The Kodar - Zhangmu Border has been reopened for Kailash Mansarovar and Tibet Tours from July 10, 2025. A flash flood in July 2025 destroyed the major Gyirong border crossing and the Rasuwagadhi Friendship Bridge, cutting off trade and pilgrim routes. In early July 2025, a glacial lake outburst and heavy rains triggered catastrophic flash floods along the Bhotekoshi/Lende River system, sweeping down from upstream in Tibet into the Nepal–China frontier. The floodwaters struck the Gyirong (Gyrung) Port area, devastating infrastructure and rendering the crossing impassable, over 300 individuals. Including Nepali businesspeople, Chinese workers, residents, and a few tourists, were evacuated, though at least 11 people remain missing in the Chinese portion of the affected area.
Simultaneously, on the Nepalese side at Rasuwagadhi, the flood demolished the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge, destroyed the customs dry port, buried dozens of vehicles (including newly imported electric cars), and severed the Rasuwa–Kerung trade corridor, a critical international transit route.
Rescue teams from the Nepalese Army, police, local administration, and Chinese authorities conducted evacuations using helicopters and makeshift rope-and-plank passages, saving around 150–200 people stranded between broken cliffs and submerged roads. Authorities confirmed at least nine fatalities and dozens missing as search efforts continued.
The Kodari–Zhangmu border, which had been dormant since the 2015 earthquake, was reopened temporarily to rescue stranded pilgrims and resume emergency crossing.
This reopening highlights Nepal’s strategic vulnerability and opportunity in Himalayan transit routes, serving as a critical lifeline for pilgrims and trade.
Restoration and resilience depend on urgent investment in infrastructure, effective climate adaptation, and regional coordination.
Kodari–Zhangmu: History of Closure & Reopening
The Kodari‑Zhangmu Saga
The Sino‑Nepal Friendship Bridge at Kodari-Zhangmu opened in 1964, serving as Nepal’s only official overland crossing into Tibet via the Araniko Highway and China National Highway 318
The April 2015 earthquake destroyed this crucial bridge and damaged the border towns, resulting in its closure for several years. Although a new reinforced concrete bridge was opened in June 2019, intermittent closures continued through the COVID-19 pandemic and were exacerbated by additional landslide damage.
Official passenger and trade movements resumed progressively from mid-2020 onward, although full functionality remained fragile due to monsoons and infrastructure challenges.
Emergency Reopening Kodari /Zhngmu Border Has Been Open for Kailash Mansarovar and Tibet Tour in July 2025
With Gyirong and Rasuwagadhi crossings now destroyed or unusable, stranded pilgrims, particularly a group of 23 Indian nationals at Gyirong, found themselves cut off. Within 24 hours, Nepalese authorities arranged an emergency transit corridor via Kodari, activating the long-closed crossing. The pilgrims were bused from Gyirong to Kathmandu, marking the symbolic reopening of the Kodari-Zhangmu route after nearly a decade of closure, particularly during the peak pilgrimage season.
Why This Matters: Strategic & Pilgrim Significance
The Kodari route, mainly at a lower altitude, offers a shorter, more accessible corridor compared to the Gyirong–Rasuwa or Lipulekh–Hilsa routes. Its reopening provides critical relief to stranded pilgrims and goods transport, especially when other crossings fail.
Trade & Connectivity Impact
The flood’s destruction of the Rasuwagadhi bridge disrupted all China–Nepal overland trade through the northern corridor. The emergency use of Kodari has temporarily restored people's movement, but trucking and logistics remain constrained. Freight now diverts through Tatopani–Khasa or via India, adding days and logistical friction.
Climate Vulnerability Lesson
Experts cite glacial lake systems and climate‑driven melt as root causes—a phenomenon now recurring with intensifying frequency in the Himalayas. The disaster underscores the need for robust cross-border disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure.
The Pilgrim Story: Stranded and Rescued
The Indian pilgrims, first to signal distress, were stranded at Gyirong after the local Miteri Bridge collapsed, leaving them unable to return via the usual overland route. Faced with skyrocketing flight costs and limited vegetarian food options, they appealed through social channels. The Indian Embassy coordinated with Nepal and China to secure permission for emergency passage through Kodari. Within hours, the group was safely escorted to Kathmandu by bus, a milestone in cross-border humanitarian coordination.
Infrastructure Aftermath & Repair Outlook
Damage Assessment in Rasuwa
The Rasuwagadhi Friendship Bridge and surrounding customs and hydropower infrastructure were swept away. Over 120 km of roads on both sides of the border were damaged, along with cracks in multiple segments.
Repairs & Partial Reopening Scenarios
Authorities have launched damage assessment and recovery efforts, but road restoration is expected to take weeks or months. Chinese and Nepalese governments have begun consultations to build emergency access and expedite reconstruction. But until permanent repairs are completed, Kodari remains the only viable route for cross-border movement.
What Pilgrims & Traders Should Know
Kodari route accessible again – but only for emergency transit; full tour and trade permits may still require validation.
Gyirong remains closed indefinitely, with impassable roads and collapsed infrastructure.
Travel agencies must adapt itineraries, possibly rerouting via Kodari or redirecting pilgrims through Tatopani–Khasa if mountain roads are unstable.
Expect delays, permits, and logistical changes, including longer road diversions, permit revalidation, and group coordination requirements.
Pack accordingly for monsoon travel: waterproof gear, contingency plans, and flexible flight bookings.
Broader Implications
Nepal’s inclusion in route decisions is critical. While India and China have developed alternate corridors bypassing Nepal (e.g., Lipulekh), Nepal’s interest in transit sovereignty and economic benefit through Kodari–Zhangmu is now evident. The flood relief and reopening highlight the country’s strategic potential and vulnerability on the Himalayan transit routes.
Climate & Infrastructure Policy
The flood serves as a wake-up call to strengthen early warning systems, invest in climate-resilient roads and bridges, and coordinate with China at higher altitudes. Hydrological monitoring and contingency planning must become routine for border management agencies.
Tourism & Economic Recovery
The reutilisation of Kodari port, although temporary, prevents a potential revenue collapse. Tour operators are realigning packages and passenger flows; traders are redirecting cargo; and hotels and the transport sector are gaining a lifeline. Yet long-term recovery hinges on restoring full corridor function.
