Cyclone Arnab slammed into the eastern Himalayas on May 28, 2024, drenching Kupup, Nathu La and the Gnathang Valley with a sudden snowfall that covered peaks and village roofs in a white veil. The fresh blanket of snow arrived just as the Sikkim Himalayan Yak Festival—an annual celebration that draws thousands of visitors—was in its third day of parades and livestock contests.
Festival organizers, led by Sikkim Tourism Minister Angom Chandra, reported that the snow‑coated scenery boosted ticket sales, with 12,000 villagers and tourists flocking to the valley’s open‑air stages. A local farmer, Ramesh Gurung, recalled, "We had to pull our yaks inside the shed; the wind was fierce, but the snow made it a fairytale moment for everyone."
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of heavy rainfall and gusts exceeding 60 km/h, issuing a cyclone alert that remains active until June 2. IMD Director A. K. Sinha said, "The snow and wind pose a risk to roads and livestock; authorities must be vigilant."
Sikkim’s Disaster Management Authority has set up temporary shelters at 1,200 m above sea level, and the district administration is coordinating with local veterinary services to safeguard the yak herd. Officials plan to lift the cyclone warning after the festival wraps up and the weather stabilises. The event is expected to conclude on June 1, allowing authorities to resume normal operations the following day.