Situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, Chaudhara is a Himalayan mountain peak which is so named due to the peak having four corners. It is situated at the south east end of Kalabaland Glacier- Sankalp Glacier- Yangchar Glacier group. The peak lies in the south direction of Ralam pass and in the northwest of Panchchuli. Chaudhara is the part of Himalayan massif between Ralam and Lassar valley.
HISTORY
The peak was climbed for the first time by an Indian team led by A.R. Chandekar and Sherpa Ajeeba in 1973. The team followed the route by traversing beside Ralam river, then setting base camp at Shiva glacier. The neighboring peaks of Chaudhara are Rajrambha, Panchchuli and Nandakot.
CLIMBING ROUTES
The most popular route to the summit is via the west face. The route of the first ascent was as follows: Ralam River ? BC Shiva Glacier (13800 ft) ? Camp II (15100 ft) ? Camp III (17700 ft) ? Summit (BC= Base Camp)
HOW TO REACH
The nearest place which is accessible through motorable road is Munsiyari. This place is starting point of many treks into the Kumaon Himalayas.
- ROAD: Munsiyari is very well connected to all the important town and cities in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Buses and taxis are easily available from Kathgodam, the major transport junction for the Kumaun Hills.
- RAIL: Ramnagar railway station is the nearest railway station from Munsiyari from where you can commute to all important cities. You can take a bus, taxi or any other mode of transport to reach here.
- AIR: Pantnagar Airport is the closest airport from Munsiyari located at a distance of about 188 kilometers. With the available means of transport you can easily reach the airport which is well maintained and ensures convenience.