Third National Symposium on the Cryosphere Successfully held on the Occasion of World Day for Glaciers 2026 (21 March 2026) 

The Third National Symposium on the Cryosphere was successfully held on Saturday, 21 March 2026, by the Himalayan Cryosphere Climate Disaster Research Center (HiCCDRC) at the School of Management, Kathmandu University (KUSOM), Balkumari, Lalitpur, marking the celebration of World Day for Glaciers as part of the Nepal National Glacier, Water and Weather Week 2026 (NNGWWW).

The symposium brought together more than 80 participants, including researchers, academics, students, policymakers, and practitioners working in cryosphere science, climate change, water resources, and disaster risk reduction. The event served as an important national platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange on emerging cryospheric challenges in the Himalayan region.

Diverse Institutional Participation

The symposium featured speakers and participants from a wide range of national and international institutions, including UNESCO Nepal, UNDP, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (CDHM), ICIMOD, Hydrominds, HiCCDRC, Small Earth Nepal (SEN), universities, and partner organizations. The discussions highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing glacier change and climate risks.

Recent Cryospheric Activities and Institutional Updates

The morning session focused on ongoing cryosphere-related research and institutional initiatives.

Dr. Qianggong Zhang (ICIMOD) presented regional updates on cryosphere monitoring and collaborative research across the Hindu Kush Himalaya, emphasizing the importance of regional scientific cooperation.

Dr. Dinkar Kayastha (Department of Hydrology and Meteorology - DHM) shared Nepal’s progress in glacier and snow monitoring systems and their relevance for hydrological forecasting and climate services.

Dr. Binod Dawadi (CHDM, Tribhuvan University) highlighted academic research efforts addressing mountain hazards and climate-induced environmental changes.

Dr. Dhiraj Pradhananga (SEN) discussed environmental and scientific initiatives contributing to sustainable mountain development.

Dr. Anushilan Acharya (HiCCDRC, Kathmandu University) presented ongoing research activities related to glacier hazards, cryosphere monitoring, and resilience-building initiatives supporting Himalayan communities.

Mr. Deepak KC (UNDP) emphasized how cryosphere science supports climate adaptation planning, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development programs.

Ms. Sijal Pokharel (UNESCO Nepal) highlighted international cooperation, education, and science - policy partnerships aimed at strengthening cryosphere research and capacity building.

Research Presentations by Emerging Scientists

The symposium provided an important platform for early-career researchers and students to showcase innovative studies applying modern scientific tools and approaches.

Presentations included:

• Assessment of snow-line and tree-line shifts and wildfire interactions in Nepal

• Analysis of hydropower potential in the West Seti Basin under changing climate conditions

• Deep learning - based rock glacier inventory and permafrost change assessment

• Modeling glacier evolution across climate regions of High Mountain Asia

• Projections of 21st-century glacier evolution in Bhutan using CMIP6 climate scenarios

• Geodetic mass balance analysis of Kimshung Glacier (2015 - 2025)

These studies demonstrated increasing use of remote sensing, modeling, and artificial intelligence techniques in Himalayan cryosphere research.

Special Talk: Lessons from Cryosphere-Related Disasters

Special Program for Science Journalists

Recognizing the importance of science communication, the symposium included a dedicated session for science journalists and communicators.

• Dr. Rijan B. Kayastha (HiCCDRC, KU) presented the history and evolution of cryospheric studies in Nepal, outlining major milestones and scientific progress.

• Dr. Mohan B. Chand (HiCCDRC, KU) discussed recent developments and future directions in cryosphere research.

An interactive discussion session encouraged collaboration between scientists and journalists to enhance public understanding of glacier and climate issues.

The symposium reinforced Nepal’s growing commitment to advancing cryosphere science and strengthening collaboration among academic institutions, government agencies, development partners, and international organizations. Discussions highlighted the urgent need for sustained research, improved monitoring systems, and science-informed policy to address accelerating glacier change and associated hazards.

Organized under the framework of Nepal National Glacier, Water and Weather Week 2026 by HiCCDRC, the event marked another important milestone in promoting scientific dialogue and building resilience in mountain regions.

Black Carbon Field Expedition to Langtang Valley: Monitoring Himalayan Air Pollution at High Altitude (8 - 18 Dec 2025)

In December 2025, a joint field team from the Himalayan Cryosphere, Climate and Disaster Research Center (HiCCDRC) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) conducted a high-altitude expedition to Langtang Valley to maintain and assess the Black Carbon Monitoring Station located at Tserko Ri near Yala Glacier (28.21361111°N, 85.61055556°E) in Rasuwa district, Nepal. The station is situated at an altitude of approximately 4,900 meters above sea level and requires nearly a four-day trek from Syabrubesi, the last point accessible by vehicle.

The expedition aimed to ensure the continuous operation of one of the few long-term atmospheric monitoring stations in the high Himalayas, contributing critical data to understand the impacts of air pollution on glacier environments and regional climate systems.

