The Tatopani border point, located in Sindhupalchok district, has reopened for three days, from October 18 to 20, exclusively for cargo vehicles, according to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. However, traders are urging the government to ensure the regular operation of the border crossing, citing significant economic losses and disruptions to festival-targeted trade.
Ramchandra Parajuli, General Secretary of the Nepal Trans-Himalayan Border Commerce Association, stated that the association has submitted a letter of concern to the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, demanding the immediate and regular operation of the Tatopani-Khasa border point. “We have demanded regular operation, not just for three days,” Parajuli said.
The temporary reopening aims to ease the supply of essential goods and festival-related items into Nepal, as confirmed by Dipendra Prakash Giri, chief of the Tatopani Customs Office. Over 45 containers are currently awaiting entry into Nepal at Nyalam in China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, with long queues also reported in the Liping and Kodari areas, according to Buddharaj Basnet, President of the Sindhupalchok Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Impact on festival trade and perishable goods
The closure of the border has left hundreds of containers, carrying goods from China, stranded on both sides of the border. This has severely impacted festival-targeted trade for Dashain and Tihar, leading to substantial financial losses for businesses. Among the stranded items are perishable goods, agricultural products, and seasonal merchandise, increasing the risk of spoilage and further economic damage to small traders.
The Nepal Trans-Himalayan Border Commerce Association warned that this situation could lead to a shortage of goods in the Nepali market. The association emphasized that the Tatopani border remains a practical and effective route for cross-border trade, especially given recent severe weather events that have caused damage and obstructions to other land routes.
Roads cleared, awaiting Chinese decision on regular operation
Parajuli confirmed that relevant Nepali road authorities and local stakeholders have cleared obstructions on the roads and restored safe passage. He stated that the roads are fully operational for customs clearance and vehicle movement, underscoring the need for regular border operations.
China had fully closed the Tatopani border on Bhadra 15 (BS) until further notice. This closure followed severe flooding in the Bhotekoshi River on Bhadra 10 (BS), which damaged various settlements in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. Prior to the 2015 earthquake, the Tatopani border was the sole point for bilateral trade between Nepal and China. The closure after the earthquake led to an increased importance of the Rasuwagadhi border point.
Despite the three-day reopening, the lack of a clear decision on regular operation continues to pose challenges for trade with China and the management of festival-targeted supplies, according to traders. The Chinese side has not yet made any explicit decision regarding the regular operation of the Tatopani border point.
