Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak Updates: How Safe Is In Nepal?

As you know, it’s crucial to talk about safe trekking in the Himalayas in the critical condition of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Today, we will answer all your queries concerning ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Nepal.’

Let us begin by saying that Nepal is not affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19) yet. Nepal is still safe. You must, however, take precautions not to get infected during your trip through the Himalayas and your home. None of them would like to go through the uncertainty of isolation, jobs missing, becoming a source of conversations, endless visits to hospitals, and anxiousness all around them.

At the time, The Government of Nepal has decided to temporarily suspend visa-on-arrival for the nationals of Japan, Republic of Korea, The people’s Republic of China, including Special Administrative Regions, Islamic Republic of Iran, and Italy.

However, citizens of those countries who are willing to visit Nepal can obtain their visas from the abroad missions beforehand. These applicants and transiting nationals from those countries are required to arrive in Nepal by issuing a recent health certificate indicating that they are not affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19) with visa applications. The health, as mentioned above document, will be checked at both immigration at the Kathmandu airport and entry-exit points Nepal’s land border.

The status of Coronavirus COVID-19 in Nepal

As of now, there is only one case reported in Nepal. The Government of Nepal has assured that all appropriate measures are in place to guarantee the best facilities during the crisis. As the travel operators, our government is given a circular to embark on regular trips with appropriate guidelines and precautions. Consequently, you don’t have to cancel any of your plans. The Ministry of Health advises everyone not to panic and to follow hygiene regulations to remain safe.

New Coronavirus strain vs Old

Viruses and other pathogens have a natural ability to mutate and differentiate. A virus replicates or creates clones of itself, according to the WHO. A “variant” of the original virus is a virus that has one or more new mutations. The mutations can also vary in genomic sequencing, allowing them to surpass or attach to healthy cells more deeply.

The three prominent COVID strains that have arisen from Kent, UK (B.1.1.7 variant), South Africa (B.1.351 variant), and Brazil (B.1.1.28.1 or P.1 variant) have all been identified as variations of the original virus strain.
A double mutation, on the other hand, occurs when two virus mutations combine to produce a third, super infectious strain. The double mutant variant, which was first discovered in Maharashtra, is thought to be a fusion between the E484Q and L452R variants. While the E484Q mutation is domestic, the L452R mutation has been linked to the United States.

The Trustworthy Trend

The specialists (including the WHO) know that most people get slightly infected with Coronavirus and recover with treatment.

The most reassuring thing is that specialists wouldn’t frighten us. They do not call it the end of the world. We advise people to maintain personal hygiene and take care of themselves, claiming the virus is avoidable.
We know that the media are publishing a terrifying picture, but that is unavoidable with the press.

Can you halt the trek or create a new plan for the trek?

To begin with, do not cancel your trek unless you have the symptoms (cough, cold, sore throat, breathlessness) or people around you. If you have any slightest concerns, get tested immediately from the nearest facility of the government.

Note that the Coronavirus will remain alive for 14 days. So you will watch for symptoms for at least 14 days if you’re coming from affected areas.
If, in the last 40 days, you were traveling and returning to Nepal, please check-in first before going for a trek or book a new trek.

If you or the people around you show any symptoms, kindly notify us and cancel the trek a week before the start date.

As we mentioned, from now on, Nepal is entirely safe to travel. Be sure that you are following hygiene restrictions on your travel to Nepal.

• Wash or clean your hands with a hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of at least 70%
• Always use a mask to cover your mouth and nose.
• You should wear gloves as well. But ensure that you clean your gloves properly.
• Do not touch objects that are unclean or prevent rubbing as far as possible
• Don’t eat or drink where hygienic care is not good
• Implement the hygiene procedure throughout your journey.
• As soon as you feel having symptoms during the trip, tell us immediately and go for a checkup.

If you are not sure about traveling, register to book your flight or train tickets, but do not book them until you are sure.

What precautions will Himlayan Exploration Trek take against Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

We shall make strict screening for international trekkers based on their travel history. All medical precautions will be followed if they are traveling to Nepal from infected countries with Coronavirus.

We shall ensure that hotels; guesthouses follow the safety guidelines of all.
Similarly, we won’t allow any of the trekkers to resume the trek if they display any symptoms during the trip. We should make sure the travelers get the necessary medical attention and take all precautions so that other travelers are safe.

We shall check the travel history of our participants until the Coronavirus situation gets underway.

Are you thinking of postponing your trip? We won’t charge you for it.

We realize that many of you may wish to change your trekking plans because of the Coronavirus outbreak. And we’re not going to want you to worry about it now.

We’re not going to charge you to shift to a future date for your trek. You could even switch entirely to another trek. It will be available to anyone on the upcoming trip in April.

Email your current trek name and date to your trek organizer and which trek you wish to shift or postpone.

We may not charge you for shifting or postponing your trip. If there is a difference in the trip cost, either we will send you a balance voucher, or we will provide you with a payment link to make the rest of the payment You are free from charge.

Please make clear that there are enough spaces to fit the group and you at future dates. Email us anytime; we’ll be happy to assist you. We hope that you won’t miss an excellent trek in this season. If you have questions, please write a message below, one of our trekking experts will get back.

Note: The above data on confirmed Coronavirus (COVID-19) and death cases were taken from the latest report published by the World Health Organization.