MUSTANG, March 22: Mustang has witnessed its sixth snowfall of the season, bringing relief to farmers and livestock herders in the region. Timely and repeated snowfall this year has raised hopes among locals who depend on agriculture and animal husbandry.
Heavy snowfall occurred on Friday night in Upper Mustang, including the Muktinath area and surrounding locations. While high-altitude areas in Gharapjhong and Thasang rural municipalities received snowfall, lower settlements experienced rainfall. The upper grazing lands in Upper Mustang, Baragung Muktikshetra, Gharapjhong, and Thasang are now fully covered in snow. In Muktikshetra and Upper Mustang, even arable land in settlements has been blanketed by snow.
Fresh snowfall in Mustang affects life, brings joy among farmer...
The high-altitude pasture above Thini village in Gharapjhong Rural Municipality-5 has turned completely white. Local herder farmer Chyang Bahadur Thakali said areas such as Bhraksa, Yarujho View Tower, Namkhulek, and Mesokondo Pass along the Tilicho trekking route are now entirely snow-covered.
Thakali said that in recent years, irregular snowfall due to climate change had led to a shortage of grass in high-altitude pastures. This year’s timely snowfall, he noted, will help restore pasture growth. As the snowfall occurred without strong winds, snow has settled well, which is expected to support better grass growth for livestock.
He added that the lack of timely snowfall over the past three years had pushed livestock farming toward crisis due to declining pasture availability. Rising ground temperatures in high-altitude areas have also contributed to drying water sources and the growth of less suitable vegetation, affecting livestock health.
Timely snowfall is also expected to reduce wildlife risks, as adequate pasture prevents prey species of snow leopards from descending into settlements.
Farmers involved in agriculture have also welcomed the snowfall. Snow that remains on the ground for a longer time helps recharge soil moisture deep within the land, improving irrigation. Thakali said crops such as buckwheat, barley, wheat, and green vegetables have already been planted, while apple trees are nearing the flowering stage. He expressed hope that snowfall will not occur during the flowering period.
He added that snowfall helps reduce pests and diseases affecting crops and fruits, acting as a natural pesticide. The continued snowfall during the tourist season has also excited visitors, with expectations that more tourists will travel to Mustang to experience snow.
