Challenges Facing Nepal’s Border Crossings with China: Why Are They Not Fully Reliable?
Following the Trishuli-Bhotekoshi floods that completely destroyed Nepal’s main international border crossing to China at Rasuwagadhi, questions have arisen about the future of bilateral trade. During the catastrophic disaster on Bhadra 10 (August 26), the Tatopani crossing was already closed due to landslides and had been shut for over one and a half months. Although the Korala crossing in Mustang was inaugurated a few years ago as the third major international border point, it has not seen widespread use because of its remote location and limited facilities. Customs Department spokesperson Kishor Bartola stated, “There are nine customs offices operating towards China, but only the three main international customs points (Rasuwagadhi, Tatopani, and Korala) are utilized for significant trade volumes.”
Officials have also identified customs offices at other crossings including Yari in Humla, Larke in Gorkha, Lamabagar in Dolakha, Olangchungola in Taplejung, Kimathanka in Sankhuwasabha, and Nagchhelagma in Mugu. Bartola added, “Apart from the international crossings, the goods brought through these customs are typically of a scale that people can carry on their backs or transport using animals. In some locations, there is no road access, and in others, the customs offices are located far from the border, closer to district administrative centers.”
Due to significant congestion at the Korala crossing, large containers destined for China that remain stranded have no alternative routes, leading to increased use of this crossing compared to previous years. The Mustang customs office had set a revenue collection target of NPR 900 million for the fiscal year 2083/84 (2026/27), which was achieved within three months. Bartola remarked, “All the pressure and traffic that used to pass through Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani is now concentrated at Korala.”
To address the unexpected surge at Korala, authorities have deployed five times more manpower than usual to ensure effective operation of the border. However, because this crossing is located far from Kathmandu, traders have indicated that they are also diverting shipments via maritime routes. Bartola explained, “Geographically, the region consists mainly of mountains and ridges. The same challenges are faced on the Chinese side as well.”