Beijing: 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.

Tibetans who have come to pray at Kangrinboqe Mountain, known as Mt Kailash in the West, rest. Some pilgrims take a year or longer to reach the sacred mountain Credit:Getty Images/File

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.