Sushma Swaraj flags off first batch of Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday flagged off the first batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatris from the Nathu La pass route and assured that the elderly people will also be able have a glimpse of Lord Shiva without facing problems.

"People to people contact are an important aspect of diplomacy, especially in religious tourism (Kailash Mansarovar). Surely those who are going for Kailash Mansarovar yatra will be thanking Chinese government in their minds for making the yatra possible. We are planning to take an alternative way by having talks with China for easy travel to Kailash Mansarovar," Swaraj told the media here.

"I wish you very best for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Travel safely and comfortably complete your yatra. We will make sure that the old people will also be able to take sight of Lord Shiva without facing problems," she added.

The new route of Nathu La pass this year will enable the pilgrims to drive all along, travelling first from Gangtok in Sikkim to Shigatse in Tibet, from where they can take vans and buses on the existing road to Mansarovar and Kailash directly.