Nepal’s Current Status of COVID 19 / Coronavirus Cases
As recorded on 21 September 2020, 0.21% of Nepal’s total population has suffered from COVID 19 where the total Population: 29,238,099 (source: word meters). Nepal is recovering with a 72.1% rate whereas the Death rate is 0.64%.
Nepal’s Current Decision and Rules for post-COVID 19 Traveling
Travel restrictions were being eased but planes, hotels, and restaurants will have to observe strict protocols on distancing and masks. Some of the current decision and rules are listed below which might solve queries related to Nepal and Nepal’s post-COVID travel and tourism plan:
- From 1 September, limited regular international flights are also allowed having up to 800 arrival passengers on daily basis. Additionally, it was hinted that soon 3000 arrival passengers per day will be allowed to land.
- Nepal Tourism Board has published Version 1 Operational Guideline with Health Protocol for Tourism Sector in July. More info on protocols: https://trade.welcomenepal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Operational-Guideline-with-Health-Protocol-for-Tourism-Sector.pdf
- Those entering Tribhuvan International Airport will have their temperature screened via a thermal camera. They will also be greeted at a health desk. An ambulance has been put on standby so that suspected Covid-19 cases can be immediately taken to the hospital. The international airport at this time consists of temperature checks and a spray disinfecting area.
- Domestic flights, inter-city transportation, hotels, restaurants, travel and tour companies are permitted to reopen from 17 September. Though hotels and flights were planned to open earlier but canceled due to increment in COVID cases. Hopefully, this time it will be carried out with all necessary protocols.
- Long-distance/Inter-city vehicles will only be allowed to carry 50% of capacity along with COVID mitigation measures and additional fares. Domestic airlines will have to follow strict hygiene rules on check-in, ramp buses, and onboard aircraft and allowed to have 100% capacity with no fare raise.
- Negative results from a PCR test obtained within 72 hours prior to departure from the country of origin are required for entry in Nepal.
- Department of Immigration announced on September 13, that it would waive late fees and penalties through September 27. Additionally, opened its services. Consult the DoI website (http://www.immigration.gov.np/) for further details about the visa.
- Announced that trekking routes are to be opened beginning September 17. Travelers must present negative PCR test results to be eligible for trekking.
- The government has not mentioned any list of countries that are allowed or restricted. So, this means all nations are welcome in Nepal but travelers will only be able to fly in from countries operating international travel and tour.
- Travelers are expected to fill the form for Database Management. Fill the form after your flight is confirmed and a negative PCR test is received.
- https://ccmc.gov.np/arms/person_add_en.php?fbclid=IwAR1RDAMyAA1KnZ1SBiG-nUkgjnblSoAEJGwHrEvLMcYTaKvRSGPujTWwEvI
After the 6 months of lockdown in Nepal, businesses are having relief, especially the tourism sector. Travel and trek companies are optimistic to welcome the tourists by adopting all the necessary precautions and sanitation. You can check the precautions adopted by Nepal Adventure Team: Impact of COVID 19 on Nepal Tourism. The situation has definitely provided an opportunity to switch towards sanitation and good practices for the tourism industry. The travel and tourism business is raising the bar with the aim of sustainable and responsible tourism which not just accelerates the pleasure of traveling but also excels in nature.
Likewise, the world has been deeply affected by COVID 19 pandemic leaving the queries related to travel; where to travel, why to travel. Nepal Adventure Team has been serving the travelers from luxury holidays, sweet and short trek, luring long treks to adventures peak climbing. It specially offers trekking and tour packages of Nepal along with Bhutan and Tibet.
Residing in Nepal, Nepal Adventure Team has observed and noted the situation of Nepal. It has also closely looked towards the COVID mitigation planned implemented by the Nepal tourism Industry. This article aims at meeting the queries of travelers willing to visit Nepal.
Why visit Nepal after COVID 19?
1. Nepal Listed as Post COVID destination
Nepal has been in the list of popular magazines and web portals as Forbes, Wanderlust, and Lonely planet.
