Kerung–Rasuwa Border Crossing: Dry-Season Repair Targets March 2027 Completion

The Kerung–Rasuwa crossing, the primary land gateway for Kailash Manasarovar pilgrims and overland tourists, is undergoing its most extensive repair since the 2015 earthquake. August floods scoured the Trishuli gorge, taking out three major bridges on the Nepali side and undermining 12 kilometres of the Tibetan highway between the border and Kyirong town.

Current status by segment

**Nepal side (Timure to border, 15 km):** The Department of Roads has restored single-lane traffic with Bailey bridges at the two largest washouts. Convoy escort runs at 07:00, 11:00, and 15:00 daily. Permanent two-lane bridges are under fabrication in Kathmandu; installation is scheduled for January–March 2027, requiring full weekend closures.

**Border checkpoint:** The Rasuwa Gadhi immigration facility sustained foundation damage to the main building. Temporary container offices are processing the limited cross-border freight currently permitted. Full facility reconstruction is budgeted but not yet tendered.

**Tibet side (border to Kyirong, 28 km):** Chinese contractors have completed subgrade repair on 19 kilometres. The remaining nine kilometres include two bridge replacements and a 400-metre landslide zone requiring mesh and rock bolts. Work crews are operating 10-hour shifts; the target for full two-lane restoration is 15 March 2027.

Implications for helicopter operations

The Nalinchowk Heliport in Kathmandu remains the primary staging point for charter flights to Simikot and Hilsa. With the road corridor unreliable, helicopter demand for Kailash logistics — moving supplies, staff, and emergency evacuations — is expected to exceed 2023 levels. Our Skyscape division has contracted an additional H125 for the May–September 2027 window, based at Simikot with a forward fuel cache at Hilsa.

Pilots should note: the Kyirong helipad (elevation 2,700 m) is operational but unlit. The approach from the north crosses the Trishuli gorge at 3,200 m with limited forced-landing options. CAAN has not yet published updated approach plates for the repaired corridor; operators are flying visual routes based on pre-flood surveys.

Booking guidance

Guests holding 2026 deposits have been offered first refusal on 2027 dates. New bookings open 15 November 2026. The deposit schedule (15% / 35% / 50%) is designed to align with the three key milestones: Chinese border opening announcement (January), Nepali bridge completion (March), and monsoon onset (June).

We will publish a corridor status bulletin on the first Monday of each month through April 2027.