You need to read these new COVID-19 guidelines for tourists issued by the Nepal Government if you are planning a mountaineering gig anytime soon. By Amitha Ameen
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Mountaineers who are planning a trip to Nepal, read this before you make any bookings! Nepal, which earlier shut down Mt Everest for trekkers due to the pandemic later reopened the same in order to boost tourism, which is one of the main sources of revenue for the country. Now the country has released a new set of COVID-19 guidelines for tourists visiting Nepal in order to minimise community transmission.
As part of the COVID-19 guidelines for tourists visiting Nepal, those visiting the country for mountaineering will need to carry a PCR test with negative results conducted not more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Additionally, travellers will also need to have proof of their accommodation booking wherein they will stay for at least seven days in quarantine, according to guidelines issued by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (as reported on Himalayan Times).
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Apart from this, travellers must provide papers proving that they have insurance coverage of USD 5,000 (INR 36,8577). They must also be willing to undergo a PCR test at their own expense on day five of their quarantine period after which they can go forward with their trekking and mountaineering activities. In the event a person tests positive, they will have to remain in quarantine until they test negative again.
These stringent steps are being taken to ensure the safety of the locals and foreign visitors from contracting or spreading COVID-19.
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Tourism and mountaineering are big contributors to Nepal’s economy. Last year alone, the country issued a record of 381 permits costing USD 11,000 (INR 81,0870) for scaling Mount Everest.
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