Chekigo: Geography and Name
Elevation recorded at 6,257 m (20,528 ft).
Located in the Rolwaling Himal chain.
First Ascent: First climbed in 2005 by Bruce Normand and team via the West Face.
Elevation
6,257 m
20,528 ft
Location
Dolakha District
Rolwaling Valley
Best Season
Spring & Autumn
Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Standard Route
West Face
Nepal Side
The Rolwaling Citadel
Chekigo is a spectacular peak situated in the steep-sided Rolwaling Valley, near the Tibetan border.
Known for its technical difficulty, it is a favourite among advanced alpine style climbers.
Key Highlights
- Dramatic landscape of the sacred Rolwaling Valley.
- Direct views of Gaurishankar and Melungtse.
- High technical rock and ice challenge.
Quick Facts
First Ascent
2005
Parent Range
Rolwaling Himal, Himalayas
Coordinates
27.9167° N, 86.3500° E
Beyond the Basics
Chekigo: Climbing & Trekking Guide
Route, acclimatisation and permit notes for Chekigo from the Nepal Side side, plus practical safety advice.
Chekigo: Climbing Routes
Requires establishing base camp in the upper Bedding/Na region of Rolwaling.
- West Face Route: Sustained 60–70 degree ice couloirs and technical mixed pitches.
Chekigo: Permits, Season and Safety
The standard season on Chekigo is Spring & Autumn (Mar–May / Sep–Nov). Advanced Climbers Only: Not suitable for novice climbers; demands steep ice technique.
Approaches to Chekigo begin from Nepal Side in Dolakha District, where the main objective is the West Face. Confirm current permit, insurance, and national park requirements before departure.
- Permits required: NMA Peak Permit & Gaurishankar Conservation Permit.
- Best months: October–November and April–May.
- Elevation: 6,257 m (20,528 ft).
Chekigo: Approach and Acclimatisation
Plan for road travel to the Nepal Side trailhead, then several days of walking before you reach the foot of Chekigo. Gain height gradually, take a rest day before moving to high camp, and keep a spare weather day in reserve during Spring & Autumn.
Summit day on a 6,257 m objective is long, so start early and set a clear turn-around time. If the West Face is crowded or the snow is unstable, waiting a day is almost always better than pushing on.
Chekigo: Facts and Figures
Chekigo "Gaurishankar Valley Jewel" stands at 6,257 m in Dolakha District, Rolwaling Valley. The figures below summarise the mountain for trip planning.
- First Ascent: 2005
- Parent Range: Rolwaling Himal, Himalayas
- Coordinates: 27.9167° N, 86.3500° E