China has formally proposed making the Korola border point in Mustang district, Gandaki province, an international crossing for one year, a move welcomed by Nepali officials and former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai. Bhattarai urged Nepal’s “young leadership” to focus on developing the route, as all major Nepal-China border crossings face closures or severe disruptions ahead of the Dashain and Tihar festivals.
Bhattarai, who is also the chairman of the Nepal Samajwadi Party, stated on social media that the proposal to make the Korola border point an international crossing is welcome. He argued that such a move could lay the groundwork for Nepal’s economy to become a “dynamic bridge” connecting the value chains of its two large neighbours, India and China. He stressed the importance of strategic understanding among the leadership of all three countries.
Major border points disrupted
Nepal-China trade has been severely affected by natural disasters impacting all three major border points: Tatopani, Rasuwagadhi, and Korola. The Rasuwagadhi border point was completely damaged by a massive flood on Bhadra 10, 2083 (August 26, 2026), making its immediate reopening unlikely. The Tatopani border point, while having a clear road on the Nepali side, remains affected by landslides and what Nepali officials describe as reluctance from the Chinese side, which cited landslide risks for its closure without formal notification to Nepal.
The Korola border point, which connects Mustang district in Gandaki province, has also seen its access road blocked between Asar 8-11, 2083 (September 24-27, 2026), due to floods, landslides, and heavy snowfall. This has left an estimated 500 to 700 containers stranded on the Chinese side, carrying billions of rupees worth of goods intended for the upcoming festive season. This situation threatens to cause market shortages and price increases across Nepal.
China proposes Korola’s international status
In response to the disruptions, China has formally proposed making the Korola border point an international crossing for a period of one year. The proposal, which also includes an offer of cooperation in infrastructure development, was sent to Nepal’s Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport this week, around October 2, 2026. Nepali officials have welcomed this initiative.
The Kaligandaki Corridor (Maldhunga-Beni-Jomsom-Korola road section), which serves as the primary access route to Korola, has seen most of its obstructions cleared. Authorities anticipate the road will be fully operational within a week, by October 2, 2026.
The Korola border point is historically significant, considered the lowest-altitude driveable route between the Tibetan plateau and the Indian subcontinent. It was opened for commercial purposes on Bhadra 21, 2082 (September 6, 2025), as an alternative route after the closure of Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani. The Beni-Jomsom-Korola road, construction of which began in 2054 (1997-98), became fully commercially operational on Kartik 27, 2080 (November 13, 2023), after 26 years of development.
Government efforts and future outlook
The Nepali government is intensifying diplomatic efforts to resume operations at the Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi border points. A team led by a joint secretary from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has conducted on-site inspections and held discussions with Chinese counterparts. The government aims to reopen the Tatopani border point before Dashain.
Nepal has also proposed opening 13 additional traditional border points with China, with discussions underway to open seven of them in the first phase. While the proposal for Korola’s temporary international status is a positive step, detailed plans for its long-term internationalization and comprehensive infrastructure development are yet to be made public. The Korola customs office on the Nepali side still lacks adequate physical structures, sufficient manpower, and reliable software/networking facilities.
