Fresh snowfall blanketed Kupup, Nathu La and Gnathang Valley in East Sikkim on Thursday morning, transforming the high-altitude Himalayan landscape into a breathtaking winter wonderland.
The snowfall, amid
the impact of Cyclone Arnab, brought a sudden wintry charm to the region, covering the mountains and valleys in a pristine white blanket.
The spectacular weather added to the scenic grandeur of Gnathang Valley, where the three-day Sikkim Himalayan Yak Festival is currently underway. Snow-covered peaks provided a dramatic backdrop to the celebrations, highlighting the region’s unique blend of Himalayan natural beauty and cultural heritage.
As the eastern Himalayas turned white, the season’s first snowfall emerged as a major attraction, adding a magical dimension to the ongoing festival in East Sikkim.
The snowfall comes as Cyclone Arnab’s effects extend beyond India’s eastern coast. The system made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast before weakening and moving inland, with weather impacts reported across several states.
The India Meteorological Department’s Gangtok centre issued a weather warning for Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on October 29, forecasting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and squally conditions. Very heavy rainfall was forecast for October 30, followed by a thunderstorm and lightning warning for October 31.
As the Himalayan landscape takes on a snowy appearance, the fresh snowfall has added a striking visual element to the ongoing celebrations in East Sikkim, bringing the region’s mountain scenery and cultural heritage into focus.
