Sandakphu witnesses season's first snow

MP,  24 January 2018, Darjeeling: Sandakphu witnessed mild snowfall on Wednesday, the first time this winter season. It was a light drizzle accompanied by hail in Darjeeling and tiger Hill.

Sandakphu situated at an altitude of 12,000 ft is a world famous trekking destination on the Singhalila range. It draws tourists from all over the world.

"At around 2:30 pm, it started snowing in the Kalpokhari to Sandakphu stretch. There was light snowfall for around half an hour resulting in one inch of snow. Following which the weather became clear and sunny," stated Anil Tamang, Coordinator of the Singhalila Land Rover Association.

"Every year we get snowfall around December. This year, however, it is quite late. Last year, snow continued till March," added Tamang.

Tourists are visiting Sandakphu. 7 Land Rover carrying tourists took the trip to Sandakphu on Wednesday along with the trekkers.

Closer to town, Tiger Hill, the famous sun rise view point, witnessed a tourist onrush. "Sunrise was visible but around noon it was cloudy. Mercury dipped to 2 degree Celsius and there was rain and hail. Temperature at night is expected to dip further," stated Pradeep Lama, Pavilion Manager, Tiger Hill.

Darjeeling too witnessed drizzle at around 2 pm with temperatures hovering around 5 degree Celsius. The met office predicting high chances of snowfall in the higher reaches of Darjeeling has raised hopes among the tourists as well as the travel industry.

"I regularly visit Darjeeling but I never had the opportunity of witnessing snowfall in Darjeeling. I have extended my stay. Even if it snows at Tiger Hill, which is at a higher altitude than Darjeeling, we will rush there," stated Palash Mukherjee, a tourist from Salkia, Howrah.