The Chinese border crossing in upper Dolpa, a remote Himalayan region of Nepal, is set to reopen for 20 days starting Shrawan 25 (August 9). This temporary opening follows last year’s similar reopening after the covid-19 pandemic.
According to assistant Chief District Officer Damodar Gyawali, the Morimla border point, used by locals for generations, will open for a limited period, allowing trade and access between Nepal and Tibet.
Security to be deployed during border operation
To prevent illegal activities and maintain order during the border opening, Nepal police and armed police force personnel will be deployed. Gyawali said that local municipalities and yarsagumba traders had requested security arrangements, and the administration is prepared to dispatch forces accordingly.
“So far, the district administration office has issued 2,200 border entry passes for the crossing,” he added.
Discussions held with Chinese officials
According to Pemma Wangchen Gurung, vice chair of Shey Phoksundo rural municipality, the opening date was finalized only after discussions with officials from Dongba prefecture under Shigatse county, Tibet.
Last year, the border was opened for 15 days starting on Shrawan 17. This year, the trade window has been extended to 20 days.
Border trade benefits and dependency
The Morimla border has long served as a lifeline for the people of upper Dolpa, allowing them to buy essential goods, clothing, and machinery at affordable prices. Given Dolpa’s geographical isolation and lack of road connectivity, transportation of goods from within Nepal is expensive and difficult. As a result, locals purchase Chinese products in bulk, enough to last them a year.
However, the trade is largely one-sided. While upper Dolpa imports a significant amount of Chinese goods, there is very little export in return due to a lack of local commercial products. This results in millions of rupees flowing to the Chinese market each year.
Temporary market set up by Chinese traders
During the border opening, Chinese traders set up large tents near the crossing to sell various products. Nepal’s main export during this time is the valuable medicinal herb yarsagumba, which fetches higher prices in China than in Nepal.
Currently, traders report that premium yarsagumba can sell for up to rs 3 million per kilogram in the market.
Still isolated from national road network
Upper Dolpa remains disconnected from Nepal’s national road network. Residents must travel on foot, and goods are transported using mules, yaks, or chauris (mountain cattle). The region includes three local municipalities: Shey Phoksundo, Dolpo Buddha, and Chharka Tangsong.
