Pashupatinath, the iconic Hindu temple of Nepal, is all set to open for pilgrims from 16 December, said the Pashupatinath Area Development Trust (PADT) as reported by The Himalayan Times. 

The temple, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has remained closed for more than eight months since the pandemic spread across the globe in March. The temple receives millions of pilgrims both from Nepal and India. 

The visitors have to follow all the health protocols and measures, including social distancing, set by the government. Pradip Dhakal, a member of PADT, said a standard operating procedure has been set up for devotees visiting the temple. 

Earlier in June, India decided to develop sanitation facilities around the temple, and both governments, Nepal and India, signed an MOU for the purpose. The facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2021. 

The project, costing Rs 2.33 crore, will be undertaken under the Nepal-Bharat Maitri- a program where India funds high impact community development projects in Nepal.