Early Snowfall Blankets Nathu La, Gnathang Valley and Kupup in East Sikkim
Picture-postcard winter landscape near China border delights tourists and stakeholders amid Cyclone Arnab impact; IMD issues weather warning
GANGTOK- East Sikkim high-altitude areas, including Nathu La, Gnathang Valley and Kupup near the China border, received early snowfall on Thursday (October 29, 2026), turning the region into a picture-postcard winter landscape that has cheered tourism stakeholders.
Fresh snow blanketed Kupup village, Nathu La pass and Gnathang Valley in Pakyong district (East Sikkim) from early Thursday morning under the influence of Cyclone Arnab. The high-altitude Himalayan terrain was covered in a pristine white layer, with snow accumulating on roads, rooftops, vehicles and peaks. The season’s first significant snowfall also affected nearby spots such as Tsomgo (Changu) Lake and other elevated areas in East and North Sikkim.
The unexpected early winter scene coincided with the ongoing three-day Sikkim Himalayan Yak Festival in Gnathang Valley. Snow-covered peaks provided a dramatic backdrop to the cultural celebrations, enhancing the region’s blend of natural beauty and heritage and emerging as a major attraction.
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Tourists and adventure seekers were drawn to the transformed landscape. The picture-postcard views have brought cheer to local tourism stakeholders, who see the early snow as a boost for visitor interest in East Sikkim’s high-altitude destinations along the old Silk Route and Indo-China border areas. Minor traffic restrictions occurred due to reduced visibility and slippery conditions in places.
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Gopinath Raha, Director of the Gangtok Meteorological Centre, linked the sudden temperature drop and snowfall to Cyclone Arnab in the Bay of Bengal and an associated low-pressure system. He noted that this triggered seasonal snowfall in the higher reaches of Sikkim while bringing rain to the plains and lower hills. Temperatures were expected to remain low for the next couple of days, and he advised travellers and those commuting in the hills to exercise extra caution.
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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 predicted for October 30, with a thunderstorm and lightning warning for October 31. Temperatures in the region dropped sharply, with the lowest recorded around 11.5°C in parts of Sikkim.
Authorities, including local administration and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), have been clearing snow from key routes. Tourists heading to higher elevations have been advised to stay cautious about road conditions and weather updates. Cyclone Arnab’s residual effects continued to influence the broader region, including cloudy conditions and rain alerts for North Bengal districts.
