After 11 months after it was closed for tourists due to the Covid pandemic, the Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh would be reopened for tourism. The Spiti Tourism Society said that from February 17, the valley will be open for tourists except for Khibber village and Khibber wildlife habitat. However, tourists will have to get tested for Covid 72 to 96 hours before entering the valley, and in case visitors are unaware of this rule, they will have to report to the government hospital to get tested for Covid when they arrive in the valley.

The ban on tourism since last year had not been imposed by the government administration but unanimously by the local communityThe decision to allow tourism was taken after consultation with all stakeholders and community representatives, the tourism society added.