China to open new route for Indian pilgrims to Tibet

China will open a new route via the Himalayan Nathu La Pass for Indian pilgrims travelling to Tibet, visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping said in New Delhi on Thursday. [Special coverage]

The Nathu La Pass sits 4,545 meters above sea level and is wedged between Yadong County of Tibet's Xigaze Prefecture and India's Sikkim State. Indian Buddhist followers make pilgrimage to Tibet every year through this pass.

China has decided to add the new route for Indian pilgrims to facilitate their trip and further promote the exchanges between the two countries, Xi said while addressing the Indian Council of World Affairs.