Nepal is listed as the top 10 destinations to visit for the next decade by Forbes magazine and regarded to be a travel goal through an article of “2020 Travel Goals: Ten Bucket List Trips for the Next Decade” It highlighted Nepal’s natural and cultural diversity as well as noted that Nepal is more than just backpacking with numbers of Luxurious holiday offerings of Nepal. Details: Nepal in Forbes’s Travel Bucket List for Next Decade
Nepal is listed as one of the post-COVID 19 travel destinations by Wanderlust Magazine on the September 2020 issue, highlighted as “Top travel experiences for 2021 – Insider Secrets”. As per Wanderlust, Nepal is regarded as one of the potential destinations for rejuvenation post-COVID 19 and selected by international travel industry experts for those looking for a unique experience in 2021 and beyond. Details: Nepal is Wonderlust’s Post COVID Destination.
Everest Base Camp has always been a highlighted feature of Nepal and never missed to promote Nepal. In the same token, Everest Base Camp of Nepal has been listed in “The 10 Best Treks in the World” by Lonely Planet. It has complicated 15 Days Everest Base Camp as extremely popular due to spectacular scenery and romanticism. Details: Everest Base Camp on Lonely Planet’s Best Trek list
2. Less Crowded
Nepal is a tiny landlocked country that has rarely been promoted as the way it deserves. Nepal has natural and cultural diversity which pleases every traveler who has been to Nepal and makes them revisit it. You can see the landscape from the highest mountains, high hillocks, comprehensive valleys, fastest flowing rivers, wide plain fields. Consequently, it is a home of rare and diverse flora and fauna as one-horned rhino, snow leopard, red panda, tiger, and like. In terms of culture, Nepal has 126 ethnic groups and 123 languages along with 59 typical indigenous communities as recognized by Nepal Government.
With all these vibrant features, Nepal has always been promoted as trekking and climbing regions whereas it has much more to offer. Thus, in comparison to other nations Nepal encounters less crowded areas though the capital city, Kathmandu is much crowded. However, the tourist destinations of Nepal are far away from Kathmandu valley where travelers enjoy various activities as Trekking in Nepal, Nepal Peak Climbing, Nepal tours, Helicopter Sightseeing Tour, Nepal Jungle Safari, Nepal Festival Tour, Hiking in Nepal.
Most parts of Nepal are not urbanized and make fewer crowds in tourist areas. Ongoing of COVID 19 pandemic, it is better to avoid crowded destinations so Nepal can be your right option to travel. Trekking and tours are managed as per your necessity as a Private trip, Family trip, Couple trip, Single trip. From backpacking to a luxury holiday, you can choose and customize it with us.
3. Mental and Physical fitness:
COVID 19 pandemic has taken all our attention and mental peace. Though it attacks us physically, its effects on the globe have created wider mental stress. COVID 19 not just restricted on travel but also bounded everyone to stay at home with no physical contact with anyone or anything and just be occupied with electronic gadgets.
Subsequently, life became passive where people long to travel, long for mental peace and physical activities. While being in the dilemma of post-COVID 19 travel plan, Nepal offers wide packages from trekking, climbing to comfortable touring in cities, villages, and jungles.
The tranquil surroundings and conserved nature of Nepal will please you.
Firstly, Trekking in Nepal:
Even the trekking trails vary from low altitude to high altitude as per your comfort with physical activeness. Every trail offers a view of mountains, wilderness, and tranquility.
Secondly, Nepal Peak Climbing: experienced as well as non-experienced both can try climbing on peaks as per the grading.
Thirdly, Nepal tours settle you to resorts and hotels offering cozy stay at beautiful sites of lakes, hills, mountains, and experience of national parks.
These activities and stay will revive your energy and refresh you. Additionally, yoga, meditation, and spa would add the pleasure in your journey of Nepal.
4. Exclusive Luxury Holiday
Nepal has always been popularized as the destinations for tough and adventurous trekking, climbing, and mountaineering but the real travelers only know Nepal has more to offer than that.
Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek is introduced for the clients who are willing to trek in much comfort. Even if you are keenly interested to observe mountains closely and disappointed by long trek, you can choose our Helicopter Sightseeing Tour or Moutain Flight in Nepal. For instance, you can have a warm breakfast at a cool place with Mt. Everest's view accompanied by fresh and chilly breeze by choosing Everest Base Camp Helicopter Flight Tour.
On the other hand, you want a company of nature but with city vibe and nightlife then, the Nepal Tours option has the vibrant itinerary through popular cities as Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan with all classy and high-end resorts and assets. You can just take off from one city and land to another one with all new surroundings and experience.
