After months of keeping its borders closed, Spiti Valley is finally reopening for tourism but this time with some updated guidelines. Here’s everything you need to know about this new development. By Kumar Shree
If you’ve been dreaming of visiting Spiti Valley for a while then we have some good news for you. The Spiti Tourism Society recently released an official statement conveying their decision to reopen the destination for tourists once again. Several concerned bodies such as local community leaders, hotel operators, panchayats, travel agents, and Mahila Mandals have collectively decided to reopen Spiti for tourism. The statement also mentioned that the valley has felt incomplete in this past year and is looking forward to welcoming tourists.
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Spiti Holiday Adventure also shared a copy of the statement on their Instagram account with a caption that reads: “Spiti is now opening for all travellers with adequate safety measures from February 17 onwards. We thank all you wonderful people, your kind support, wishes and blessings. We wouldn’t be able to see the light of the day without each one of you and your good wishes and constant support. Thank you once again.”
Even though Spiti Valley is reopening, the decision comes layered with a strict set of guidelines that all travellers must abide by. The guidelines are designed to not just keep COVID-19 threat at bay but to also ensure minimum impact on the environment.
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According to these guidelines, travellers will not be allowed to enter Khibber village and Khibber wildlife habitat as the village has decided to not welcome any travellers for the time being. Tour operators have an additional responsibility of ensuring that all travellers going to Spiti have a valid RAT/RT-PCR test report from an authorised lab/hospital. Those travelling independently to Spiti via private vehicles must report to a government hospital for taking the rapid test. Hotels and homestays must ensure that their guests have taken the test.
Related: Here’s Why Spiti, Hampi & Leh Will Always Have Our Hearts
