MUSTANG — Korala border point in Mustang has emerged as an alternative entry route into Nepal after the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung road was disrupted by floods and landslides in Rasuwa and China subsequently closed the Tatopani border point.
Following the disruption of both major northern routes, Nepali citizens and vehicles stranded in China have started entering Nepal through Korala. They are being brought from Kerung through Tibet and across the Dhongmsen and Lichi border points before entering Nepal through Korala.

Officials from both Nepal and China have been coordinating and facilitating the movement of Nepali citizens and vehicles during the process.
With movement through Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani affected, Korala has increasingly been used as an alternative route for Nepal–China movement and trade. The arrangement has not only provided immediate assistance in bringing stranded Nepali citizens back home but has also highlighted Korala’s potential as a strategic route for trade, tourism and international movement in the future.

An Historic Trade Route
Korala is not a new route. According to local historians, the area served as a major trade corridor between Tibet and the Nepali hills from the Rana period through the democratic and Panchayat eras.
At the time, Tukucha in Mustang was known as an important commercial and customs centre. Tibetan traders used to travel to Tukucha carrying salt, wool and livestock, while goods such as barley, maize, rice, sattu and brass utensils were transported from Nepal to Tibet.

This traditional salt-for-grain trade kept Mustang’s economic and social life vibrant for decades.
However, after Chinese control was established in Tibet in 1950–51, the traditional trading system gradually weakened. Growing security sensitivities along the border also brought major changes to cross-border commercial activities.

From Border Conflict to Trade Transformation
Historical records state that on June 28, 1960 (Asar 15, 2017 BS), Chinese forces opened fire on a Nepali border patrol team near Korala, killing a Nepali security personnel.
The Chinese side reportedly said at the time that the Nepali patrol had been mistaken for Tibetan rebels. Following a diplomatic protest from Nepal, China apologized for the incident and reportedly provided compensation of Rs 50,000.

Local historical accounts also state that after the political change of 1951, India established military posts in the Lomanthang and Jomsom areas. These political and security developments contributed to the gradual decline of the traditional trading structure.
As trade declined, Thakali traders, including the Sherchans of Tukucha, expanded their businesses to Kathmandu, district headquarters and markets in the Tarai. Some also operated roadside eateries and inns, which eventually evolved into the famous Thakali restaurants, hotels, lodges and modern hospitality businesses.

Roads Open New Possibilities
Efforts to operate the Korala border point and expand road connectivity had been made since the Panchayat era, but progress remained slow due to inadequate infrastructure and political instability.
Following the 2006/07 people’s movement, road networks in Mustang expanded and vehicles gradually began reaching Upper Mustang. The 2015 earthquake and subsequent blockade of southern border points further highlighted the importance of Nepal’s northern routes connecting the country with China.

Since then, the government has allocated budgets in various phases for upgrading and blacktopping the road leading to Korala. Road improvement and infrastructure development are still underway.
According to Lomanthang Rural Municipality Chairperson Tashi Norbu Gurung, representatives from Lho-Ghekar Damodar Kunda and Lomanthang rural municipalities travelled through Korala to Tibet last year after obtaining visas and visited Lhasa and Shigatse at their own expense.
He said expanded movement through Korala could create new opportunities for tourism, local trade and service industries in Upper Mustang.

Nepal’s three northern border points with China — Tatopani, Kerung and Korala — each have their own historical significance. However, the closure of Rasuwagadhi following floods and landslides in Rasuwa, the disruption of Tatopani and the subsequent use of Korala as an alternative route have further demonstrated Korala’s strategic importance.
Once a historic corridor for the salt-and-grain trade, the same route has now become an alternative gateway for bringing Nepalis stranded in China back home.
The development has provided immediate relief during the current crisis while also bringing renewed attention to Korala’s potential as a reliable route for future Nepal–China trade, tourism and international connectivity.