Darjeeling's Sandakphu Witnesses First Snowfall After 10-Month Hiatus
In a delightful turn of events for the region, Sandakphu, the highest point in the state of West Bengal, experienced the season's first snowfall on Saturday evening. This marks a significant moment as it comes after a prolonged gap of 10 months without any snow activity. The brief snowfall, though it did not accumulate on the ground, has generated considerable excitement among tourists visiting the area and renewed optimism for local stakeholders whose livelihoods depend heavily on tourism.
Timing and Impact on Tourism
Typically, the Darjeeling region, including Sandakphu, sees snowfall between the months of December and February. This early occurrence has raised hopes among the Singalila Land Rovers Owners' Association (SLROA) for a potential improvement in tourist footfall during the upcoming season. According to SLROA president Chandan Pradhan, the snowfall was mild and did not disrupt road connectivity, ensuring that vehicle movement remains normal for tourists. "Tourists can still travel by vehicle as movement remains normal," he stated, emphasizing that accessibility is not an issue.
Current Tourist Numbers and Future Expectations
On the day of the snowfall, only seven vehicles made the journey to Sandakphu, carrying approximately 35 tourists. However, Pradhan expressed confidence that these numbers are expected to rise significantly during the upcoming festive period and long weekends. "We expect numbers to rise during upcoming festive period and long weekends," he added, highlighting the potential for increased economic activity in the region.
Local Observations and Weather Predictions
Local resident Pemba Sherpa reported that the snowfall lasted for around half an hour, providing a brief but memorable spectacle. Additionally, locals in the area believe that the region may witness further snowfall over the next two to three days, which could enhance the scenic beauty and attract more visitors. This anticipation adds to the growing excitement and could bolster tourism prospects in the coming weeks.
Key Points:
- First snowfall in Sandakphu after 10 months occurred on Saturday evening.
- Snowfall was brief, lasting about 30 minutes, with no accumulation.
- Road connectivity remains unaffected, allowing normal vehicle travel.
- Tourist numbers are low currently but expected to increase during festive seasons.
- Locals predict more snowfall in the next few days, boosting tourism hopes.
