Mustang, Oct 6: Korala checkpoint has been developed as a touristic destination since last few years. Number of domestic tourists visiting Korala border point has started increasing every year due to easy and smooth vehicular movement along national pride project (Beni-Jomsom-Korala). Korala check point is located at 4,610 meters above the sea level.
Of the total number of domestic tourists who reach Muktinath and Mustang, 50 per cent of them used to visit Korala checkpoint. The domestic tourists used to visit Upper Mustang and Korala check point after paying homage to Muktinath temple. However, the foreign tourists who get permission to visit Upper Mustang area after paying 500 US dollar are not allowed to reach the border point. The foreign tourists could not cross the APF’s Border Outpost located at Lomanthang-2 due to security sensitivity.
According to the District Police Office, number of tourists visiting Mustang has increased after Dashain festival despite forecast of adverse weather. Total 6,173 domestic tourists and 688 foreign tourists entered Mustang in two days (October 3 and 4), said Deputy Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, Tshering Kippa Lama.
Similarly, 2,217 vehicles entered Mustang during the same period. In-charge of the APF Border Out Post, Nhechung, Police Inspector Bishnu Hari Thapa, shared that the number of domestic tourists visiting the Nepal-China northern check point, Korala checkpoint, has increased remarkably after Dashain.
He added that 1,500 domestic tourists had visited Korala checkpoint daily on October 3 and 4 as well as 1,702 domestic tourists entered Korala border point on October 5. A total of 126 four wheelers and 224 two-wheelers had reached the APF’s check post at Nhechung, stated Thapa.
People reaching Korala checkpoint have been found facing health issues due to cold and high-altitude. An arrangement has been made where the vehicles should enter the checkpoint at 7:00 am and exit at 4:00 pm from today onwards.
