Sandakphu covered with snow

SNS, Darjeeling, 13 December 2013: With the mercury dipping to 2 degrees Celsius at Sandakphu ~ the highest point of West Bengal with an altitude of 3,636 meters ~ has received a first spell of snowfall this winter. 

According to sources, few flakes were observed yesterday evening. “Today Sandakphu is covered with a white blanket of snow,” he said. Also, the source added that areas near Sandakphu like Tonglu and Phalut also received snowfall today. Tonglu is approximately about 3,070 meters while Phalut is 3,600 meters, according to the map provided by the Tourism office here at Chowrasta. 

Meanwhile, Darjeeling located at an altitude of 2,200 meters, today was the coldest day so far. According to few weather forecast websites, the temperature here was a minimum of 8 degrees Celsius. 

Locals have already started to pray for snowfall in Darjeeling soon. Meanwhile, the street hawkers were the happiest businessmen today to have sold as many winter collections at very reasonable rates. 

As many people had gathered at NB Singh road, JP Sharma road, Nehru road and below Chowrasta to purchase the winter collection from them. It can be mentioned here that Darjeeling last witnessed snowfall on 11 January 2012 at Tiger Hill and few flakes were seen at Ghoom and Jorebuglow. 

Snow was again witnesses on 26 January 2008, 14 February 2007, 23 January 2005, and 1 January 2003.