MANANG: Considering the coronavirus pandemic risk the visitors might expose Manang people, it has been decided to make the PCR report showing coronavirus negative within 72 hours before setting out for tour here.

Despite allowing the foreign tourists to visit Nepal, the PCR report has been made mandatory in Manang, the main destination of the Annapurna Trekking Route also known as the district beyond the Himalayas.

Binod Gurung, the President of Tourism Entrepreneurs Association informed that the COVID-19 negative PCR report within 72 hours is mandatory for both domestic and foreign tourists.

The trekking route from the Lamjung border Lake to Tilicho Lake has only been opened for the time being.

According to Gurung, the travel restriction is still there in other parts of the route.

“The route from Manage to Muktinath via Yak Kharka and Thorang La is not open yet,” Gurung informed adding, “The tourists should manage the accommodation and food themselves even if they bring PCR report.”

He further said that the guides could arrange for those things if needed.

Lately, four foreigners had gone via Narpabhumi to climb Himlung peak; they had managed their lodging and food themselves.

Sensing the tourist arrival in Manang, the police have resumed the check-in at Taldanda.

Dhruba Giri, the Chief District Officer of Manang informed that the meeting of District COVID-19 Crisis Management Center (DCCMC) has made the PCR report mandatory considering the health risks the people would be exposed to provided anyone with coronavirus happened to reach there.