Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal, witnessed the season’s second spell of snowfall on Tuesday, bringing cheer to stakeholders dependent on hill tourism and tourists.
Snowfall began in the morning and continued for several hours, turning the landscape white and sending temperatures plunging. Tourists visiting the popular vantage point thronged open areas to experience the fresh spell of snow.
The development comes days after Sandakphu recorded the season’s first snowfall on February 21 after a gap of nearly 10 months. Although that spell was brief, it had sparked enthusiasm among visitors and local tourism operators.
Members of the Singalila Land Rovers Owners’ Association, expressed optimism that the fresh snowfall would boost tourist footfall in the coming days. Snowfall in the Sandakphu-Phalut belt typically occurs between December and February.
The latest spell follows snowfall reported earlier this winter in parts of North Sikkim, including Lachung, Lachen, Zero Point and Katao, as well as at Tsomgo Lake and Nathula in East Sikkim.
With snowfall now reaching the hills of North Bengal again, the region is expected to see a surge in tourist arrivals, providing relief to the local tourism sector.
