Sep 27, Kathmandu- Tibet is considered to be the main commercial center of the Chumanuvri area of North Gorkha. People go to buy all the necessary things like food, clothes, etc. Their geographical closeness to the Gorkha headquarters links their trade and commerce with Tibet. However, they are restricted from buying things whenever they want.

The Chinese government permits the opening of only three checkpoints annually. Ruila Naka, located on the Samagaon side, remains accessible for a duration of 15 days, while Nguila Naka, situated on the Chhaikampar side, is open for one month. Concurrently, the residents of Chumanuwri travel to Tibet to procure essential materials during this timeframe.

This year, the Chinese government has temporarily closed the gates. Both gates were reopened on Bhadra 5. During this closure, the residents of North Gorkha have successfully procured essential materials from Tibet for a duration of one year.

Tibet Naka, which had remained closed since the onset of the Covid pandemic, has finally reopened after a five-year hiatus. The Chinese government had not permitted access since 2016. Nima Lama, the president of Chumanuwri village, expressed that the local community was overjoyed at the reopening of the Naka after such an extended period.

"Before the pandemic, Nguila Naka in Chhekampar was accessible year-round," she said, "This year, the Naka reopened after Covid, but it was subsequently closed again after just one month. There are hopes that it will be possible for the locals to maintain the Naka's accessibility for the entire year."

The residents of the region have consistently been urging the government to reopen the Tibet border crossing on an annual basis.

Mingmar Lama, a local from Samagaon, expressed that procuring essential daily items from Tibet is quite convenient. "If the border is reopened, the locals will have the opportunity to import goods from Tibet," he said, "Some individuals may be able to do this three or four times."

Residents also transport yarshagumba, wild garlic, and traditional garments adorned with silver studs for sale during their trips to Tibet. In regions lacking a developed road network, mules, oxen, yaks, and horses are employed for the transportation of goods. Locals express concerns regarding the limited time frame for border openings, stating that a year-round open border would facilitate the purchase and mailing of everyday consumer items. Furthermore, the Chinese government requires a border pass issued by the Citizenship and Administration Office for those collecting goods.