The possibility of an alternative route to the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage in China through Himachal Pradesh has been welcomed by the locals, the tourism industry and by the political parties here. An assurance in this regard has been given by the Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The two leaders met at Fortaleza in Brazil, ahead of the BRICS summit where Mr. Modi raised the possibility of additional route for the Mansarovar Yatra since the present one from Uttarakhand is complicated.
The Chinese President gave an assurance to consider the request for an alternative route.
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The alternate way to Mansarovar goes from Kinnaur in Himachal and is much easier, shorter and safer. From the last Indian village of Shipkila in Kinnaur the holy lake of Mansarovar is just 91 km away and can be covered by road with a little trekking.
Former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal has also welcomed Mr. Modi's efforts in discussing the issue with the Chinese authorities. He said the additional and easier route from Himachal Pradesh would result in better bilateral relations between the two neighbours and also create additional employment in the transport and tourism sectors.