Crowning the western horizon of the Alaknanda and Mandakini river valleys, Mount Chaukhamba (7,138 meters / 23,419 feet) is a gargantuan four-peaked massif that forms the eastern anchor of the Gangotri Group of peaks in Garhwal. Meaning "Four Pillars" in Hindi, Chaukhamba creates a colossal icy barrier along the skyline, acting as the primary catchment divide between the sacred source waters of the Bhagirathi River (Gaumukh) and the Mandakini River (Kedarnath).
The Four Colossal Pillars
Chaukhamba features four summits arranged along an impressive northeast-southwest ridge: Chaukhamba I (7,138m), Chaukhamba II (7,070m), Chaukhamba III (6,995m), and Chaukhamba IV (6,854m). The dramatic, heavily glaciated northern face feeds directly into the massive 30-kilometer Gangotri Glacier.
Historic First Ascent in 1952
Chaukhamba I was first summited on June 13, 1952, by Lucien George and Victor Russenberger during a French expedition led by Marie-Louise Plovier-Chapelle. The route climbed via the treacherous Bhagirathi Kharak Glacier along the northeast face.
Vistas from Tungnath, Chopta & Deoria Tal
Chaukhamba is renowned for its reflection in the crystal-clear waters of Deoria Tal lake near Sari village, and its towering close-up presence behind the ancient Tungnath Temple (highest Shiva shrine in the world at 3,680m) in the Chopta meadows.
Glacial Source of Holiest Rivers
Chaukhamba’s southern glaciers birth the Mandakini river flowing past the Kedarnath shrine, while its western glaciers nourish the Bhagirathi Kharak and Satopanth Glaciers, forming the cradles of the Holy Ganga.