Pranab Mukherjee in China: Xi promises to allow more Indian pilgrims to Kailash and Manasarovar in Tibet

 China offered to allow more Indian pilgrims to Kailash and Manasarovar in Tibet through Nathulla in Sikkim in addition to 250 who were permitted through the new route last year. The offer to increase the number of pilgrims was made by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his talks with Pranab Mukherjee. 
"In order to realise the dream of Indian pilgrims, China is ready to expand the scale of Indian pilgrims for yatra through Nathu La pass in the Tibetan Autonomous Region", a Chinese foreign Ministry spokesman said after the talks. 

China had opened the new route last year via Nathulla Pass with permission to allow 250 people in seven batches every year. The new route facilitates direct journey by trains and buses without going through the arduous route through the mountains using mules. The additional numbers were expected to be finalised after talks between the two countries, officials said.