POKHARA: After making PCR negative reports mandatory for those aspiring to trek, the number of tourists visiting Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre Himal has declined in an alarming rate.
According to Purna Bahadur Gurung, the PCR negative report provision enforced to make the rural areas used for trekking safe from coronavirus pandemic transmission, the area has seen a sudden decline of visitors.
“Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal model trek that used to see hundreds of trekkers everyday during Dashain and Tihar festival period hardly sees 10-15 person now,” Gurung told.
He added that the area has focused on quality tourism so the entrepreneurs do not regret over the decision of making PCR negative report mandatory.
“Though it seems unpleasant, the provision has helped ensure the entrepreneurs and the visitors a sense of health safety especially safety from the widespreading pandemic,” Gurung said ahead.
The meeting of hotel entrepreneurs in Kaski’s Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality had decided to make PCR negative report mandatory to enter the trekking routes lying in Dhampus, Australian Camp, Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre Model Trek.
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