UP plans new route for pilgrimage to Badrinath, Kedarnath

New Delhi, Apr 28 (UNI) This year's pilgrimage to four most sacred places in Uttaranchal -- Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri -- will begin in June from Nazibabad in Bijnor district, which will be shorter and less risky as compared to the Rishikesh route.

''Previously, the pilgrimage to these four most sacred spots, reverentially known as 'Char Dham', used to commence from Rishikesh and Kotdwar. Both these places are in Uttaranchal,'' Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Kaukab Hameed told reporters here.

Pointing out that the Kotdwar route had already been stopped, Mr Hameed said the Nazibabad route would be an ideal choice, which is on the border of Uttaranchal.

''The new route will be shorter and less perilous and will also provide an opportunity to the pilgrims to visit the Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers,'' he said.

Mr Hameed said the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department had also planned the Jain, Sufi and Sikh circuits which would enable pilgrims to visit various religious places.

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