A new path for Indian pilgrims to sacred religious sites officially opened in Tibet's Dromo county on June 22.
Fifty pilgrims started their 12-day journey through the newly opened Nathula Pass.
Hindus regard Tibet's Mount Kailash and Manasarovar as holy religious site, and the pilgrims will cross the border to pay their homage to Kailash Manasarovar between June and November.
The launch ceremony was held at Nathula Pass in Tibet's Dromo county, officials from both China and India were present along with the pilgrims.
"This event is a practical action of implementing the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and an important measure of further deepening the traditional friendly China-India friendship," said Dong Mingjun, the vice-chairman of the Tibet autonomous region.
"The government of the Tibet autonomous region will resolutely implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two nations, and attach great importance and give full support to the Indians passing through Nathula Pass," added Dong.
He also said Tibet will improve the transportation condition of the new pilgrimage path, the reception facilities, and medical aid to ensure all pilgrims have a safe and successful trip.
China's Ambassador in India Le Yucheng said China-India ties are one of the most essential relations.
"Since President Xi Jinping announced the new route to Kailash Manasarovar through Nathula Pass for Indian pilgrims in September, China and India have been working in close consultation," said Le Yucheng.
Le said the new route is more comfortable, more convenient and much safer than the old ones.
Le also said the Chinese side understands well how Kailash Manasarovar features in the Indian mind and will do what it takes to make the journey a pleasant and memorable one.
"The new pilgrimage route is another enduring symbol of the rich and growing people-to-people ties between India and China," said India's Ambassador in China Ashok K. Kantha.
Relations between India and China are on a continuous growth path, as seen in the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to China just eight months after President Xi Jinping's visit to India, he said.
The pilgrims were presented with high plateau emergency supplies by the Chinese Embassy in India at the ceremony.
China has received 80,000 Indian pilgrims in the past decade, according to data.
