Advent of Winter brings first snowfall in Sikkim

Gangtok, Oct 22 (UNI) snowfall were reported in several high altitude areas in various degrees yesterday bringing a sharp chill in Gangtok and other areas.

Heavy snowfall occurred in Dzongri, West Sikkim and Yumthang of north Sikkim and about two feet snowfall has been reported from Nathula valley and Changu lake, Sikkim Tours and Travels MD Lokendra Rasaily said.

Mr Rasaily is also the executive member Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS), the umbrella association of tour operators in Sikkim.

Snowfall in Sikkim usually occurs around this time for a brief period before the advent of the winter, Mr Rasaily said.

Vehicular movement upto Nathula and Changu lake, the lifeline of Sikkim tourism, was not adversely disrupted yesterday due to snowfall. However, the tourists, who had gone to these destinations in around 50-60 vehicles had to shorten their stay due to bad weather conditions, Mr Rasaily said.

Today, with the weather clearing up a bit and a bright sunshine, there has been an added rush by tourists to see the first snowfalls in Nathula and Changu lake, Mr Rasialy said.

Nathula valley and Changu lake surroundings have been covered in white blanket. However, today there was bright sunshine.

''This will give boost to tourism in the state as more tourists will be interested to see and experience the snow before it melts,'' Mr Rasaily said.

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