Siliguri: Sandakphu, the highest point in Bengal, received its first snowfall of the season on Thursday afternoon. Much to the excitement of the tourists, up to half an inch of snowfall was reported from Sandakphu. The area usually receives snowfall from December to February. Met officials have also predicted snowfall in the upper reaches of Darjeeling for the next two to three days.
A small hamlet situated at a height of 11,930 feet on the Singalila ridge of Himalayas, Sandakphu offers a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga, Everest, Makalu and Lhotse peaks. “It snowed around 2pm but the intensity was less. The region might receive snowfall again during night. The roads are clear as of now and the snow will melt as soon as temperature rises,” said coordinator of Singalila Land Rovers’ Owner’s Association (SLROA), Anil Tamang, adding that about 200 tourists enjoyed the snowfall in Sandakphu on Thursday.
President of the SLROA, Chandan Pradhan, said the news of the snowfall prompted queries from tourists in Kolkata.