Mustang — Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming arrived in Lomanthang, Upper Mustang, on Saturday with a seven-member delegation, travelling through the Korala border point.
Mustang Chief District Officer Ajita Sharma confirmed the ambassador’s arrival through Korala but said detailed information about the purpose and schedule of the visit had not been formally received.
The ambassador is on a three-day visit to Lomanthang. The delegation includes five Chinese nationals, and the team is scheduled to return to China through the Korala border point.
According to Tashi Norbu Gurung, chairperson of Lomanthang Rural Municipality, the visit is focused on observing the situation and conditions around the Korala border crossing.
The visit comes at a significant time for Nepal’s northern trade routes. With the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung and Tatopani border points affected by recent disruptions and flood damage, there have been growing calls to bring the Korala border point into greater operation as an alternative trade route.
The Rasuwagadhi-Kerung route was severely affected by flooding along the Bhotekoshi River, while the Tatopani crossing has also remained disrupted. The situation has increased pressure on Nepal-China trade and highlighted the importance of alternative northern routes.
The Korala crossing, located in Mustang, has gained renewed attention because of its potential role in supporting cross-border trade and easing supply difficulties while other major Nepal-China routes remain affected.
The Chinese ambassador’s visit is therefore being viewed as significant for border connectivity, trade facilitation and Nepal-China economic cooperation, particularly as authorities work to restore northern trade routes and strengthen alternative crossings.
