DHAKA: China inaugurated a new land crossing into Tibet on Monday for Indian pilgrims who wish to visit one of the holiest sites in both Hinduism and Buddhism, state media said, as the two countries seek to set aside differences and improve ties.

The first group of pilgrims entered Tibet via a Himalayan-pass in mid-morning for the 12-day trip to Mount Kailash, which will also take in a holy lake, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

The opening of the pass was agreed last year when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited India.

The move will ‘further promote religious exchanges between the two countries’, Xinhua said, according to The Straits Times.

BDST: 1245 HRS, JUN 22, 2015
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