Finally, some good news! After four months of lockdown, Nepalese government spokesperson and finance minister, Yubaraj Khatiwada, announced on Monday that the country would be lifting its nationwide lockdown and resuming both domestic and international flights on 17th August 2020.
This is due to the continued decline in the number of reported Coronavirus cases, which stands at 17,994. Of that, Nepal reports 12,477 recoveries and 40 deaths, which compared to the rest of the world, is pretty encouraging.
The government didn’t decide to open its borders lightly but, at the recommendation of the Health Ministry, they agreed to allow flights to resume in a bid to save the country’s tourism sector, which relies heavily on foreign travellers.
Nepal began to ease its lockdown restrictions in mid-June and, by the time international visitors return to the country in August, all local tourist attractions, restaurants, and transportation services will be back in full swing. To reduce the risk of infection authorities have advised that measures such as wearing a facemask and social distancing in public areas will remain in place, but that travellers will be able to take full advantage of the many activities that the country has to offer.
Trips to Everest Base Camp will resume as early as the end of August, and if trekking in the Himalayas to the world’s highest mountain is on your Bucket List, the timing couldn’t be better. The people of Nepal need our tourism more than ever before and, with a Covid-19 rate substantially lower than neighbouring China, India, and Pakistan, and European countries such as Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom, it is perhaps one of the safest bets for our 2020 adventure holiday.
Even if you’re not ready to travel just yet, you can show your support for Nepal by booking your 2021 getaway. Equatours is running a fabulous 16-day expedition to Everest Base Camp on 28th January 2021, so why not secure your next mountain expedition today.