Heavy snowfall in Upper Mustang has stopped operations at the Korala border crossing, disrupting trade between Nepal and China.
Due to ongoing issues at Nepal’s other northern border points, the Mustang-Korala crossing had become the main trade route with China.
After several days of rain, heavy snowfall blanketed Lo Manthang and nearby areas in Upper Mustang, leading to the closure of the Korala border and halting the flow of goods.
Department of Customs Director General Yamlal Bhusal reported no significant physical damage at the border from the bad weather. However, snow accumulation around the customs office has made cargo transport and customs clearance challenging.
“Snow has piled up around the customs office,” Bhusal noted, adding that commercial activity and cargo transport could be disrupted for one to two days.
This disruption is particularly tough for Nepalese traders, as the Korala crossing had been handling more cargo following prolonged closures at the Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani border points due to floods and landslides.
Rasuwagadhi has been closed since severe floods on August 26, while the Tatopani crossing has faced significant disruptions from landslides on the Araniko Highway.
Consequently, the Korala route has become increasingly vital for transporting goods from China. Earlier in September, customs officials noted a surge in cargo traffic through the crossing after freight was redirected from the closed routes.
Over 200 containers are currently stranded at the Mustang Customs yard due to heavy snowfall and road blockages in the Korala area. The Jomsom-Korala road has been affected by landslides, falling rocks, and heavy snow, further restricting transport.
This latest disruption raises concerns among traders as Dashain and Tihar, Nepal’s peak commercial season, approach. Goods from China, such as electric vehicles, clothing, footwear, electronics, and other consumer products, are in high demand during this festival period.
Traders warn that extended disruptions to northern border routes could increase transportation costs, delay shipments, and create uncertainty regarding the availability and prices of goods in the domestic market.
With major northern trade routes facing weather-related issues, the recent snowfall in Upper Mustang highlights the vulnerability of Nepal-China overland trade to extreme weather and challenging Himalayan conditions.