Korala border crossing sees surge in trade and tourism

The Korala border crossing in Mustang has emerged as a vital transit point for trade and tourism following disruptions at the Rasuwagadhi border. According to Gorkhapatra, the closure of the Rasuwagadhi route due to flood damage in the Bhote Koshi River on 26 August 2026 has diverted a significant volume of cargo, including heavy containers and electric vehicles, toward the Kaligandaki corridor.

This shift has invigorated local economies along the Maldhunga-Beni-Jomsom-Korala road. Business owners in Myagdi and Mustang report increased activity in hotels, restaurants, and small shops as drivers and tourists traverse the route. Local farmers, such as Deepak Acharya from Parbat, noted that the influx of visitors has doubled the demand for local agricultural produce. However, Suvin Shrestha, president of the Myagdi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that while the crossing offers a major opportunity, the government must prioritize road upgrades and infrastructure development to fully realize its potential.

Infrastructure and safety concerns

Despite the economic uptick, the current state of the road remains a significant hurdle. Ratopati reported that the route from Pokhara to the border is narrow and in poor condition, complicating logistics for traders. The outlet further argued that the state needs to implement a comprehensive development plan for the region. Proposed measures include dividing the road into manageable construction sections, improving landslide prevention, and enforcing stricter traffic management, such as scheduling vehicle movement based on safety assessments.

Ratopati also suggested that the government should explore alternative routes, such as tunnels or riverbank paths, to bypass sensitive terrain between Kagbeni and Lomanthang. There are calls for establishing a dedicated management center in Kagbeni to handle customs, parking, and information services, ensuring that development does not compromise the region's cultural and environmental integrity.

While the surge in traffic has provided a much-needed boost to the tourism sector—which had been dampened by recent flood-related anxieties—stakeholders remain cautious. Hotel operators like Baburam Acharya pointed out that while business is returning to its former rhythm, the total number of tourists remains lower than in previous years due to lingering fears of natural disasters. Business owners like Indra Singh Sherchan added that while the increased traffic has positively impacted local hospitality, the overall volume of trade has yet to meet the high expectations held by the local business community.