Pulan Border Port in Tibet

Pulan Border Port (普兰口岸) is located in Pulan County (普兰县), in the southeastern part of Ali Prefecture (阿里地区), Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区). It is a second-class land border port with both land and water routes, and it includes multiple mountain passes (21 external mountain passes) and waterway bridges. The port is situated near the Kongque River (孔雀河), which connects Pulan County to neighboring countries. It connects to India via the Qiangla Pass (强拉山口) and Nepal via Xierwa Port (斜尔瓦口岸).

The port, which was restored in 1992, serves as a significant gateway for trade between China, Nepal, and India, and is one of the main ports for trade and cultural exchange in western Tibet.

Geographic Location

Pulan Border Port (普兰口岸) is situated on the southern slopes of the Himalayas (喜马拉雅山脉) in Pulan County, which borders both Nepal (尼泊尔) and India (印度). The area is an important passage for pilgrims heading to the sacred sites of Mount Kailash (冈仁波齐峰) and Lake Manasarovar (玛旁雍错), both located in northern Pulan County. These sacred destinations are essential for Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims from neighboring regions, especially India.

The climate in Pulan County is mild, and the area is rich in tourism resources, making it an ideal destination for travelers. It attracts numerous pilgrims, especially during the Tibetan Year of the Horse (藏历马年), when thousands of devotees make pilgrimages to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.

History of Development

Pulan Border Port (普兰口岸) has a long history of trade, dating back to when Pulan was part of a traditional trade route between China, Nepal, and India. Pulan County has been a crucial location for cross-border trade for centuries, with 24 ancient trade routes radiating out to various mountain passes in the Himalayas.

The port officially opened in 1954 but was closed in 1962 following the deterioration of Sino-Indian relations and a military conflict. After being closed for three decades, it was reopened in 1992 by mutual agreement between the governments of China and India. Since then, Pulan has become a key gateway for trade between Tibet and neighboring countries.

Border Trade Market

Historically, Pulan Border Port (普兰口岸) facilitated small-scale border trade between China, Nepal, and India, primarily involving agricultural products, wood, salt, and wool. The annual trade volume reached around 1 million yuan (RMB) in the early 1960s. However, due to its remote location and limited infrastructure, large-scale trade activities were not possible.

In recent years, the port has resumed trade with a growing volume of goods, including daily necessities and handicrafts, contributing significantly to the local economy. In 2024, the total trade volume of Pulan Port exceeded 20 million yuan (RMB), with more than 15,000 border travelers crossing annually.

Infrastructure and Challenges

Although Pulan Port (普兰口岸) has been a crucial trade route, its infrastructure remains underdeveloped. There is still no permanent inspection facility at the port, and equipment used for customs inspections is outdated. Currently, the port is only open seasonally, with customs officers and border patrols stationed during peak trade periods, typically between July and September.

The local government and the Ali Regional Trade and Economic Commission (阿里地区经贸委) manage the port, but improvements in infrastructure, such as modern customs facilities and transport networks, are still needed to facilitate smoother cross-border trade and tourism.

Future Prospects

Despite these challenges, Pulan Port (普兰口岸) has a promising future due to its strategic location and growing regional trade. The port serves as an important gateway for both trade and religious pilgrimages and will likely continue to develop as a hub for cultural and economic exchanges between China, Nepal, and India.

As of 2024, the port processed a trade volume exceeding 20 million yuan (RMB), and over 15,000 border residents and travelers crossed it annually, signifying its growing role in the region. However, ongoing investment in infrastructure and seasonal operations will be key to unlocking the full potential of this border port.

Pulan Border Port (普兰口岸) is located in Pulan County (普兰县) in the southeastern part of Ali Prefecture (阿里地区), Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区). It differs from single-channel ports like Gyirong Port (吉隆口岸) and Khorgas Port (霍尔果斯口岸) in that it is a special port with both land and water routes. The port consists of several mountain passes, waterway bridges, and related border trade markets, rather than being a junction for the three-country border. Pulan County lies along the Kongque River (孔雀河) and connects India through Qiangla Pass (强拉山口), and Nepal through Dingkara Pass (丁嘎山口). There are also numerous smaller paths leading south to Nepal, and it is historically significant as a center for trade between China, Nepal, and India.

Key Mountain Passes and Routes

Qiangla Pass (强拉山口)

Qiangla Pass is one of the most important mountain passes connecting Tibet and India. Located about 30 km southwest of Pulan County, at an elevation of 5334 meters, it is part of the Himalayas (喜马拉雅山脉). The pass serves as a trade route for Tibetan and Indian merchants and is historically significant as a branch of the Silk Road. Pilgrims traveling to the sacred sites of Mount Kailash (冈仁波齐峰) and Lake Manasarovar (玛旁雍错) in Tibet also use this route.

In 1992, the governments of China and India reopened Qiangla Pass for border trade after it was closed following the 1962 Sino-Indian War. It is open from June to September, with India exporting goods like sugar, soybeans, spices, and flour. China imports wool, borax, and other local products.

Dingkara Pass (丁嘎山口)

Located to the east of Qiangla Pass, Dingkara Pass sits at an elevation of 4700 meters. This pass is used primarily for trade with Nepal and has long been a vital route for cross-border commerce. While there are differing opinions about which pass should be the main border crossing between the three countries, Nepal prefers Qiangla Pass, and India supports Dingkara Pass.

Berlinla Pass (柏林拉山口)

The Berlinla Pass is situated farther east and also connects Tibet to Nepal. This pass is more distant from Qiangla and Dingkara but remains an important route for trade and travel.

