Korala traders move to lower regions to escape cold

By Harikrishna Sharma,Muktinath (Mustang), Dec. 24: Pema Tshiring Gurung of Chhoser, Lomanthang Rural Municipality–2, Upper Mustang, has closed her business at the Korala border crossing connecting Nepal and China and moved down to Pokhara due to extreme cold.

Due to the below-zero temperature in the morning and evening, most of the shops around Pillar No. 24 have closed and have come down to the valley to escape the cold. 

Although there are around 54 shops, the number of people going across the border to do business in the Chinese market has been declining due to extreme cold.

In the Korala border area, about 154 local people used to be engaged in business. However, at present, all shops except two or four that provide tea, snacks, and meals to those bringing electric vehicles and transporting goods have remained closed, said young entrepreneur Pema Tshring Gurung.

Gurung said, “As it has become extremely cold at the border point, most people have gone to Pokhara. We will return to the border only after the weather becomes warmer.”

While goods, including Chinese electric vehicles, are being imported, except for drivers with Mustang citizenship who cross the border and bring electric vehicles and goods to the customs office about 14 kilometres below, local businessmen have left the checkpoint, said Phurba Sangmu Gurung of Chhoser. 

Located at an altitude of 4,650 meters above sea level, local traders at the Korala border point sell both Nepali and Chinese goods.

They have locked up tents near the Korala border and taken their goods to Pokhara, Kathmandu and other cities for their nomadic business. 

The District Police Office, Mustang, Communication Section, reported that for the first time, the number of people going from the Korala border point to trade in the Chinese market dropped to zero on December 22. 

This is the first time since the border was opened from September 15, 2025 that not a single person has gone to the Chinese market. 

Since December 16, a minimum of 14 to 40 people have been seen going to the Chinese market for business. 

People enter the Chinese market at 9 am and trade until 2 pm and return with necessary goods.  A stall has been set up about 300 metres from the Dasgaja area at the Korala border crossing so that Nepalis can do business.

According to Amindra Singh, information officer at the Mustang Customs Office, there is normal activity as goods, including electric vehicles, electronic equipment, food, and clothing are being imported regularly from the Tibetan area. 

As the rule is that Mustang citizenship is required to cross the Korala border and only after the goods are brought out, the driver brought by the businessmen is allowed to transport the goods, local businessmen, labourers, and vehicle drivers are allowed in the border and customs area, he said.