KATHMANDU: Authorities have decided to reopen Muktinath Temple in the district of Mustang following a long hiatus of almost ten months owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A meeting of parties concerned agreed to allow devotees to visit the sacred temple, which is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists alike.

The temple will be open to devotees from Tuesday, January 5.

Locals and tourism entrepreneurs of this trans-Himalayan district have been enthused with this decision of the authorities as the acclaimed tourist destination is expected to attract visitors henceforth, benefitting businesses.

Former chief and proprietor of Hotel Grand Sambala, Suraj Gurung, stated, "Officials of the District Administration Office (DAO), Mustang, the Muktinath Religious Area Development Committee, and representatives from Jharkot, Khinga and Ranipauwa were part of the meeting that agreed to open the temple to devotees from coming Tuesday."

"We have decided to reopen the temple which has been shut for nearly ten months. We hope tourism activities that have been brought to a halt would increase with the opening of the temple," added Gurung.