilly regions, including Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces, while the rest of the country will see partly cloudy to mostly clear skies. The current conditions are influenced by a westerly low-pressure system.

Later tonight, light snowfall may occur in select high-altitude areas of Koshi, Gandaki, and Karnali Provinces, while hilly regions will remain partly cloudy.