MUSTANG: The Korala border point in Mustang, which connects Nepal with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, has come into full operation from Sunday, according to the Mustang Customs Office.
Although the checkpoint had been open year-round only for residents of Upper Mustang since November 13, 2023, it is now fully operational for trade purposes. To expand Korala as a commercial route, the Customs Department has transferred Ramesh Khadka as Chief of the Mustang Customs Office.
Khadka said three additional staff members, two non-gazetted officers and one computer operator from Rasuwagadhi, have been deployed to the office. Together with existing staff, five personnel are now on duty for customs clearance. “All staff deputed by the department reported for duty from Sunday, and the office is fully functional,” Khadka added.
The Customs Department has begun mobilizing the border point to facilitate imports of Chinese goods. The move follows disruptions in cross-border trade after floods and landslides blocked the Rasuwagadhi border in June and Tatopani border in early July, halting the supply of Chinese goods to Nepal.
With both Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani routes closed, traders had urged the Ministry of Finance and the Customs Department to find alternative ways to ensure imports ahead of the Dashain and Tihar festivals. Responding to the request, the department has formally activated the Korala border point as a trade route.
Customs Chief Khadka noted that, unlike Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani, Korala is less likely to face frequent disruptions from landslides. “There will be no problems for imports and exports through Korala,” he assured.
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