Travel for visitors from third countries to India through Gaddachauki border transit point in Kanchanpur District of Sudurpaschim Province of Nepal has become easier now. Previously, foreign tourists could only enter Nepal through this border and could not return through this border.

In a meeting between the Home Minister of Nepal Ramesh Lekhak and the Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava it was discussed to remove the restriction on immigration services to citizens from third countries entering India through the Nepali checkpoints. India had imposed restrictions on the entry of foreign nationals through the Gaddachauki border checkpost into its territory since December 10, 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The stakeholders in the tourism business of the Kanchanpur district of Nepal have been calling on the government for three years to allow foreign tourists to enter India via the Gaddachauki transit point without any hindrance. Tourists who come to different areas of Uttarakhand also visit Nepal for a few days. Since India allows exit but not entry, such tourists stopped coming.

Uttarakhand neighbouring Gaddachauki is a popular tourist destination for foreigners with attractions such as Badrinath, Kedarnath, Nainital, Ranikhet, Bhimtal, Mussoorie and others. It would be convenient for Foreign tourists who travel to tourist destinations in western Nepal such as Khaptad National Park, Shuklaphanta National Park, Badimalika Temple, Ugratara Temple, Shaileshwori, Dolpe, Mugu, Humla and other places to travel to India as well through the Gaddachauki checkpoint instead of going to Kathmandu. India had previously allowed entry to foreign tourists only through the Bhairahawa border crossing in Lumbini Province.

Sweta Singh Kathmandu)