Fifty Indian pilgrims began a 12-day journey on Wednesday along a recently-opened mountain pass linking India's Sikkim state to the sacred Mount Kangrinboqe and Mapam Yumco Lake in Ngari Prefecture, Tibet.

China has allowed Indian pilgrims to use the Nathu La Pass since June 22. The first group of 43 pilgrims returned to India on July 3 after their journey.

New Delhi resident Roshan Lal said he is looking forward to the pilgrimage knowing China built good facilities along the road, which stretches more than 2,000 kilometers. Chinese authorities built shelters at four rest areas, which will provide a welcome break for the pilgrims as they adapt to the high altitude. The Nathu La Pass sits 4,545 meters above sea level.

The government also set up a reception center near Mapam Yumco Lake, where a kitchen, bathroom, blankets and souvenirs are provided. A four-star hotel has been opened at the foot of Mount Kangrinboqe.

The opening of the pass will promote people-to-people exchanges and improve ties between China and India, said Le Yucheng, Chinese ambassador to India, who completed the journey with the first group of pilgrims. The new route shortens the pilgrimage time from over 20 days to about eight to 12 days.

Pilgrims to Ngari Prefecture traditionally climb the Qang La Pass, which sits 5,200 meters above sea level on the China-India-Nepal border. The road is steep and usually covered by snow.

Indian media reported that around 250 Indians, in five groups of 50, will travel to Tibet along the new route this year. Another 18 groups of 60 each will still be using the old route.

Completely closed for more than 40 years, the route was reopened in 2006 for trade purposes.

The Chinese government first allowed Indians to make pilgrimages to Tibet in 1981. China has welcomed almost 80,000 Indian pilgrims in the past decade.