After almost five months of restrictions, climbers and trekkers will be allowed to visit Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks, amid the COIVD-19 pandemic.

Tourism department officials have confirmed on Thursday (July 30) that Nepal has decided to reopen the way to Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks for the autumn season (September to November) to promote economy that relies on tourism, despite the rising coronavirus infection rate in the country.

Mira Acharya, Director at the Tourism Department of Nepal, has said, “The Mountains are now open for mountaineers and the department has started issuing climbing permits starting today (July 30). All climbers must follow health protocols issued by the government.”

Almost 415 peaks have been reopened in the country for mountaineering purposes. In line with the relaxation on economic activities, the government of Nepal is looking forward to seeing more tourists for mountaineering and trekking activities.

The government has also allowed restaurants, hotels, mountaineering and trekking services to resume their operations from July 30, with some restrictions and guidelines. Gyms, seminars or conferences halls and casinos will not be allowed to open in hotels and restaurants.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all spring expeditions that normally take place from March to May were suspended. The government had stopped issuing new expedition climbing permits and cancelled the issued permits for the spring of 2020 on March 13. Nepal has faced millions of dollars due to the absence of climbing during the popular April to May season. Hundreds of foreign tourists and about 200,000 guides, Sherpas and porters suffered.

In regard to COVID-19 transmission in Nepal, the country has reported a total number of 19,771 confirmed cases which are under treatment and 56 patients have died due to virus. However, 14,399 patients who tested positive to COVID-19 have completely recovered from the virus, as of Saturday (August 1).