Himalayan Snow Rapidly Decreasing in Khumbu, Locals Worried About Climate Change

For decades, this district was known for its tall, bright, snow-covered Himalayan peaks that attracted tourists. But in recent years, snowfall has decreased sharply.

Elder Pasang Sherpa from Khumbu said, “It feels like a different era has started. In our childhood, the mountains were always white. Now half of them look like black rocks. Everything has changed.”

About twenty years ago, places like Namche, Khumjung, Tengboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep were covered with snow throughout the year. But locals say snowfall has become rare, and the snow that sticks to the mountain surface melts very quickly.

Mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku were once fully covered in snow. Now their rocky surfaces are clearly visible, which has become a normal sight. Tourists are surprised to see these changes, but locals say they are starting to accept it as routine.

Fudoma Sherpa from Khumjung said, “Visitors ask us what is happening. Then even we are forced to think about it. But now it feels normal because the change is happening so fast. We don’t know who to ask for help or how to stop it.”

According to former park officer Bhumi Raj Upadhyay, rising global temperatures are thinning the snow every year, reducing the snow-covered areas of the mountains.

Locals say the weather pattern has completely changed. Pema Sherpa from Jorsalle said, “In the past, winters were cold but bearable. Now the cold is painful. Summers are so hot that even near the mountains we sweat.”

Studies show that temperatures in the high Himalayas have increased by about 1.5°C since 1970. Weather expert Rajan Thapa said the snowmelt exposes more rock, and black carbon pollution, falling rocks, and heavy human activity inside the national park also make mountain surfaces appear darker.

Last year, a major flood in Thame Khola caused severe destruction in the Khumbu region. It damaged over 20 houses, affected schools, health posts, tourist trails, livestock sheds, and even hydropower structures. The main trekking route from Phakding to Namche was also heavily damaged.

Tourism is the backbone of Khumbu and a major source of Nepal’s tourism income. But climate change is weakening that backbone every year. Glacial lakes in areas like Imja, Pheriche, and Khumbu are expanding rapidly—Imja Lake has grown by 65% in just 20 years.

These lakes, including Imja and those in the Thamserku and Khumbu basins, are now considered high-risk areas. Local Pashi Lama said, “Before, we only heard stories about glacial lake floods. Now we live in fear every day. As the lakes grow, our villages, bridges, roads, and homes are in danger.”

Climate change is also affecting local traditions and lifestyle. Snow used to provide water and support agriculture, but with less snow, rivers and streams are shrinking. During the dry season, water shortages are becoming common.

Trekking routes now face more landslides, avalanches, and falling rocks. Guide Bal Darnal said, “We can no longer plan treks the same way. The weather is too unpredictable, and tourists must take extra precautions.”

Mountaineer Speedkaji Sherpa said he is worried that the entire identity of the region could be at risk.