China on Wednesday said it was considering an alternative route for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims.

The Embassy of China here said Beijing respected the religious practices of India but reiterated that China stopped pilgrimage flow through the Nathu La pass after Indian troops crossed into the Chinese territory and stopped construction works.

“Up to now, the official yatra through Lipulekh pass and non-official yatra through Lhasa and Purang are still on the rails. We are willing to discuss the possibility of alternative arrangements through other routes for Indian official yatris who had planned to visit Kailash and Mansarovar via Nathu La pass,” said a statement issued by Chinese Embassy spokesperson Xie Liyan.