During this expedition, the Black Carbon Monitoring Station there was handed over to HiCCDRC, Department of Environmental Science, Kathmandu University for continued monitoring and future operational responsibility.

Field Activities

1. Black Carbon Station Maintenance

The team carried out comprehensive maintenance of the Aethalometer AE33 black carbon monitoring instrument, including:

• Instrument performance inspection

• Meteorological sensor checks

• Solar power and battery system verification

• Satellite communication testing

• Equipment inventory verification

• Inspection of the protective fencing surrounding the station

• Handover of the Black Carbon Monitoring Station to HiCCDRC, Department of Environmental Science, Kathmandu University for continued monitoring and future operational responsibility

These activities are essential for maintaining uninterrupted atmospheric observations in the high Himalayas.

2. Permafrost Monitoring Activities

In addition to black carbon monitoring, the team downloaded and verified data from the permafrost monitoring station installed near the Yala Base Camp area. The work included:

• Retrieval of recorded ground temperature and environmental datasets

• System inspection and operational status verification

• Monitoring support for long-term permafrost research in the Langtang region

The permafrost observations contribute to understanding ground stability and climate-driven changes in high mountain environments.

3. Snow Measurements at Tserko Ri

Field measurements were also conducted at Tserko Ri, located near the Black Carbon station, to assess seasonal snow conditions. The team performed:

• Snow depth measurements

• Snow density sampling

These measurements provide important information on snowpack characteristics, which are critical for understanding hydrological processes, and regional climate interactions.

Team Members

The expedition team included experts and researchers from multiple institutions:

1. Mohan Bahadur Chand - HiCCDRC, Kathmandu University

2. Anushilan Acharya - HiCCDRC, Kathmandu University

3. Dawa Tshering Sherpa - ICIMOD

4. Laxmi Kumar Rai - Field Guide (HRE)

The successful completion of the December 2025 expedition ensures the continued operation of the Yala Black Carbon Monitoring Station, supporting long-term datasets that are essential for understanding glacier response to atmospheric pollution, advancing climate change research in the Himalayas, contributing to regional environmental monitoring initiatives, and informing evidence-based policy and adaptation strategies. HiCCDRC’s participation in the expedition further strengthens its ongoing commitment to advancing cryosphere research and fostering scientific collaboration in the Himalayan region.

Field Visit for Discharge Measurement of the Marsyangdi River and Dudh Khola, Manang (17-21 November 2025)

The Himalayan Cryosphere, Climate, and Disaster Research Centre (HiCCDRC), under the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering at Kathmandu University, conducted a field visit to the Marsyangdi River basin in Manang District, Nepal from 17 to 21 November as part of its ongoing hydrological monitoring and high-altitude environmental research activities.

The visit focused on measuring river discharge at key glacier-fed river sites, including the Marsyangdi River at Manang village and Dudh Khola at Dharapani, to strengthen long-term hydrological datasets from the upper Himalayan region. In addition, the team visited the meteorological station in Upper Pisang to assess its operational condition and support regular monitoring efforts. Alongside these technical tasks, site conditions were documented through systematic field observations and photographic records to capture river morphology, flow conditions, and surrounding environmental settings.

Field Activities

During the visit, the team carried out:

• River discharge measurements using ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) technology at Marsyangdi River

• River discharge measurements using ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) technology at Dudh Khola

• Site documentation and photographic records of river conditions

• Meteorological station visit in Upper Pisang, Manang, for regular monitoring

The field team included:

1. Dr. Mohan Bahadur Chand, Team Leader, HiCCDRC, KU

2. Dr. Anushilan Acharya, Research Associate, HiCCDRC, KU

3. Er. Sabina Twayana, Student, KU

4. Er. Pralahad Ojha, Student, KU

5. Yathartha Dhungel, Student, KU

6. Jeep driver

River discharge measurements using ADCP at Marsyangdi River

River discharge measurements using ADCP at Dudh Khola

Meteorological station visit in Upper Pisang, Manang, for regular monitoring

This field visit contributes to HiCCDRC’s long-term efforts to monitor hydrological and climatic processes in the Himalayan cryosphere. The data and observations collected during the November campaign will support ongoing research on glacier-fed river dynamics, climate variability, and their implications for downstream water resources and mountain communities.

Field Visit for Discharge Measurement of the Marsyangdi River, Manang (15-19 October 2025)

The Himalayan Cryosphere, Climate, and Disaster Research Centre (HiCCDRC), under the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering at Kathmandu University, conducted a field visit to Marsyangdi River, Manang district, Nepal on 15–19 October 2025 as part of their ongoing hydrological monitoring program.

The main objective of the visit was to measure river discharge and document site conditions to support research on glacier-fed river dynamics and their implications for hydropower, irrigation, and water resources in the region.

