Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region recorded lowest snow persistence in recent years-ICIMOD

The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region has recorded its lowest snow persistence in recent years, with levels 27% below the long-term average for the winter season (November 2025–March 2026), according to a report by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development. 

What is Snow Persistence?

ICIMOD defines snow persistence as the fraction of time snow remains on the ground after snowfall, making it a crucial indicator of water storage in mountain ecosystems. 

River Basin Analysis

The study analysed 12 major river basins originating in the HKH region. Only the Ganga basin and Irrawaddy basin recorded above-average snow persistence:

• Ganga: 16.3% above average
• Irrawaddy: over 21% above average
• The sharpest declines were observed in:
  • Mekong basin: 59.5% decline
  • Tibetan Plateau: 47.4% decline
  • Salween basin: 41.8% decline

Implications: Rising Drought Risk

The report warns that declining snow persistence increases the risk of drought, especially affecting early summer water availability for downstream communities dependent on snowmelt. 

About ICIMOD

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development is an intergovernmental knowledge and learning centre based in Kathmandu.

• It serves eight member countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
• Its mandate is to improve livelihoods and protect mountain ecosystems and cultures in the HKH region.

Significance of the HKH Region

The Hindu Kush Himalaya is often called the “Third Pole” or “Water Tower of Asia.”

• It stretches about 3,500 km from Afghanistan to Myanmar.
• It is the source of 10 major Asian river systems, including the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Mekong, and Yangtze.

It supports 240 million people directly, while river basins originating here provide water to around 1.9 billion people globally.

Sources: ICIMOD & DTE