Snowfall has swept Nepal’s highlands, affecting Mustang, Manang and the Karnali region. Find out where snow is visible right now and which destinations travellers are advised to avoid.
Jauary 29, 2026 — Nepal is currently experiencing widespread snowfall and rain due to the influence of a low-pressure weather system. While heavy snow is blanketing the high Himalaya and high hills, lower elevations including Kathmandu Valley are seeing rain and cold weather, rather than significant snowfall.
1. Mustang (Upper & Lower Mustang)
- Current conditions: Heavy snowfall in much of Mustang since Tuesday night; hills and ridges are covered in snow and key roads such as the Kagbeni-Korala section remain blocked by snow accumulation.
- Visibility: Trails and routes above 5,000 m are buried, and trekking on several high passes (e.g. Saribung, Mesokanto La, Thorong La and others) has been halted.
- Travel safety: Not recommended at present. The Mustang District Administration has advised travellers to avoid high-altitude trekking due to hazardous conditions.
2. Manang (Upper Manang & Annapurna Region)
- Snow reports: Upper Manang including Khangsar, Tanki Manang, Ghyaru and Ngalwal continues to receive steady snowfall, with snow depths of around one foot in many areas.
- Trekking: Access on the Annapurna Circuit above lower Manang is restricted, and routes toward Thorong La and Tilicho Lake remain difficult or closed.
- Travel safety: Proceed with caution; conditions are not ideal for conventional trekking at this time.
3. Karnali Highlands (Humla, Mugu, Dolpa, Jumla & Kalikot)
- Conditions: Heavy snow has been reported across these highland districts since midweek. Roads linking remote areas are blocked and several air services are disrupted.
- Travel safety: Unsafe for travel. Movement in and out of remote mountain districts remains limited.
4. Bajura & Western Hill Districts
- Snow reports: Snowfall has been observed across highland regions including Badimalika, Budhiganga Triveni and Himali areas.
- Travel safety: Exercise caution; some roads and services are affected, though lower-altitude travel remains possible with proper planning.
5. Kathmandu Valley & Mid-Hills
- Current weather: Kathmandu is experiencing winter rain and cloudy conditions, not measurable snow within the city itself.
- Outlook: While higher surrounding ridges may see light flurries on rare occasions, significant snowfall in Kathmandu remains unlikely at present.
- Travel safety: Safe to visit the valley, though cold and damp conditions may persist.
Travel & Safety Notes
- Transport disruptions: Major highways in the hills and mountains are blocked in places, leaving travellers and commuters stranded.
- Flight interruptions: Low visibility and cloud cover around Tribhuvan International Airport have caused intermittent flight disruptions.
- Trekking advice: Authorities have warned travellers to avoid high-altitude trekking routes until weather stabilises.
- Weather forecast: Moderate snowfall is likely to continue in the high hills and mountains over the next few days.
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