Field Activities

During the visit, the team carried out:

• River discharge measurements using ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) technology

• Site documentation and photographic records of river conditions

The field team included:

1. Prof. Dr. Rijan Bhakta Kayastha – Team Leader, HiCCDRC, KU

2. Dr. Mohan Bahadur Chand, Assistant Professor, HiCCDRC, KU

3. Er. Sagar Lamichhane, Hydrologist, KU

4. Er. Manish Praja, Civil Engineer, KU

5. Er. Karan Sah, Engineer, KU

6. Field assistant and support staff

Capacity-Building Training Workshop on Cryosphere Monitoring and Risk Assessment in the HKH Region (7-9 September 2025)

Key training areas included permafrost mapping, glacio-hydrological modeling, GLOF risk assessment, and flood modeling using HEC-RAS. The sessions combined conceptual lectures with hands-on exercises, enabling participants to apply scientific tools and methodologies used in cryosphere research.

Due to the Gen Z movement, the field-based ADCP discharge measurement training, originally scheduled for 9 September 2025 as part of the workshop, was conducted separately on 11 November 2025 at the Indrawati River, Dolalghat. The session marked the final component of the training program, which concluded with certificate distribution held at Kathmandu University, recognizing the successful participation and completion of the program by all trainees.

Glaciological Expedition to Ponkar Glacier, Manang, Nepal 25 April - 2 May 2025

Between 25 April and 2 May 2025, a team of 15 Master’s students specializing in glaciology from the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kathmandu University, under the Himalayan Cryosphere, Climate and Disaster Research Center (HiCCDRC), carried out a glaciological field expedition to Ponkar Glacier in Manang District, Nepal. The expedition combined scientific monitoring, instrument maintenance, and practical field learning aimed at strengthening long-term glacier research in the central Himalaya.

Situated within the Marsyangdi River basin, Ponkar Glacier represents an important natural laboratory for understanding how Himalayan glaciers respond to climate change and how these changes influence downstream water systems.

Expedition Objectives

The 2025 expedition focused on maintaining and expanding glacier monitoring systems. Key objectives included:

1. Downloading and maintaining rain gauge data along the Dudhkhola watershed

2. Servicing Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) on the glacier and at Bhimthang

3. Monitoring existing ablation stakes and installing new ones

4. Installing thermistor sensors to measure debris temperature

5. Establishing a new rain gauge station near the glacier moraine

Fieldwork on Ponkar Glacier

On reaching the debris-covered section of Ponkar Glacier, the team conducted intensive scientific work.

Glacier Surface Features

The glacier displayed dynamic melt processes, including:

• Kettle ponds formed by meltwater accumulation

• Lateral moraines marking past glacier boundaries

• Ice cliffs and undercut ice walls

• Ice caves created by flowing meltwater

• Active supraglacial streams and temporary lakes

• These features demonstrate the complex behavior of debris-covered Himalayan glaciers, where melting patterns vary significantly across the surface.

Stake Installation and Glacier Monitoring

A key activity involved monitoring previously installed ablation stakes and installing three new stakes to measure glacier surface lowering.

• One earlier stake remained intact.

• Another had been destroyed, highlighting the harsh glacier environment.

• Three new 3-meter bamboo stakes were installed using a steam drill powered by butane gas.

These stakes will help scientists quantify melt rates and long-term glacier mass balance changes.

Weather and Hydrological Monitoring

Several meteorological instruments were serviced during the expedition:

• The glacier AWS was dismantled after malfunctioning for repair at Kathmandu University.

• The Bhimthang AWS was repaired, data from 2022–2024 downloaded, and the system relaunched.

• Rain gauges along the trekking route were maintained and batteries replaced.

A new rain gauge with temperature sensor was installed on the glacier moraine to improve microclimate monitoring.

These stations provide essential long-term climate data linking atmospheric conditions to glacier behavior.

Field Team 

1. Prof./Dr. Rijan Bhakta Kayastha, HiCCDRC, KU

2. Dr. Mohan Bahadur Chand, HiCCDRC, KU 

3. Mr. Dawa Tshering Sherpa, HiCCDRC, KU

Master’s Students specializing in Glaciology, HiCCDRC, Department of Environmental Science, Kathmandu University:

1. Arooba Shabir

2. Azima Jahan

3. Muqueet Ahmed

4. Muzammil Hassan

5. Parisa Karim

6. Kelden Jurmey

7. Lhachi Dema

8. Hisila Bajracharya

9. Karan Sah

10. Manish Praja

11. Sabina Twayana

12. Sweta Shrestha

13. Yathartha Dhungel

14. Pralhad Ojha

15. Sagar Lamichhane

The expedition successfully achieved its key scientific objectives, including the installation of new glacier monitoring stakes, deployment of thermistor sensors for debris temperature analysis, retrieval of long-term meteorological datasets, expansion of the rainfall monitoring network, and continued documentation of glacier change. Field observations confirmed ongoing glacier transformation, evidenced by the presence of ice cliffs, supraglacial lakes, and visibly retreating glacier features. Ecological changes observed along the trekking route further highlighted the broader environmental impacts of climate change across the Himalayan region. Looking ahead, sustained monitoring efforts and regular field expeditions will be crucial for improving long-term glacier records, enhancing understanding of debris-covered glacier dynamics, and supporting climate adaptation planning and water resource management in vulnerable mountain environments.