Darjeeling Hills Anticipate Delightful New Year Snowfall for 2024 Travel

As the year-end approaches, the higher reaches of Darjeeling district in West Bengal are poised to potentially witness snowfall during the New Year, bringing added joy to tourists exploring the hills, according to the Meteorological Department's forecast on Friday.

Sandakphu, renowned for its breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga mountain range, already experienced the season's inaugural snowfall in the early days of December.

The Meteorological Department forecasts the likelihood of rain or snowfall at select locations in Darjeeling district, nestled in the eastern Himalayas, from December 31 to January 3. "Rain or snowfall may occur in the higher reaches of Darjeeling during this period," stated Regional Meteorological Director G K Das.

Situated at an elevation of 11,930 feet on the Singalila ridge in the Himalayas, Sandakphu stands as the highest point in West Bengal, providing panoramic views of the Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga peaks.

On Friday morning, Darjeeling town, often referred to as the Queen of the Hills, recorded a minimum temperature of 6.2 degrees Celsius, while the picturesque Kalimpong town was a bit warmer at 10.3 degrees Celsius.

Raj Basu, the convenor of the Association for Conservation of Tourism based in Siliguri, noted that accommodations in various destinations, both in towns and remote areas, are nearly fully booked until January 26. "With tourists flocking to Darjeeling and Kalimpong during the year-end break, snowfall in this period will prove to be the true icing on the cake," he remarked.

Basu highlighted a notable increase in tourist influx from Nepal, as well as the states of Assam and Bihar, to the hills this season, in addition to visitors originating from within Bengal and other states.