Surkhet, Aug. 22 -- Pasang Chhomten Lama from ward 4 of Namkha Rural Municipality in Humla has been crossing the border into China's Taklakot for work for nearly 11 years. When the Hilsa border point remained closed for four years due to the Covid pandemic, his family's livelihood was greatly affected.

"It is the Nepalis who carry loads, load and unload trucks, and repair roads there," said Pasang. "One can earn up to Rs150,000 a month doing such work, which is why Taklakot has become the main destination for us Humlis."

Pasang has already received a border pass from the district administration office in Humla and is preparing to leave again in two weeks.

Like him, Lokjung Budha of ward 7 of Simkot Rural Municipality is also making arr...