Kathmandu, Sept. 17 -- The reopening of the Tatopani border point in the north appears highly unlikely before the festive season, as traders urge the government to negotiate with Beijing for its early reopening.

Traders say the closure has put pressure on the Korala border point in Mustang and driven up transport costs. September is the peak period for imports of festival-targeted goods, including electric vehicles, electronics, and apples from China.

The devastation caused by the August 26 Bhotekoshi floods has stalled trade through the Rasuwagadhi border, after much of the infrastructure there was destroyed. With Tatopani already closed, pressure has shifted to Korala. Traders fear that delays in consignments could affect festive-seas...