Indian pilgrims will once again have the opportunity to visit the sacred Mount Gang Renpoche and Lake Mapam Yun Tso in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region this summer. The announcement was made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Monday.
“Indian devotees’ pilgrimage to Mount Gang Renpoche and Lake Mapam Yun Tso is an important part of China-India people-to-people and cultural exchanges,” Guo said during a regular press conference.
The decision comes after a consensus was reached between the governments of China and India. Both sides are currently promoting the relevant preparatory work to ensure the pilgrimages can proceed smoothly from June to August this year.
Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and India, Guo expressed China’s willingness to work with India to “earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and promote the development of China-India relations along a healthy and stable track.”
Mount Gang Renpoche and Lake Mapam Yun Tso are considered sacred by followers of several religions, including Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism. The resumption of pilgrimages to these holy sites is seen as a significant step in enhancing the cultural and spiritual ties between the two nations.
