Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chang Maoming arrived in Mustang District via the Korala border point on Saturday, October 3, 2026, Chief District Officer Ajita Sharma of Mustang, Nepal’s chief administrative officer for the district, confirmed. Ambassador Maoming reached Mustang after noon on Saturday, according to the District Administration Office, Mustang.
The detailed purpose of Ambassador Maoming’s visit to Mustang remains unknown, according to Dainik Nepal. His arrival comes as the Korala border point, a trade route with China, has faced several disruptions recently.
The Kali Gandaki Corridor’s Beni-Jomsom-Korala road section experienced floods and landslides, severing direct transport links to the Korala border from October 11, 2026, due to damage to bridges and roads. Additionally, the Korala border area saw snowfall on October 1, 2026, raising concerns about its impact on trade. As of September 28, 2026, major trade points with China, including Rasuwagadhi, Tatopani, and Korala, were blocked due to road obstructions, affecting imports ahead of the Dashain and Tihar festivals.
Korala Border: A Key Trade Route
The Korala border point, situated at an altitude of 4,660 metres (15,290 feet), is considered the lowest drivable pass between the Tibetan plateau and the Indian subcontinent. It commercially reopened on November 13, 2023, after being fully closed since 2076 BS due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to reopen the border was reached during then-Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s visit to China in early October 2023.
China has significantly invested in infrastructure on its side of the Korala border, constructing an IT-equipped customs office, quarantine facilities, housing, laboratories, warehouses, truck and container parking, and security infrastructure. Korala is Beijing’s fourth open border point with Nepal, alongside Rasuwagadhi-Kerung, Tatopani-Khasa, and Yari (Humla-Purang).
Future Cooperation and Challenges
During his visit, Ambassador Maoming reiterated China’s commitment to strengthening Nepal-China relations and collaborating on building a community with a shared future. He emphasized that China has never interfered, nor will it ever interfere, in Nepal’s internal affairs. The Ambassador also highlighted the importance of Nepal and China working together on the Himalayan ecosystem and climate change.
CDO Ajita Sharma stated that the district administrations of Myagdi and Mustang are collecting details of the damage caused by recent natural disasters and coordinating with relevant authorities for repairs. However, it remains unclear when direct transport services to the Korala border will be fully restored.
