COVID SAFE : MOUNTAIN TOURISM

For Guests and Travelers:

All visitors and vacationers travelling to various trekking routes and places of interest are requested to follow a minimum code of safety.

Masking up while in a vehicle and interacting with communities or people outside your bubble is a must. Frequent washing of hands with soap or the use of standard sanitizers is recommended.

It is endorsed that you insist that your tour operator or guide briefs you on the best local practices and safety protocol. This could be incorporated with your tour briefing before the start of your activity. Covid 19 has bound communities and governments around the world to come out with many safety etiquettes. These could be on the macro or micro level. Please respect and follow them. In case of a confusion, it is always better to consult with your guide.

The new norm would most probably see people travel in their own bubble. This is being done for a reason. Please keep to your group and avoid unnecessary contact with other groups or people not familiar. Masking and physically distancing are the best ways to prevent yourself and others from being exposed to the virus.

Leaders and Crew:

Guides, people leading the tour and other crew members are also expected to follow a minimum set of protocols to ensure their safety and the people they are leading.

Masking up is the first norm of the new normal. Use a mask that is approved and standardized. Briefing of guests on new safety measures while travelling and in the interaction with mountain communities has to be incorporated in your tour I trek briefings.
Every community or area you visit might have its own set of procedures beside the national one. It is imperative that you are aware of them and the same is passed on to your clients and fellow crew members. It then becomes your responsibility to see that the awareness is there amongst your team and that its compliance is observed and respected.

Another important safety measure is for the team leader to be aware of the health facility and the amenities available in your place of travel if and when someone is exposed to the virus. In such a development your local knowledge and the local protocol becomes very important.