Chaukori is a small hill station in the Pithoragarh set among the lofty peaks. The Kali River, running along its eastern boundary, forms the Indo-Nepal international border.
Chaukori's elevation is 2010 m with a spectacular view of the snowy peaks of peaks of Nanda Devi, and Nanda Kot. It is approximately 10 km from Berinag, another little hill station.
The scenic sanctuary 54 km from Pithoragarh nestles at a height of 5412 ft. in Kumaon Himalayas and is popular among wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is a safe haven for snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deers, snow cocks, tahra, bharals, mona/s, chirs, koklas, pheasants and chukors. The lush sanctuary area dotted with temples is also a fine place to view the beauty of the Himalayas.
Chholiya Dance has its origins in the warring Khasiya Kingdom of Khasdesh, when marriages were performed at the point of the swords. They were united by the Chand kings who arrived' on the scene in the 10th century. In Nepal, the word Khasa is still a synonym for Kashatrya, and in Khasdesh too, they took on the customs of the Rajputs, who were themselves honorary Kashatryas.
Keeping the old tradition alive, the Rajputs dance this at their weddings as a part of the marriage procession itself, led by the male dancers who go on dancing till they reach the bride's house.
Performed by the Rajputs with sword and shield in pairs, the drummers are usually Harijans called Dholies, while the Turi and Ransing are played by Bairagis, Jogis or Gosains.
Water mills - popularly known as 'Gharats' have been playing a vital role in the day to day life of people of Uttaranchal for the last several decades although in recent times...................
