Chhukung Ri: Geography and Name
Elevation stands at 5,550 m (18,208 ft).
Situated on a rocky spur extending from Nuptse.
Vantage Point: Offers one of the closest views of the massive 3,000m vertical South Face of Lhotse.
Elevation
5,550 m
18,208 ft
Location
Solukhumbu District
Imja Valley
Best Season
Spring & Autumn
Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Standard Route
Trekking Path
Nepal Side
The Great South Face Vantage Point
Chhukung Ri is a trekking peak/viewpoint located directly above Chhukung village in the Imja Valley.
It requires no technical climbing gear, making it one of the most accessible non-technical 5,500m points in the Everest region.
Key Highlights
- Astonishing view of Nuptse, Lhotse South Face, Ama Dablam, and Makalu.
- No ropes, crampons, or technical climbing gear required.
- Ideal acclimatization trek prior to attempting Island Peak or Kongma La.
Quick Facts
First Ascent
N/A (Trekking Viewpoint)
Parent Range
Mahalangur Himal, Himalayas
Coordinates
27.9100° N, 86.8800° E
Beyond the Basics
Chhukung Ri: Climbing & Trekking Guide
Route, acclimatisation and permit notes for Chhukung Ri from the Nepal Side side, plus practical safety advice.
Chhukung Ri: Climbing Routes
A steep non-technical hike direct from Chhukung village, taking 3–4 hours to ascend.
- Standard Trekking Route: Steep zigzag trail over screen and boulders leading to twin rocky tops.
Chhukung Ri: Permits, Season and Safety
The standard season on Chhukung Ri is Spring & Autumn (Mar–May / Sep–Nov). Wind Exposure: The summit ridge can be extremely windy; wear windproof layers.
Approaches to Chhukung Ri begin from Nepal Side in Solukhumbu District, where the main objective is the Trekking Path. Confirm current permit, insurance, and national park requirements before departure.
- Permits required: Sagarmatha National Park Permit (No NMA climbing permit needed).
- Best months: March–May and September–November.
- Elevation: 5,550 m (18,208 ft).
Chhukung Ri: Approach and Acclimatisation
Plan for road travel to the Nepal Side trailhead, then several days of walking before you reach the foot of Chhukung Ri. 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 5,550 m objective is long, so start early and set a clear turn-around time. If the Trekking Path is crowded or the snow is unstable, waiting a day is almost always better than pushing on.
Chhukung Ri: Facts and Figures
Chhukung Ri "The Viewpoint Peak" stands at 5,550 m in Solukhumbu District, Imja Valley. The figures below summarise the mountain for trip planning.
- First Ascent: N/A (Trekking Viewpoint)
- Parent Range: Mahalangur Himal, Himalayas
- Coordinates: 27.9100° N, 86.8800° E