Xierwa Waterway (斜尔瓦水路)

The Xierwa Waterway connects Pulan County to Nepal’s Hilsa Village (柚莎村). Located about 25 km from Pulan County, the Kongque River (孔雀河) forms the natural boundary between the two countries. The river is only about 4 meters wide at this point, and a cable bridge built by Nepal facilitates easy cross-border communication and trade. During the winter months, Hilsa Village is quiet, with only a few families, but the area becomes busier during the peak seasons. Nepalese traders frequently cross the river, and Nepali pilgrims use the village as a base for visits to Mount Kailash.

Ma’you Bridge (马攸桥)

Ma’you Bridge sits at an elevation of 4960 meters, with the nearby Lambala mountain reaching 5360 meters. It serves as an important connection to nearby Indian villages, including Hol and Payang. Ma’you Bridge sees an influx of activity during the summer months, especially with traders and pilgrims passing through.

Border Trade and Cultural Significance

Historical Trade Hub

The Pulan Border Port has a long history as a cross-border trade hub, dating back over 500 years. Pulan has been a traditional meeting point for merchants from China, India, and Nepal. Historically, it was a focal point of the Himalayan trade routes, where goods such as wool, salt, and cattle were exchanged. The region’s Kongque River and several mountain passes have provided access to Nepal and India, with Pulan serving as the center of the trade networks for centuries.

Pilgrimage Routes

Beyond its role as a commercial hub, Pulan is also significant as a pilgrimage route. Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar are considered among the holiest sites in Hinduism and Buddhism. Pilgrims traveling to these sacred sites often pass through Pulan and its surrounding routes, adding a spiritual dimension to the port’s cultural importance.

Modernization and Development

Since reopening in 1992, Pulan Border Port has grown in importance as a key trade and pilgrimage route, though it still faces challenges due to limited infrastructure. The port remains operational seasonally, with cross-border traffic typically peaking from April to October. The Tibetan Autonomous Region has also worked on improving the infrastructure for local residents, including the construction of traditional Tibetan-style homes in surrounding villages. Although the region still faces some challenges with seasonal closures and underdeveloped infrastructure, there are plans for future development to enhance trade and tourism between China, Nepal, and India.

Economic Trade

Due to the religious significance of Mount Kailash (冈仁波齐峰) and Lake Manasarovar (玛旁雍错), nearly 10,000 travelers from Southeast Asia and Western countries visit the area annually. The Pulan Border Port (普兰口岸), with a history of over 500 years, is renowned for its border trade market and the unique local customs and culture. The traditional ethnic clothing and the many natural and cultural attractions make Pulan a prominent tourist destination in Tibet.

In 1992, the border trade with Gongji (贡吉), located in Uttarakhand, India, was officially resumed, turning Pulan into a major trade hub in the northwest of Tibet. The commercial development of Pulan has gradually increased, with more than 100 traders from both India and Nepal setting up businesses in the region. However, due to the lack of road connections and frequent snow blocking mountain passes, trade is seasonal, typically occurring between July and September. The total trade volume is relatively small, with an annual trade value of around 40 million yuan.

Since the 1978 economic reforms, Pulan has seen stable development. The economy is centered on agriculture and animal husbandry, with border trade and local industry forming the two wings of its economic model.

Infrastructure

Pulan has a relatively well-developed infrastructure. It is one of the endpoints in the Tibet’s “Three Vertical and Two Horizontal” transportation network, and it is connected to Lhasa (拉萨) by the National Highway 219 (219国道), which spans 1,300 km. The port also provides access to Xinjiang’s Yecheng (叶城) and the India-Nepal border.

In terms of energy, Pulan currently operates three small hydroelectric plants and is in the process of building a county-level hydropower station with a 500-kilowatt capacity. Telecommunications have been established, with international and domestic long-distance calling capabilities available, and several villages in the area are now connected to telephones.

Tourist Attractions

Pulan has long been an important trade route for the western plateau of Tibet. As a second-class port, it is a must-visit for travelers who are interested in exploring Pulan’s cultural heritage. A key attraction in the area is Kejia Village (科家村), which is representative of Pulan’s unique ethnic customs. Located about 8 km from the village, you can reach Xierwa Village (协尔瓦), located at the China-Nepal border. The village sits directly across the Kongque River (孔雀河) from Nepal’s Hilsa Village (柚莎村).

Every year, during the summer and winter seasons, Nepalese merchants come to the Pulan International Market to trade. During the summer, they bring imported goods such as French perfumes, Indian incense, and other items from Nepal. In the winter, they return to Nepal with wool and sheep from Tibet. The sight of Nepalese women in colorful clothing has become an iconic image of Pulan. The market also sees a diverse crowd of pilgrims from India and Nepal, adding an international flavor to the area.

As the southwestern gateway to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Pulan is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. To the south lies the Himalayas (喜马拉雅山), and to the north is the Kangdese Mountain Range (冈底斯山). The climate in Pulan is mild, with abundant rainfall, creating a pleasant microclimate. The area is often referred to as the “place surrounded by snow-capped mountains,” making it particularly attractive to travelers. The county is situated between Mount Namu Abhi (纳木阿比峰) and Mount Nani Snow Peak (那尼雪峰), and it serves as an essential stop for pilgrims on their journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.

Pulan County is approximately 10 km south of the China-Nepal border, and it is well-connected by local roads to nearby towns, such as Shiquanhe (狮泉河镇), located 398 km to the north. With its proximity to Nepal and India, Pulan has become a key entry point for pilgrims and traders traveling into Tibet. The area also attracts increasing numbers of tourists visiting the sacred sites, including those traveling in tour groups.

Although Pulan is an important entry/exit port for Tibet, it is not a formal border crossing. Travelers wishing to cross into Nepal from here must specify Nepalese visa details when applying for their visa. Even with a Nepalese visa, travelers will not be allowed to exit if the proper entry details are not included in their visa application.