Nature · Chaukori, Kumaon
Panchachuli sunrise from the Chaukori ridge
Wake early and walk to the edge of the Chaukori ridge to watch first light hit Panchachuli's five summits and the long line of peaks to the west. It is the simplest reason to stop here, and on a clear winter morning one of the finest views in Kumaon.
Photo: Original uploader was Tribhuwan at en.wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · CommonsPanchachuli is a group of five peaks at the head of the Darma valley, the highest above 6,900 m. Local tradition links the name to the five chulhas, or cooking hearths, of the Pandavas on their last journey. From Chaukori they rise to the north-east, with Nanda Kot and the Nanda Devi group further west and the long Trishul ridge beyond.
Be outside 20 minutes before sunrise with a warm jacket. The highest summits catch pink light first and the colour moves down the faces over about 15 minutes. October to February gives the best chance of clear skies; from March haze builds, and in the monsoon the peaks are usually hidden.
The KMVN rest house grounds and the ridge road near it face the right way; ask your host for the best spot. A tripod helps in the half-light. After sunrise, walk the ridge for birds and morning village life before breakfast.
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Questions
Before you book
Which peaks can I see from Chaukori?
On a clear day you see the Panchachuli group, Nanda Kot, the Nanda Devi group and the Trishul ridge, spread across the northern horizon.
What is the best time for mountain views from Chaukori?
October to February, when the air is clear after the monsoon and winter western disturbances. Early mornings are best; clouds build by midday.
Why is it called Panchachuli?
The name means five cooking hearths. Local tradition says the Pandavas cooked their last meal here on their way to heaven, and the five peaks are their hearths.