The natural beauty of Devbhoomi Himachal Pradesh, high snow clad mountains and exciting tracks have always attracted adventure lovers not only in the country but all over the world. But in recent times, in view of the changing weather patterns, frequent landslides, cloud burst incidents and increasing cases of tourists getting stuck in high altitude areas, the Himachal Pradesh government and the district administration have taken a very big and strict step. The administration has completely banned all trekking routes and mountain passes at altitudes above 3000 meters i.e. about 10,000 feet in the state until further orders. People fond of mountaineering and trekking often go on risky routes without assessing the weather conditions, which poses a great threat to their lives. After this tough decision, now no person or trekking group will be able to travel on these high altitude routes on their own will. The Tourism Department and Disaster Management Authority have made it clear that the safety of tourists is their top priority, and there will be no relaxation in this restriction until the weather becomes completely favorable and strong security arrangements are ensured. This sudden ban has created panic among thousands of tourists and trekkers who had made their bookings months in advance and had made their summer or holiday plans. If you have given money to the guide and have booked the package, then what to do next and how will you get permission? Tourists who have already planned their trekking, have made advance booking and have paid thousands and lakhs of rupees to local guides or trekking agencies, now a big question is arising in their minds that what will happen to their money and can they get permission to travel under any circumstances. In this regard, administrative officials and Tour Operators Association have clarified the situation and said that those who have booked through authorized and registered agencies can contact the concerned agency and talk about the refund policy of their money or date rescheduling. Additionally, if a trekker group wishes to visit for the purpose of special scientific or commercial research or as a highly experienced mountaineer, it must obtain special permission in writing from the district administration, local police and State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). To get this permission, it will be mandatory for trekkers to submit their complete fitness certificate, medical report, route map of the journey, emergency evacuation plan and complete details of the registered guide. The administration will give limited permission only in those cases where all the safety norms are being followed 100%, otherwise if caught trekking unauthorized, you may have to face legal action and heavy fine. New rules for safe tourism and adventure sports, strict guidelines of the government for trekkers, the government now seems to be in a completely serious and active mode to ensure the safety of tourists along with the increasing tourism in Himachal Pradesh. To prevent accidents happening in the mountains every day, it had become necessary to implement strict rules in the field of adventure tourism. Under the new guidelines, it has now been made mandatory for every trekking agency not to take any tourist to the track above 3000 meters without prior permission of the administration. Along with this, it has also been made necessary for trekkers to have satellite phones, GPS trackers and adequate medical kit so that immediate contact can be made in case of any emergency. Tourism experts believe that even though this ban may cause some loss to the tourism business in the initial phase, it is a very commendable and necessary step to save the lives of tourists in the long run. Traveling to the mountains is always exciting, but carelessness sometimes becomes costly, so it is the moral and legal responsibility of every tourist and trekker to follow these new rules of the administration. If you are also planning to visit or trek in the mountains of Himachal in the coming days, then before leaving for the trip, be sure to get complete information about the latest weather updates and official guidelines, so that your holiday can become safe and memorable without any hassle.
