Foreign tourists can do trekking in Nepal from October 17

Kathmandu: Nepal government has permitted foreign tourists to go on trekking in Nepal with effect from October 17 by enlisting around one dozen of trekking destinations for them in the post Covid-19 pandemic.

It has become easy for the foreign tourists to take part in the trekking activities in Nepal despite prevalence of fear of Coronavirus according to Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN). However, those prohibited areas of Himal will continue to be restricted.

TAAN General Secretary Sarita Lama indicated that all trekkers must show their negative PCR report, previous trekking experience credentials, trekking permit and must remain in quarantine in their respective hotels for a limited time while complying with all safety measures.

Major trekking destinations permitted for foreigners include:

• Mt Everest base camp trekking
• Kanchanjung trekking trail
• Mardi Himal trekking
• Manang Trekking region
• Mustang Trekking region
• Dolpa Trekking region
• Humla Trekking region
• Manaslu Trekking region
• Helambu Trekking region
• Ruvi valley Trekking region

However, any trekkers going to Dolpa region upon entering Dolpa will have to stay in quarantine on self expenses for at least 14 days according to Lama.

Lama also further hinted that the trekking in the Annapurna region and famous Ghandruk area will remain closed for the time being as the locals have restricted the movement of the tourists in this region for fear of increased infection of Covid-19.

Similarly the Everest trekking trails has been opened conditionally by the Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality. According to Binod Bhattarai the official of rural municipality, the trekkers will be allowed to trek after their PCR test is done in one of their prescribed hospitals.