Darjeeling: Sandakphu, the highest point of Bengal situated at 3636m, witnessed the first snowfall of this winter season on Friday, while it drizzled in Darjeeling. Hill life was thrown out of gear as the mercury plummeted drastically. "It started snowing from around 4.30 pm in and around Sandakphu. In the evening it started to snow in Kalpokhari as well," stated Anil Tamang of the Singhalila Land Rover Owners Association. Sandakphu, located in the Singhalila National Park, is a world famous trekking spot. This National Park is a bio-diverse hotspot with a total area of 78.9 sq kms and is a natural habitat for rare flora and fauna. More than 20 species of Rhododendron trees can be found here and it is also home to the famous Himalayan Black Bear and the Red Panda. Sandakphu offers breathtaking views of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga and is a famous sunrise viewing spot. "There were around 40 tourists in Sandakphu on Friday. 7 Land Rovers went up from Sandakphu from Maneybhanjyang. The tourists enjoyed the snow to the fullest, built snowmen and had snow fights," added Tamang. The upper reaches of Sikkim also witnessed snowfall. Meanwhile, Darjeeling town and its surrounding areas experienced a steady drizzle in the evening. Temperatures hovered around 5 degree Celsius during the day and further dipped after the drizzle. People found solace in fires lit on the streets to escape the biting cold. Shops downed shutters early as well. The MeT office predicts similar weather conditions in the next 24 hours. "The IMD had predicted snow in the higher reaches of Sikkim and adjoining Bengal owing to the passage of western disturbances over this region. Similar weather conditions will continue in the next 24 hours with higher reaches to experience snow and rain at lower altitudes. From Sunday the disturbance is expected to shift Eastward towards Assam. This will result in a dip in night temperature by 1 or 2 degrees," stated Dr Gopi Nath Raha of IMD, Gangtok. Meanwhile, Darjeeling, especially the travel trade industry, is praying for a white Christmas, which would add a major boost to tourism.

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