Kathmandu: Despite this being considered the most favorable season for travel to Mustang, unseasonal snowfall has struck the high Himalayan region once again.

More than an hour of snowfall was recorded on Wednesday in the Baragung Muktikshetra area, even as winter has ended and summer has begun. According to Saroj Gharti, a health worker at the High Altitude Treatment Center in Muktinath Temple, the snowfall covered the surrounding barren hills in white and significantly increased the cold.

This marks the eighth snowfall in the Muktinath region this year. Local residents have linked the unusual weather patterns to the growing effects of climate change.

Ward Chairperson Pramesh Gurung said the untimely snowfall has created difficulties for pilgrims visiting Muktinath and raised concerns about agricultural damage, especially to blooming apple orchards.

Similarly, local village leader Lhakpatsi Gurung described snowfall during the month of Baisakh as unusual and alarming. While winter snowfall is generally beneficial for maintaining soil moisture and supporting agriculture, he noted that rain and snow during the flowering and planting season can negatively affect both farming and tourism.

Locals had already celebrated the traditional “Dhachyang” festival, which marks the farewell to winter and the arrival of the monsoon season, making the sudden return of snow even more unexpected.