Mike Ratty (with Miriam Denney, Chris Mothersdale & Trevor Willis plus Anne Allcock & Ellen Mothersdale in support). July-August 2001

Despite experiencing repeated problems in obtaining a permit to climb in the sensitive Rupshu area of Ladakh, the leader has persevered in his hope of achieving the first ascent of Chaukula, 6529m. In 1997 (MEF Ref 97/34) deep soft snow forced the attempt to be abandoned at 6000m. On this occasion, from an ABC at 5600m, a route was forced up a line of rock flanking the E side of the S Face to 6000m and from there via the face to the summit ridge. The summit was reached by Mothersdale and Willis at a grade of AD+, Denney and Ratty giving up some way short of the top four days later when they ran out of time.