Mount Everest was visible from Jainagar, a border town in Bihar’s Madhubani district, on October 6, 2025, due to unusually clear skies and clean air following heavy rainfall.
The breathtaking sight, captured in a viral video by social media user Satyam Raj and filmed by his friend visiting relatives in the area, showed the snow-capped Himalayan range, including the world’s highest peak, from a distance of over 200 km.
Locals and online users expressed awe at the rare phenomenon, which last occurred during the 2020 lockdown when reduced pollution levels allowed similar visibility.
Experts confirm that such sightings are possible when air quality is exceptionally high and atmospheric conditions are optimal, highlighting the profound impact of environmental clarity on natural visibility.
A Rare and Emotional Spectacle
Residents of Jainagar, located on the banks of the Kamla River that originates from a glacier in Nepal, were thrilled to witness the majestic Himalayan peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Mera Peak, from their homes and taller buildings.
The view, described as a “Eureka moment” by one social media user, transformed the morning skyline with shifting hues of copper, gold, and silver during sunrise. Satyam Raj, who shared the video on X, confirmed it was recorded on October 6 by a friend and has since garnered over 2 million views, with users labelling the peaks and expressing disbelief at seeing such a sight from Bihar.
“Rare sight these days! The Himalayas are always there, but pollution usually hides them,” commented one viewer, underscoring how environmental conditions directly affect natural visibility. The spectacle has reignited discussions about air quality and the potential for eco-tourism in the region.
Environmental and Seasonal Context
The visibility of Mount Everest from Jainagar is a rare atmospheric phenomenon that occurs only under specific conditions, crisp air, minimal fog, and low pollution levels, typically seen during the Chaitra-Baisakh (Vasant Panchami to Holi) and Ashwin-Kartik (Durga Puja to Kartik Purnima) periods.
The recent sighting followed a spell of rainfall linked to Cyclone 01B, which significantly reduced particulate matter in the air, creating ideal viewing conditions. This mirrors the 2020 lockdown period when industrial and vehicular emissions dropped sharply, allowing the Himalayas to reappear after decades of being obscured by smog.
The Kamla River’s glacial origin in Nepal places Jainagar almost directly in line with the Mahalangur Himal sub-range, making it one of the few plains locations in India with the geographical potential to offer such views when environmental conditions align.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This fleeting glimpse of Mount Everest from Bihar is not just a visual marvel, it is a powerful reminder of what our skies could look like if we prioritised clean air over unchecked pollution. When nature gifts us moments of clarity, they are not miracles, but reflections of what we have lost and can still reclaim.
The same Himalayas that once guided explorers now stand hidden behind a veil of smog, only reappearing when human activity slows down. Instead of treating this as a viral moment, we must see it as a call to action, for stricter emission controls, sustainable urban planning, and a collective commitment to environmental healing.
