Korala Pass Proposed as New Gateway to Kailash Mansarovar

Authorities in Mustang have launched an initiative to open a new trans-Himalayan route linking Nepal’s Korala Pass with the holy site of Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet.

A delegation of local representatives from Lomanthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda rural municipalities reached Dhongwachen in China to discuss the proposal to open a religious and tourism route linking Mansarovar via Korala.

According to Lomanthang Rural Municipality Chairperson Tasi Nurbhu Gurung, the team coordinated with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Immigration before leaving for China on Friday to hold talks with Tibetan representatives and officials.

The 13-member delegation includes Lomanthang Vice Chairperson Chyumi Bista and Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda Vice Chairperson Chhiring Lhomo Gurung. Chairperson Gurung said the visit was funded personally by the local representatives.

“We are here to explore the possibility of opening a religious and tourism route connecting Mansarovar through Korala in coordination with officials from Nepal and China,” said Gurung. “If successful, this initiative will open a new dimension for tourism, cultural ties, and economic prosperity in Gandaki Province and Nepal as a whole.”

Gurung said the proposed route would be shorter than the current Lhasa route and more convenient than the Humla route, which lacks proper road infrastructure. The new route is expected to make pilgrimage travel easier for both Nepali and Indian devotees visiting Kailash Mansarovar, while also allowing Chinese Buddhist pilgrims to reach Lumbini through Korala. According to him, Mansarovar lies about 300 kilometers from Korala, and Lhasa is about 1,000 kilometers away.

Suvin Shrestha, president of the Myagdi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the Korala route would provide a more accessible and affordable alternative for pilgrims compared to the existing route through Humla, which involves difficult terrain and limited transport facilities. At present, each pilgrim spends over Rs 200,000 using the Indian route, whereas the new route through Korala could significantly reduce travel costs.

The Korala Pass was opened for cross-border trade for Mustang residents on November 13, 2023. An immigration office was established there last year, and after the closure of the Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi checkpoints this year due to natural disasters, Nepal’s trade with China has increasingly shifted to the Korala border point.

Pilgrims can reach the Korala checkpoint by air or road from Pokhara and Kathmandu. From Kathmandu, it takes about 25 minutes by air to Pokhara, another 25-minute flight to Jomsom, and then a 96-kilometer drive via Lomanthang — a journey of around four and a half hours — to reach Korala.

From the Nechung-Lizi Customs Office, it is about 58 kilometers to Zhombachen in China’s Shigatse Prefecture, and from there, a further 300-kilometer drive — approximately six hours — to reach Kailash Mansarovar. Gurung said the Tibetan region has a well-developed road network and modern transport facilities, making the journey comfortable.

Mount Kailash, revered in Hinduism as the abode of Lord Shiva, stands at an altitude of 6,603 meters above sea level. Hindus believe that circumambulating Mount Kailash brings great spiritual merit, while bathing in Lake Mansarovar grants salvation.

According to Immigration Office Chief Pravesh Baduwal, Nepal has a policy of granting a free 150-day on-arrival visa to foreign nationals, including Chinese visitors. However, the government’s USD 500 entry fee for foreigners visiting Upper Mustang remains a major obstacle to promoting tourism in the region. -- RSS