Remaining closed for over 10 months for outsiders, the Spiti valley of Himachal will open for tourists from February 17 with a condition that visitors carry a Covid-19 test report.
The decision was taken after a meeting of Spiti Tourism Society (STS) where stakeholders decided that this is the right time to resume the business. Earlier residents had decided not to welcome any visitor till March 31. As Lahaul-Spiti district has no active case of Covid-19 and as vaccine of the disease has also been developed and being administered, the members decided that tourists should be allowed to enter the valley provided that everyone will have to strictly follow the Covid safety protocols.
However, residents of Kibber village have denied welcoming the tourists. The society decided that tourists will not visit Kibber village and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for snow leopard sighting.
Narendra Rana, one of the members of the society, said it was decided in the meeting that it will be the duty of the tour organisers to make sure that each tourist is carrying a valid Covid-19 test report. “Any individual entering the valley without test will have to be rushed to the government hospital for rapid antigen test. Tourists will have to use face cover and maintain social distancing even in open space. Local coronation and vigilance committees have been formed to ensure that all SOPs are being followed by tourists and tour operators. Some of the restrictions can be lifted in April,” he said.
Spiti, where majority of population is dependent on tourism, was the first place in Himachal to impose complete lockdown in the valley in March last year. The residents blamed that this remote valley, coldest in the state, has poor medical facilities and prevention was the only remedy to protect its residents from the deadly disease. Residents had decided to stay closed till March 31. As all other tourist places of Himachal are welcoming record number of tourists in winter season, Spiti residents also decided to open.
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