Kathmandu, 05 April (H.S.):

Intense snowfall has enveloped the renowned religious site of Muktinath in Mustang district, transforming the entire area into a pristine white landscape. From the temple premises and marketplace to the bus stand in Ranipauwa, snow dominates the vista, creating a mesmerizing winter spectacle.

The Baragung Muktikshetra's Ranipauwa bus park stands fully snow-covered, alongside key spots like Ranipauwa Bazaar, Jharkot, and nearby hamlets including Khinga, Chhengur, and Pudak. Overnight precipitation hit Mustang and parts of Manang, plunging temperatures and intensifying the chill, with locals reporting impacts on daily life.

Pilgrimage Hub Faces Travel Challenges

Muktinath, a vital pilgrimage center for Hindus and Buddhists drawing thousands annually, now balances ethereal beauty with logistical hurdles. Heavy accumulation risks road blockages on routes like Kagbeni-Muktinath, stranding visitors and complicating access.

Local authorities urge caution for travelers, warning of altitude sickness amid extreme cold. Past events, like March 2026 snows burying trails and temple complexes under 1.5 feet, highlight recurring disruptions to rituals and tourism.

While aiding future agriculture in apple and potato belts, such weather underscores Mustang's harsh Himalayan clime.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar