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KATMANDU, NEPAL, August 13, 2003: China and Nepal are hoping to increase trade and tourism through the possible opening of two ancient Himalayan crossings and allowing helicopters to travel from Nepal to Mt. Kailas, a major Hindu pilgrimage site in Tibet. An agreement to make tourism easier was signed last week by a visiting delegation from Chinese-ruled Tibet and Nepal’s tourism and Civil Aviation Ministry, although any deal still needs approval from Beijing, officials said. Nepal has only one land crossing with Tibet. But officials say Nepal wants to increase trade and sees a new urgency as Beijing and New Delhi move to reopen an international border between Tibet and the Indian state of Sikkim just east of the kingdom. Nepal imports $83.3 million worth of goods each year through its Kodari border post with Tibet and earns around $20 million in customs revenue, according to official figures. The proposed new border posts would be at Kerung and Nangpa La, 140 miles and 160 miles, respectively, northeast of Katmandu. HPI adds: A report has been received from Alan Tait (avalan@net-tech.com.au) that the Chinese government in Tibet plans to build a modern road around Kailas. Anyone having additional information on the road please e-mail hpi@hindu.org.

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