Chaukhamba

Chaukhamba is a mountain massif in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. It is composed of four distinct peaks, all named Chaukhamba I, Chaukhamba II, Chaukhamba III, and Chaukhamba IV. Chaukhamba I is the highest, with an elevation of 7,138 meters (23,420 feet). The massif is located in the Gangotri Group and is a prominent feature of the region, visible from many surrounding areas.

The massif is situated in the Badrinath region and is considered a sacred mountain by many Hindus, often associated with the deity Vishnu. Its name, "Chaukhamba," translates to "four pillars" in Hindi, referring to its four prominent peaks. The first ascent of Chaukhamba I was made in 1953 by a French expedition led by Michel Berthin. Climbing the Chaukhamba peaks is a challenging endeavor, attracting experienced mountaineers. The surrounding area is part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area known for its biodiversity.