Heavy Snowfall Blankets Sandakphu & Falut; Tourists Stranded, Rescue Operations Underway

After nearly two decades, the Darjeeling Hills have witnessed an extraordinary late-season weather event — heavy rainfall across lower altitudes and a dramatic 6 to 10 feet of snowfall blanketing the iconic high-altitude ridges of Sandakphu and Falut along the Singalila Ridge. The unusual weather system has been active since the day before yesterday, catching both residents and tourists off guard.

Tourists Stranded, Police Launch Rescue

The heavy snowfall has blocked roads and made trails impassable, leaving a number of tourists stranded in the Sandakphu–Falut zone. The Darjeeling District Police has launched rescue operations to evacuate those stuck in the region and has issued a strong advisory urging tourists not to visit the area until road connectivity is fully restored. Trekkers and travelers at homestays in the upper ridge areas are being assisted by rescue teams and local associations.

A Rare Climate Anomaly

What makes this event especially significant is its timing. Normally, snowfall and heavy rainfall in the Darjeeling Hills occur during winter months. This winter, however, saw no meaningful rainfall and very poor snowfall — a stark departure from historical patterns. The sudden weather reversal at the end of the post-Holi season, when temperatures typically begin rising, has stunned climate observers.

A local climate expert attributes this phenomenon directly to climate change, noting that erratic seasonal shifts — dry winters followed by sudden out-of-season snowfall — are becoming a disturbing new pattern for the Himalayan foothills.

Temperature Plummets Across the Region

The unusual weather has caused temperatures to drop sharply across the hills and plains alike. Darjeeling Hills and the Siliguri Plains, which would normally be warming into summer by now, are recording temperatures between 15°C and 22°C — more reminiscent of early spring than June.

Tourism Sentiment: Silver Lining on White Snow

Despite the disruptions, the unexpected snowfall has generated considerable excitement among tourists and local tour operators. Sandakphu and Falut — already among the world's most celebrated trekking destinations for panoramic views of the Himalayan range including Everest and Kangchenjunga — have been transformed into a stunning white paradise.

Tour operators are anticipating a record tourist footfall in the coming days once roads reopen, as word spreads about the rare late-season snowfall. The Singalila Ridge, dusted in fresh white snow during an otherwise warm time of year, is expected to draw trekkers and photographers from across the country and abroad.

Advisory for Visitors

Authorities are urging all prospective visitors to:

Avoid travelling to Sandakphu and Falut until the district police officially lifts the travel restriction

Monitor road connectivity updates from the Darjeeling District Administration before planning any trek

Contact local tour operators for real-time trail conditions before departure

Residents and local operators are hopeful that once the situation normalizes, this rare meteorological event will bring an unprecedented tourism boom to the Darjeeling Hills.

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