Travel

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Sikkim, October 12: The beginning of the festive season has brought a spectacular winter spectacle to the mountains, with Nathula Pass along the India-Tibet border covered in a thick blanket of snow ahead of the Durga Puja holidays. Snowfall began on Friday and intensified on Saturday, transforming the high-altitude landscape of East Sikkim into a breathtaking white wonderland. Tourists visiting the region were delighted to witness the snowfall, while light snow was also reported at Sandakphu in Darjeeling, raising hopes of a memorable mountain holiday during the upcoming festive break.

Situated at an altitude of around 14,200 feet, Nathula Pass experienced repeated spells of heavy snowfall, covering the surrounding mountains and roads in white. The sudden transformation created a picturesque winter scene, attracting enthusiastic tourists who braved sub-zero temperatures to enjoy the snow. Visitors were seen playing with snowballs and capturing photographs and videos of the snow-covered landscape, many of which have begun circulating on social media.

The early snowfall has brought excitement to tourists and tourism operators alike, as the hills have taken on a distinctly wintry appearance even before the Durga Puja holidays officially begin. The fresh snowfall at Nathula Pass, one of Sikkim’s popular high-altitude tourist destinations, has added to the attraction of the region during the festive season. Sandakphu, one of the highest points in West Bengal and a favourite destination for mountain lovers, has also witnessed light snowfall, further enhancing the appeal of the eastern Himalayan region.

The beautiful weather conditions have also brought several challenges for travellers. According to tourism operators, roads around Nathula Pass have become slippery following the snowfall, with dangerous patches of black ice reported in some areas. Black ice is particularly hazardous because it can be difficult to identify on the road surface, increasing the risk of vehicles skidding. The combination of freezing temperatures, rapidly changing weather and reduced oxygen levels at high altitudes requires visitors to exercise additional caution.

Weather conditions in the region have reportedly been fluctuating rapidly, with rain, snowfall and sunshine occurring within short intervals. The changing conditions can affect road accessibility and travel schedules, particularly in high-altitude areas where visibility and road surfaces may deteriorate quickly. The Sikkim administration has therefore advised tourists to follow official travel guidelines, check road conditions before setting out and remain alert to local instructions.

The minimum temperature in Nathula Pass and other high-altitude areas of Sikkim has already reportedly dropped to minus 3 degrees Celsius. The freezing conditions have added to the winter atmosphere, although tourists are being advised to prepare adequately for the cold and avoid taking unnecessary risks while travelling through snow-covered areas.

The snowfall has also brought a wave of optimism to the tourism industry ahead of Durga Puja. Tourism operators said that photographs and videos of Nathula Pass covered in snow have prompted a surge in enquiries from people planning holidays in the mountains. Several tourists have already reached the region after seeing the spectacular winter scenes on social media, while booking enquiries are continuing to come in.

Tourism businesses expect visitor numbers to increase further once the festive holidays begin. The possibility of witnessing snowfall during the Puja break has emerged as an added attraction for travellers considering a trip to Sikkim and the Darjeeling hills. For many tourists, the chance to experience snow-covered mountains during the festive season could make this year's holiday particularly special.

Raj Basu, head of Help Tourism, described the season's first heavy snowfall at Nathula Pass as a positive development for the tourism sector. He said the snowfall could encourage more visitors to travel to East Sikkim during the Durga Puja holidays, particularly if the weather forecast holds.

The weather forecast cited by tourism operators, further snowfall is possible in East Sikkim between October 13 and October 16. If the prediction materialises, tourists visiting the region during this period may have another opportunity to witness the mountains covered in fresh snow. The prospect has raised expectations among tourism businesses hoping for a busy festive season.

The early snowfall marks a significant change in the mountain weather, bringing winter-like conditions to some of the region's highest destinations. While Nathula Pass has witnessed heavy snowfall and Sandakphu has received lighter snow, the coming days will be important in determining how weather conditions affect travel plans.

With Durga Puja approaching, the snow-covered slopes of Nathula Pass and the prospect of further snowfall across the eastern Himalayas have added a new dimension to holiday planning. Tourists are expected to make a beeline for the mountains to experience the seasonal beauty, but authorities and travel operators continue to stress the importance of checking weather updates, following official advisories and prioritising safety in high-altitude areas.