Korala crowed with containers carrying EVs, consumer goods

By Harikrishna Sharma,Mustang, Sept. 17: The Korala border point in Upper Mustang, which traditionally saw limited use for household and commercial goods transport, is now busier than ever. 

Traders are crowding the border point as Chinese containers loaded with electric vehicles, garments and consumer goods enter Nepal daily from the Nechung–Liji market in Tibet.

With the key trading routes of Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani closed due to floods and landslides, the Korala crossing in Lomanthang Rural Municipality-1 has emerged as an alternative gateway. 

According to Ramesh Khadka, Chief of the Nechung Customs Office, 151 electric vehicles, including BYD models, and 55 containers have already entered Nepal via this route.

“When customs operations run smoothly, even Nepali goods find their way into Tibet. Large Chinese containers are now arriving almost daily,” Khadka said.

Nepal has exported household goods including stools, idols and Nepal made jackets, while imports from China include slippers and clothing. 

The yard of the customs office, which located 14 kilometres from the Korala border, is now crowded with vehicles and cargo. 

Officials estimate that nearly 500 electric vehicles will enter before the Dashain festival. The crossing is also used seasonally for the import of Tibetan mountain goats.

The Rasuwagadhi border has remained shut since early July, while Tatopani has been paralysed by landslides. 

With little chance of either reopening soon, Nepali traders have rerouted shipments through China’s Shigatse province to the Nechung–Liji customs point, much to the excitement of Mustang locals.

Lomanthang Rural Municipality Chair, Tashi Norbu Gurung, said the experience had proved that Korala could be developed into a permanent, commercially viable route. 

“This should no longer be just an alternative. The Chinese side is keen on regular operations. Nepal must now prioritise infrastructure and manpower,” he added.

Formally inaugurated in November 2023, trade through the border had until recently been limited to the locals of Mustang. 

In the last fiscal year alone, over 4,000 people from the district obtained passes for cross-border goods transport.

Situated at 4,650 metres above sea level, the Korala crossing was closed in the 1960s after Khampa rebels used Nepali territory to stage protest against Chinese authorities in Tibet. 

Business leaders stressed that to fully utilise the route, facilities such as electric charging stations and an improved Beni–Jomsom–Korala road are essential. 

Both Dhaulagiri locals and the Gandaki provincial government have expressed strong interest in enhancing cross-border trade through the gateway.