India is engaged with China to explore the opening of an additional route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, including the possibility of using the Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh, the government informed Parliament on Friday.Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said New Delhi remained in dialogue with Beijing on facilitating improved access for Indian pilgrims, even as the yatra had resumed through existing routes.The minister said the Ministry of External Affairs successfully organised the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2025 between June and August through the two official routes — Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim — in coordination with the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.“It is the government’s endeavour to constantly improve the conditions for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra,” Singh said, adding that India had in the past requested China to open alternative routes, including through Shipki La Pass. However, the Chinese side had cited difficulties in opening additional routes.“The government remains engaged with China on opening of an additional route for the Yatra,” the Minister said.On arrangements for pilgrims, Singh said the MEA provided assistance to yatris on a self-financing basis, including transportation, accommodation, food, medical tests and guides. The ministry also coordinates closely with Chinese authorities and various Indian agencies to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.He added that as part of safety measures, provision had been made for airlifting pilgrims by helicopter on the Indian side in case of medical emergencies.The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a spiritually significant pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and followers of Bon, had faced disruptions in recent years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and border-related restrictions before its resumption last year.