Impact of COVID-19 on tourism in Nepal

The tourism sector worldwide has been suffering since March, as governments around the world put a period on travel to curb the spread of COVID-19. But now that some countries with the right methods and quick steps have been able to control the situation. Nepal had closed its borders for international travellers before spring as this is the season where the most numbers of mountaineers come to explore the Himalayas. This led to a loss of million dollars and jobs. The autumn trekking season begins in September, where a number of tourists from the west come in flocks to Nepal.

Restarting tourism for the autumn trekking season

The country, for now, will only flight from the lesser affected countries, the list, however, has not been announced yet. The travellers must carry a COVID-19 negative certificate. If you are to arrive before August 17, you will have to go to state-run quarantine centres. Safety protocols, such as social distancing, masks, sanitizers and more will be followed by all tour operators in the Himalayas. The Government of Nepal has yet not announced self-quarantine rules, but it is unsure if the 14-day quarantine rule will be enforced during the autumn trekking season.

Char Dham Yatra restarts in India for all devotees

Meanwhile in India, the state government of Uttarakhand has reopened Char Dham Yatra for all devotees, local and the ones coming from other states. There are some basic guidelines they must follow. These include a COVID-19 negative certificate of a test done within 72 hours of the time of arrival or going through a mandatory period of quarantine. Visitors must register themselves on the Char Dham Devstganam Board Website, where they must upload their COVID negative report and their ID.

Other rules such as not touching the idols, not entering the sanctum sanctorum among others ave been mentioned in the SOP issued by the State Government.