The Korala entry point on the Nepal-China border has been reopened for trade for 15 days.

Korala lies in the northern part of Upper Mustang. As the area sees snowfall from mid-September, locals need to maintain a stock of essentials for winter before it. In June, China had announced to open the border for a trade fair for 25 days but it was shut after two weeks citing mismanagement. Local people want the point open all year round.

Officials from both sides said the border was reopened at the request of local traders. Mustang residents have started heading towards Korala, Lomanthang VDC secretary Ghyurmi Bangyal Bista said.

The government has initiated the process to construct the infrastructure for establishing a border outpost in the area. The move comes in the wake of China’s announcement that the border crossing could be opened permanently in future provided that Nepal assures security in the region.