The two Nepali border villages that empty for six months every year

As Tihar, Nepal’s second-biggest festival, begins, families nationwide are preparing to reunite, exchange colourful tika, and celebrate with marigold and globe amaranth (makhamali) garlands. Even those who could not return to their villages for Dashain are making plans to go home. Before her family moves out, it must store its harvest and prepare for six months away from home.

“There’s so much to do before we leave. We have to get everything in order, both at home and on the farm,” she said. Her 13-member family is busy gathering firewood, cutting and drying fodder for livestock, and collecting dried leaves to use as bedding when they return next April.

For six months of an unusually long winter, Tinkar and Chhangru endure heavy snowfall and extreme cold. Snow remains on the ground for long periods, making it difficult to live in either village. To escape the harsh conditions, residents will leave in the coming weeks and move temporarily to Khalanga, the district headquarters of Darchula, and other lower-lying areas.