The date has already been announced by the cabinet spokesperson that Nepal will open its borders for trekking and mountain activities from 17 October. However, I can not guarantee that Nepal has made it official but looking at the current situation and the way tourism industry is shaping up, it seems Nepal is all ready to welcome the international tourists. On the positive note, domestic tourism has already geared up and different tourism entrepreneurs have started operating tourist activities with a new hope after a hiatus.
Tourism update for the upcoming trekking activities.
While many tourist activities already in operation and many to be operated soon, this time the government is sticking up to its decision to open trekking and mountaineering for both domestic and international tourists. On top of that, the Government of Nepal has come up with new protocols for the international tourists who will be traveling to Nepal for trekking after the nation open its borders for foreign nationals. As per the protocols, the tourists who will be arriving in Nepal will get visa om arrival in case they are unable to get visa from their respective countries but they will have to follow certain procedure for that. Apart from that, the tourists will have to stay in a quarantine facility in the hotels of the capital, Kathmandu for 7 days before they leave for trek. Not only that, the Government of Nepal has made travel insurance ( worth $5000) mandatory for tourists who will be arriving to Nepal for trekking. ( Source : Tourism Mail).
Cultural and heritage sites is now open again.
On the other hand, different cultural sites of the Kathmandu valley are now open and many soon to open. Baghbhairab Temple- one of the famous attractions of Kirtipur ( the ancient Newari town of the capital which also happens to be an emerging tourist destination) has been recently opened and locals and many people from the capital have already started visiting the place. Likewise, several other heritage sites are now open. Pashupatinath temple is now open as well with certain visit hours and there are several more sites where people are now permitted to visit. Basantapur, Patan areas and some of the famous places of Kathmandu have seen a growing number of visitors in the last couple of weeks.
Nepal Tourism Board awaits.
Nepal tourism has always been active on their social media accounts and now it is not long before Nepal officially opens for trekking and mountaineering from 17 October for international tourists as well. The tourism board has shared a short video where they take you to different parts of Nepal (which is more like a beauty of tourism in Nepal in a glance) as they await for tourists to arrive in Nepal.
(Video belongs to Nepal Tourism Board posted on their YouTube channel)
Trekking and Covid-19 situation, will it be safe to travel to Nepal?
However it all comes down to one question, will it be safe to travel to Nepal when it lifts the travel ban for international tourists to open its borders for trekking and mountaineering? With domestic tourism on board, the tourism in Nepal is gearing up again. The government has set certain health and safety guidelines and protocols which should be followed by each and every sector of the tourism industry while operating their activities. Airlines, Travel agents, Hotels, Restaurants, Tourism Entrepreneurs should all abide the health and safety rules as mentioned by the government of Nepal while operating their activities.
As the number of domestic tourists are increasing day by day, it has hinted that tourism activities can be operated safely by following all the health and safety protocols. As far as the domestic flights are concerned, they create safe environment and only allows the PCR negative ( 72 hours prior) passengers to board the flight. On the other hand, with the full guidance from travel agents, the tourist might come across with minimal of issues during their trip to Nepal. So be sure to choose from some of the best travel agents and hotels in Nepal to get some of the best service during your trip to Nepal.
Homestay in Nepal (update)
Homestay and guest house service might not be available for tourists this time. The government has not arrived with any news regarding the homestay and guest house services for tourists yet but if you are already familiar with the owners you might want to consult with them for more clear information regarding the homestay service.
Covid-19 situation in Nepal (update)
As far as the Covid-19 is concerned, Nepal has not seen any major improvements in the Covid-19 situation which is the reason why there is confusion among the tourists about the resumption of the trekking and mountain activities in Nepal. While there is not any improvement, the Covid-19 situation (between 1000 – 2000 daily new cases for last couple of weeks and similar number of recoveries) has not been worse as well in Nepal. However, looking at the current situation and the resumption of different services and facilities in the tourism industry, there seems no way of turning back from the decision as of now. We can find a couple of articles about the people who completed their trekking in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic as well. On the other hand, the mountaineering department has already permitted for the expedition for two groups who are already on their way. This time with services on board and with all necessary precautions on hand, safe trekking and mountaineering seems possible in Nepal. Still, these are the times of Covid-19 and nothing can be promised but we will have to wait till mid October to be 100 percent sure.
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