In an effort to improve ties, China started a new land crossing into Tibet on Monday for Indian visitors who desire to visit one of the sacred sites in both Hinduism and Buddhism, said state media said.

According to the official Xinhua news agency, the first group of pilgrims arrived in Tibet via a Himalayan pass in mid-morning for the 12-day expedition to Mount Kailash.

The opening of the pass was decided last year when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited India. Xinhua said the passage will "further promote religious exchanges between the two countries."

Indian visitors are not able to visit Mount Kailash in spite of its importance because of its remoteness in addition to difficulties in acquiring visas for China's closely guarded region of Tibet.

China and India have increasing commercial relations and long historical relations, but their recent history has been dominated by distrust.

China and India suggested methods to resolve the border issues while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Beijing in May. China has showed interest in clearing hurdles in a relationship that it says could transform the international political order.