The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has reported a 27.8 percent decrease in snowfall levels in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region compared to long-term averages, potentially exacerbating water crises across Asia’s river basins. This reduction is expected to directly impact approximately two billion people, affecting agriculture, hydropower, and livelihoods, with reductions anticipated in irrigation and electricity generation. ICIMOD has called on concerned countries to control temperature rises, implement preparedness plans, and strengthen cross-border water management cooperation.
Kathmandu, April 24 – Often described as Asia’s lifeline, the Hindu Kush Himalayan region is experiencing a decline in snowfall, which could trigger water shortages in major Asian river basins, experts warn. In its report titled ‘Snow Update 2026’ released on Thursday, the Nepal-based ICIMOD revealed this year’s snowfall levels to be 27.8 percent below the long-term average. This marks the lowest snowfall in two decades and the fourth consecutive year of below-average snowfall.
The decline in snowfall signals potential water shortages during the upcoming spring and summer seasons. It is anticipated to have a direct impact on the agriculture, hydropower, and livelihoods of nearly two billion people in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. As such, there is an urgent need for strengthened water management, early warning systems, and integrated regional cooperation to mitigate growing water insecurity risks.
What the Report Reveals
The report indicates that out of the five winters from 2021/22 to 2023/24, four experienced below-average snowfall. The snowfall in 2023/24 is historically 27.8 percent lower, following a 23.6 percent decline in 2022/23. Among the 12 major river systems flowing from the Hindu Kush Himalaya, 10 have significantly less snowfall this year. Notably, the Mekong River basin saw a 59.5 percent drop, the Tibetan Plateau 47.4 percent, and the Salween River 41.8 percent. The Mekong, Tarim, and Tibetan Plateau recorded their lowest snowfall in 24 years.
Snowmelt runoff from mountainous areas forms the primary water source for these basins. For instance, 77.5 percent of annual flow in the Helmand Basin and 74.4 percent in the Amu Darya Basin depend on snowmelt. Consequently, reduced snowfall is expected to severely impact irrigation and hydropower sectors. Farmers in the Indus, Helmand, and Amu Darya basins may face irrigation shortages at the start of the growing season, while hydropower output could decline in the Mekong, Brahmaputra, and Yangtze Rivers, home to China’s Three Gorges Dam.
The report also warns that insufficient replenishment of groundwater and soil moisture could intensify drought conditions in the future. According to ICIMOD author Sher Muhammad, this year’s data confirms that the Himalayan region has reached a “breaking point.” “We have observed decreasing seasonal snow reserves over recent years, directly affecting water sources for around two billion people,” he said.
Regionally, despite the emerging crisis, the Ganges River basin—which covers Nepal and surrounding areas—has recorded a 16.3 percent increase in snowfall, while the Irrawaddy basin has seen a 21.8 percent rise. Nevertheless, the report emphasizes that this localized increase is insufficient to offset the broader regional water stress.
The Hindu Kush Himalayan region encompasses Nepal, China, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
Why Is the Hindu Kush Himalaya So Vulnerable?
The Hindu Kush Himalaya stretches approximately 3,500 kilometers from Afghanistan in the west to Myanmar in the east and is often referred to as the “Third Pole” due to its vast snow and ice reserves—after the North and South Poles. The region contains some of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest and Mount Qomolangma. It is the source of about a dozen major Asian river systems, earning it the nickname Asia’s “Water Tower.”
Snowmelt contributes approximately 23 percent on average to the total river flow in this region. Rivers originating here traverse Asia’s vast plains, underpinning the fundamental livelihoods of some two billion people. Tens of millions depend on the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers flowing through Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, while large populations in Pakistan and India rely on the Indus River. China’s Yangtze and Yellow Rivers serve significant areas as well, and Southeast Asian countries depend heavily on the Mekong River. These waterways provide water critical for drinking, irrigation, hydropower, and industry.
The decline in Himalayan snow threatens food security and economic stability for over 240 million people in mountainous regions and more than 1.65 billion people residing on the plains. This underscores why the Hindu Kush Himalaya is often deemed Asia’s lifeline.
Causes of the Snow Decline
Environmental and climatic factors are major contributors to declining snow levels in the region. Global temperature rise is identified as the primary cause. As temperatures increase, snowfall patterns have shifted, with more precipitation falling as rain at higher altitudes and accumulated snow melting earlier. The Himalayan region is warming faster than the global average. Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology reported in 2017 an annual average maximum temperature increase of 0.056 degrees Celsius, with Himalayan areas experiencing greater rises than the Terai plains, accelerating snowmelt.
Western and central parts of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and western Nepal) largely depend on moist westerly winds from the Mediterranean for snowfall. These winds have weakened, reducing winter snow accumulation. Climate change has disrupted this atmospheric pattern. From 2024 to 2026, a strong El Niño—an ocean-atmosphere phenomenon influencing global weather—has decreased winter precipitation and snowfall in South Asia, directly impacting the mountains.
Pollution, wildfires, and industrial emissions releasing black carbon particles have further exacerbated snowmelt. This black carbon travels to the Himalayas, settling on white snow and absorbing sunlight, which intensifies melting processes.
Recommended Immediate Actions
With diminishing snowfall, glaciers face increased risks of reduced replenishment and eventual shrinkage. Consequently, ICIMOD urges affected countries to take swift measures to control temperature increases, activate emergency preparedness plans, enhance water storage and efficient use, and strengthen cross-border water cooperation. “Science-based governance is now essential, beyond mere emergency responses,” ICIMOD emphasized.
ICIMOD has been monitoring the Hindu Kush Himalayan region for over two decades. Scientists from the centre describe this resource-rich area as a global treasure, yet vulnerable due to climate change and unsustainable development activities.
Dr. Sudip Thakuri, Associate Professor at the Central Department of Environmental Science, Tribhuvan University, noted particularly drastic snow reductions in the Tibetan region. “Currently, immediate impacts are not highly visible, but vigilance is essential to address long-term effects,” he said.
