Chukhung Acclimatization Hikes – Chukhung Ri & Island Peak Base Camp

Chukhung Acclimatization Hikes – Chukhung Ri & Island Peak Base Camp

Want to tackle Chukhung Ri or Island Peak Base Camp? You may want to add both to your trekking route to the three high passes of Everest. Anyway, this guide has you covered.

Travel insurance for Himalayan trekking

For most hikers hoping to tackle the Three Passes, travel insurance is high on their priority list.

I always purchase travel insurance from WorldNomads.com as I believe they are the best for adventure travelers. It includes cover for medical care abroad, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities such as trekking (including at altitude).
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Arrival to Chukhung

Chukhung is a small residential village on the edge of the Chukhung Valley. Primarily, the community serves to cater to Three High Pass trekkers and those wishing to climb the summit of Imja Tse or Island Peak.

To get here you have to walk for at least a week. If you are doing the Three Pass Trek then I have written a comprehensive guide to help you do it on your own.
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RELATED: Three Passes Pack List – What you need for the Three Passes & EBC Trek

Acclimatization in Chukhung

Kongma La Pass is widely regarded by hikers as one of the most difficult and strenuous passes on the typical Three High Passes route. It takes between 8 and 12 hours and takes you to an altitude of over 5500m. Therefore, acclimatization and training after Chukhung is highly recommended.

At the moment, my guides are the only sources of free content available online for the Three Pass Trek. If you are looking for more information you can also get a copy of the Lonely Planet: Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya Book which was very useful to me.

Which detour should be made?

If you are short on time, you may be unsure which acclimatization hike you would prefer. By far the most popular option is Chukhung Ri as it takes hikers to a much higher altitude and only takes 4 hours to return, compared to a 7-8 hour drive to Island Peak Base Camp.

However, if you are attempting Kongma La, it is highly recommended that you stay an extra night in Chukhung so that you have enough time to reach the Island Peak base camp or, as I did, complete both acclimatization hikes over the two days.
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There is no substitute for a good physical map when you are in the Himalayas. The best map for Chukhung Ri, Everest Base Camp and The Three Passes Trek can be purchased here.

Trekking to the peak of Chukhung Ri

Chukhung Ri is a rocky peak at the top of Chukhng village. There are two main peaks, the higher one reaches 5546 M, which is even higher than Kongma La Pass!

For this reason, hikers should approach the hike slowly and follow appropriate acclimatization strategies.

For many, this peak is one of the most difficult parts of their Everest hike. This is due to the relative steepness and rapid elevation gain. Furthermore, it will most likely be the first time that trekkers will reach an altitude above 5500m, especially Three High Pass trekkers who trek in a counter-clockwise direction.
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How long does it take to hike Chukhung Ri?

It will take you about 4 hours of trekking time there and back. However, it is recommended to take your time to avoid problems with AMS as the climb is very steep.

Taking in the Chukhung Ri Trail

Depending on the season and time of day, you may have seen other hikers going up or down the sloping hill above Chukhung. The route is pretty obvious from any point in the city.

Start by walking to the northeast side of town and taking the path behind Makalu Lodge. Leave town and cross a small, flowing stream before beginning the winding walk up the first rocky hill.

The rise

After a series of switchbacks you'll have reached the top of the rocky section before a gentle, rounded hill to your right and a very steep hill ahead.

If you want to get to the top of Chukhung Ri, you must begin the long and arduous climb up the steep slope.

For those unsure of their acclimatization, it is possible to finish the side hike on the hill to your right. When you get to the top, hikers will reach 5000m altitude, which may be enough for many people.

If you're feeling good and up for it, continue on the beaten path up the slope straight to the Chukhung Ri viewpoint.

Chukhung Ri Peak and view

As you approach the summit, you will notice the first peak immediately to your right, indicated by several choirs and prayer flags. From here you have 360 ​​degree views of the valley beyond, including Imja Tse, Ama Dablam, Baruntse and Makalu. On the other side, you can also see the faint sign of Kongma La Pass Trail.

When you feel fit and ready, you can go back over the top of the slope and begin the scrambling climb to the summit of Chukhung Ri. You will notice the second peak indicated by more prayer flags.

This section is a little trickier and the wind is known to howl here. However, once you reach the summit you will be rewarded with a slightly more rewarding experience of the same views as you would have just reached an altitude of 5546m!

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Trekking to Island Peak (Imja Tse) base camp

Another half-day acclimatization hike from Chukhung leads to Island Peak (Imja Tse) base camp, located at 4970 m.

Island Peak Base Camp is an excellent side trip that takes about six to seven hours to return. The trail is gradual, but runs along the moraine of the Lhotse Glacier and past the beautiful alpine lakes of Imja Tsho.
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Island Peak Expedition Trekking

Imja Tse is the most popular trekking peak in the Himalayas. The summit gives beginners and advanced climbers a taste of real mountaineering. Although it is one of the easier peaks in the region, the peak is still at 6189M and requires a dedicated climbing guide.

It is also a big step forward from normal Himalayan trekking. So if you want to go all the way to the peak, you'll need to arrange a guide, permit and excursion in Kathmandu or join a crew in Chukhung.

Island Peak Base Camp Trail pickup

The Island Peak Base Camp Trail starts at the opposite end of Chukhung to Chukhung Ri. Instead of turning left at the end of town, turn right and cross another makeshift plank bridge that goes over the streams.

There is a clear path, and depending on whether it is Island Peak season or not, there may be some porters and expedition guides taking the same course.

The path winds up to a small raised hill and then continues around the top before dropping down into a shallow valley.
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The Imja Tsho alpine lakes

After about two and a half hours of trekking, you will reach the large Imja Tsho alpine lakes. However, if you just stay on the trail, you might miss the best views.

Along the Island Peak Base Camp Track you will see raised hills that you walk through and around. At any point it is possible to climb to the top for a better view of the lakes on the other side.

For me it was a surreal moment to look out over the lakes and listen to the mighty cracking and groaning of the Lhotse Glacier. It really makes you appreciate the hardships of the people living in this otherworldly landscape.
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Island Peak Base Camp

Just beyond the lakes, the trail descends gently and flatly for another hour before reaching Island Peak Base Camp. The altitude is 5087M.

The peak trekking season is April to May and October to November, so depending on the time of year you will either see lots of expedition tents or just an empty, flat landscape.

Either way, it's amazing scenery and a perfect acclimatization hike before attempting the Kongma La Pass!
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Three Passes: Independent Trekking Guide Ebook

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Since internet connection is limited in the Khumbu, I have written a comprehensive trekking guide to the Three Passes that you can download as an eBook for use on your phone, tablet or e-reader.

I currently have this eBook listed on Amazon at a discounted price of less than $6!

MY CAMERA AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT

• Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
• Drohne: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• 360-Grad-Action-Kamera: Insta360 One X2
• Landschaftsobjektiv: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8L
• Allround-Objektiv: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
• Teleobjektiv: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4,5–7,1 L
• Lange Aktionsstange: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
• Landschaftslinsenfilter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
• Kamerarucksack: F-Stop Tilopa
• Lieblingsfotozubehör: Peak Design Capture Clip

For a list of my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why), check out my Travel Camera Gear Guide.

If you would like to use any of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my Print Store or contact me directly for customs deductions of images on We Seek Travel.
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