Kathmandu: Even though the government has allowed foreigners to visit Nepal, several restrictions for them are still. Starting from October 17, the government has opened trekking and mountaineering sectors for tourists. However, they still cannot visit Nepal freely.
Tourist villages including Ghandruk, a major destination in the Annapurna region, have decided not to open hotels indefinitely. Stakeholders in the Ghandruk area fear that the infection will spread in the village when visitors are brought in at this crucial time of the covid-19 pandemic. And the restriction has been imposed until the further notice.
Meanwhile, another footpath within the Annapurna region, Annapurna circuit, has been opened for domestic tourists. However, those internal guests visiting the trail will have to submit a negative report (PCR) of the corona test. According to the locals, the guest who submits the negative report of PCR will be able to visit Manang.
The Chame and Manang Ngisyang rural municipalities of Manang have decided to allow any internal guest who submits a negative report of the PCR will be allowed to travel there. The report should not have exceeded 72 hours when entering Manang. After that, it doesn’t matter how long you stay in the upper region. Even the hoteliers of the area has agreed with the decision of rural municipalities.
Around, 30,000 foreigners and more than 30,000 domestic tourists visit Manang every year. Most of these tourists reach Mustang by crossing Thorangla Bhanjyang.