Plan Nepal Trekking, 17 October onward
Now, the trekkers can plan Nepal trekking onward on 17 October 2020. The government of Nepal makes a decision through its cabinet meeting to allow domestic flights, intercity buses, hotels, and restaurants to open from 21 September. The step is a part of the gradual opening up after a six-month COVID-19 lockdown.
Stating in the press briefing program, the government spokesperson and Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali, states that the trekking and mountaineering groups can take foreign clients up to the mountains from 17 October. The decisions were taken at Monday’s Cabinet meeting on the recommendation of the COVID-19 Crisis Management Committee (CCMC).
The government has been relaxing the lockdown from 13 September in Kathmandu Valley. It allows shops to reopen for limited times and has scheduled the operation of such shops on a suggested routine. As per the routine, they are allowed to open on certain days of the week. Public transport, taxis, and private vehicles were also allowed on odd-even days.
Limited regular international flights are operating from 1st September as the total number of arriving passengers daily did not exceed 800. The government seems to allow up to 3,000 passengers to land in a day soon. However, foreign nationals require to have RT PCR negative reports done 72 hours prior to departure which completely discourages them to travel Nepal. Inbound passengers are complaining about the long wait at the holding center in Kathmandu on arrival.
Since the aircraft and choppers were grounded for the last six months, the decision to allow the domestic flight is a relief for the helicopter and airline companies. The decision will come as welcome relief to Nepal’s domestic airlines which have had most of their planes and helicopters grounded for the past six months.
Although the travel restrictions were being eased, airlines and operators have to observe strict protocols. The protocol includes physical distancing, the use of masks, and sanitization. However, Long-distance coaches will get permission to carry half the number of passengers, and everyone should obey the guidelines. The airlines must follow strict hygiene rules on check-in, ramp buses, and onboard aircraft.
Previous year nearly 1.2 million foreign tourists visited Nepal and Nepal Government was promoting 2020 as Visit Nepal Year with a target to welcome 2 million. But the COVID-19 effect resulted in no income since March and has laid off a quarter of their staff, with others taking pay cuts.
Prior to this announcement, the Nepal government granted permission for two expeditions team for mountain climbing in Nepal. One was a special permit for an all-Nepali expedition to Mt Baruntse which has already left for base camp, and the other to a 15-member Bahraini military expedition to Mt Manaslu that includes three Britons. The Bahrainis are arriving in Kathmandu on a charter flight on Wednesday.