Chinese cargo shifts to Korala as Rasuwa border route remains shut

Mustang, August 31, 2026 — Chinese cargo and container trucks previously using the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border crossing are increasingly being diverted through the Korala border in Mustang after devastating floods destroyed infrastructure along the Rasuwa route.

The Armed Police Force checkpost in Jomsom recorded 66 cargo containers heading toward Korala by Sunday evening. Officials said the number of containers using the alternative route has increased since the Rasuwagadhi crossing was forced to close following the floods.

Container driver Kumar Devkota said goods that had originally been scheduled to enter Nepal through Rasuwagadhi were being rerouted via Korala, prompting transport operators to use the Mustang crossing instead.

The increase in traffic is placing greater pressure on Korala, which has increasingly served as an alternative gateway for Nepal-China trade when disruptions affect other northern border points.

The Mustang Customs Office collected Rs 6.92 billion in revenue during the fiscal year 2025/26 after the Korala border was brought into operation as an alternative trade route.

Revenue collection has continued in the current fiscal year. The customs office collected Rs 290 million during the first month, Shrawan, according to officials.

Mustang Customs Office Chief Bidur Chudal said the office has an approved staff strength of 18, but only 12 employees are currently working there.

The growing diversion of cargo comes after the flood severely damaged infrastructure along the Rasuwagadhi corridor, disrupting one of Nepal's major trade routes with China.

The shift to Korala could provide a temporary alternative for importers and transport operators while the Rasuwa route remains inaccessible. However, a prolonged increase in cargo traffic could put additional pressure on customs operations, roads and transport facilities at Korala.

Authorities could therefore face the need to expand staffing, customs-processing capacity and transport infrastructure at the Mustang crossing if the Rasuwagadhi route remains closed for an extended period.