Shimla Feb 2
After remaining closed for nearly 11 months, finally the tribal Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh has decided to open its doors for outside visitors.
Spiti valley will now re-open for tourism from 17th Febraury, 2021, ” stated a note from the Spiti tourism society.
However people entering the valley will have to follow SOPs the note reads further. Pertinent to mention that attributed to COVID-19 the tribal valley had closed down doors for outsiders last year in April. Such was level of precausions taken these far off residents that they even turned back the then tribal minister and local MLA Ram lal Markanda from entering Kaza town. Allegedly he was trying to enter the tribal town without fulfilling quarantine requirements. Also read https://himachalscape.com/kaza-tribal-women-show-door-to-tribal-minister/
In the note the Spiti society further informed that even though outsiders can visit other parts of Spiti valley but Khibber village and Khibber wildlife area will still remain prohibited.
“All tour operators should ensure that people travelling in groups should have a valid RT-PCR/RAT report with them,”added the society. The report should be from a valid COVID testing facility and not older than 96 hours. For travellers reaching Spiti independently, it shall be mandatory to visit government hospital and get a test done.
The society informed that vigilance committees have been formed locally who shall ensure compliance of SOPs.
The district so far has recorded a total of 1258 COVID cases. However currently there are no active cases here.
