LHASA — China on June 22 opened a new route via the Himalayan Nathu La Pass for Indian pilgrims traveling to Tibet, in a bid to facilitate their trip and further promote religious exchanges between the two countries.

The first group of Indian Buddhist followers entered southwest China’s Tibet autonomous region through this pass at 10 am, starting a 12-day pilgrimage to Mount Kangrinboqe and Mapam Yumco Lake in Tibet’s Ngari Prefecture.

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.

China decided to add the new route for Indian pilgrims to Tibet in September last year when President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to India.