Coronavirus and Trekking in the Himalayas

As you know, talking about safe trekking in the Himalayas in the critical Coronavirus COVID-19 condition is extremely important. Our mail today will be dedicated to resolving all your queries about 'Coronavirus and Trekking in the Himalayas'.

Let me start by saying that, as of now none of the Himalayan States is affected by Coronavirus. These states and Himalayas are completely safe. However, one needs to take precautions to not get infected during the journey to and fro the Himalayas and your home. 

Status of Coronavirus today

As of now, 30 infected cases have been detected in India. The Indian Government has assured that all the necessary measures to guarantee the best facilities during the crisis are all in place. We as Tour Agencies have got a circular from the Government to continue the regular trips with proper guidance and precautions for the trekkers. Therefore, there is no need to cancel any of your trek plans.

In fact, 3 people in India have successfully recovered from Coronavirus. The Health Department is asking everyone not to panic and follow hygiene restrictions to stay safe. 

Should you cancel the trek or make a new trek plan? 

1. To start with do not cancel your trek unless you or people around you are having the symptoms (cough, cold, sore throat, breathlessness). If you have slightest doubts immediately get checked from the nearest Government facility. 

Remember that the Coronavirus can stay alive for 14 days. So, if you are coming from affected areas watch for symptoms for at least 14 days. 

2. If you have been traveling to the affected countries and returned to India in the last 40 days, it is advisable to please do a check-up first, before you go for a trek or book a new trek.

3. A week before the start date of the trek if you or people around you show any symptoms, kindly inform us and cancel the trek.

4. As we mentioned, Himalayas is completely safe as of now. Make sure during your traveling to the base camp you follow hygiene restrictions, 

        • Use a Hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol content

        • Wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth

        • You can also wear gloves. But make sure the gloves are regularly cleaned.

        • Do not touch any unclean surfaces and avoid contacts as much as possible

        • Do not eat or drink from places where you feel hygiene is not good

        • Make sure you follow the hygiene routine until you reach the base camp

        • The moment you feel you are having any of the symptoms before reaching the base camp immediately inform us and go for a checkup

        • If you are not sure of traveling, register for the trek but avoid booking your flight or train tickets until you are sure

What precautions TTH will take? 

1. Until the Coronavirus situation submerges, we shall inspect the travel history of our participants.

2. If any of the trekkers show symptoms at the base camp, we shall not allow them to continue the trek. We shall make sure the trekkers get the necessary medical attention and all the actions are taken so that other trekkers are safe.

3. We shall make sure all the hotels; guesthouses follow guidelines for the safety of everyone.  

4. For Foreign trekkers, we shall do strict screening based on their Travel History. If they are traveling to India from Coronavirus infected countries all the required medical safeguards will be followed.

What about Nepal treks?

Nepal Government itself have started their strict screening process before allowing anyone to enter in Nepal. They have informed all the countries to not cancel their travel plans and continue with trekking trips to Nepal. Hence, all our Nepal treks are running as scheduled, there no changes. Having said that, if you are still not sure about going for a Nepal you can ask for an alternate trek in India.  

On the ending note, we would assure you that we as a responsible organization will make sure all our trekkers and staff are safe. All our treks are running as per the schedule. We again request all of you not to panic. Just follow a few rules and trek worry-free. 

If you have any further doubts, please get in touch with your trek coordinator or reply to this mail. 

Happy Safe Trekking!