Besides the above-mentioned plan, if you just want to relax at a place with scenic sunset, lush national park experience, private scenic river viewing deck, and private large plunge pool, you have our Chitwan Jungle Safari option.
5. Responsible Tourism
Nepal has been serving tourists and thriving in the tourism industry for decades. Decades have passed and changes have been made but Nepal has always been able to conserve, preserve, and flourish the nature and culture despite all the development carried out. Every year millions of tourists visit Nepal yet the trails and tourist areas serve them the charming of natural beauty accompanied by ancient culture and lifestyle.
Nepal made the headlines by being ahead with the aim of doubling the Tigers’ population by 2022. Nepal also owns 12 National Parks, 1 Wildlife Reserve, 1 Hunting Reserve, 6 Conservation Areas, and 13 Buffer zone covering 23.39% of the total country’s land. Thus, Nepal Jungle Safari is praised and demanded by the tourists.
Likewise, for environment conservation, certain areas have totally banned the use of plastic. Every year, tones of garbage are carried down from Everest Region and trekking trails and heritage sites are cleaned and maintained. Even during COVID 19 pandemic when the world and travel industry was resting, Nepal’s travel and tourism industry were busy cleaning and nourishing the trails by adopting all COVID 19 safety measures. These actions reflect Nepal is concerned about natural and cultural charm for tourists by being responsible towards the earth and culture.
Overall, COVID 19 has surely made Nepalese jobless yet they are hopeful to welcome all the travelers around the world to explore Nepal’s cultural and natural beauty accompanied by backpacking as well as luxury traveling. They have geared up to face COVID 19. Equally, we, Nepal Adventure Team, offer your customizable and desirable traveling pack with essential precautions (For detail: Impact of COVID 19 in Nepal Tourism).
Moreover, Nepal’s beauty is incomplete without its loyal admirer and travelers to praise it. Nepalese are eager to do Namaste! with a smile and guide them from the Himalayas, peaks, hills, woods, lakes, valleys, heritage, national parks, farmlands to typical Nepali lifestyle.
Nepal’s COVID FAQs:
Is a Negative COVID-19 test (PCR) required for entry to Nepal?
Yes, negative results from a PCR test obtained within 72 hours prior to departure from the country of origin are required for entry in Nepal.
Is health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry?
Yes, screening procedures at the airport are available. Those entering Tribhuvan International Airport will have their temperature screened via a thermal camera. Tribhuvan International airport at this time consists of temperature checks and a spray disinfecting area. They will also be greeted at a health desk. An ambulance has been put on standby so that suspected Covid-19 cases can be immediately taken to the hospital.
Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel?
Yes, but on September 14 2020 the government announced it would allow limited long-range public transportation from September 17. Vehicles will be allowed to operate only at 50% capacity and will be subject to strict COVID precaution measures.
Which countries are allowed to travel to Nepal?
Initially, Flights will only fly from countries that have been less affected by the global Covid-19 pandemic and began to operate. The government has not mentioned any list of countries that are allowed or restricted. So, this means all nations are welcome in Nepal but travelers will only be able to fly in from countries operating international travel and tour.
Is Immigration Services of Nepal resumed?
The Department of Immigration has resumed its visa services from Sept. 13. Visa will be regulated as per prior notice from the Department of Immigration (DoI) dated Aug. 17, 2020, without any late fees or penalties till Sept. 27, 2020. In case of any further queries regarding the extension of visa or overstay, please contact the immigration officers as mentioned in the notice during office hours. Further information is available from the Department of Immigration. (http://www.immigration.gov.np/)
Are international flights allowed in Nepal?
Having a Cabinet meeting along with the recommendation of COVID 19 Crisis Management Committee (CCMC), Nepal Government made the announcement to resume international and domestic flights for traveling from 17 September.
Is Nepal open for trekking and mountaineering?
Having a Cabinet meeting along with the recommendation of COVID 19 Crisis Management Committee (CCMC), Nepal Government made the announcement to resume international and domestic flights for traveling from 17 September. There will be certain precautions and regulations to reduce the COVID effect. Trekking and mountaineering groups will be allowed to take foreign clients up to the mountains from 17 October
What is the COVID 19 recovery and death rate in Nepal?
0.21% of Nepal’s total population has suffered from COVID 19. Nepal is recovering with a 72.1% rate whereas the Death rate is 0.64%. Its total population is 2.9 million approximately. (Data recorded on 21 September)
