(a) whether the Government is exploring the possibility of an alternate route for the smooth passage of Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrims as the existing one is damaged;
(b) if so, the facts thereof;
(c) whether any discussion has been held with China in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the response of China thereto?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(c) Yes.
(b) to (d) The Government of India has been discussing with the Government of the People`s Republic of China the issue of opening additional routes to Kailash-Manasarovar. The Chinese side has been citing difficulty in opening alternate routes, including on the ground that it would involve travel over longer distances on their side through difficult terrain, with poor road conditions and lack of proper infrastructure for accommodation and communication.