Chukhung Ri is one of the classic hiking peaks in the Khumbu Valley. It gets you high (5550 meters) and provides stellar views of Ama Dablam and the South Face of Lhotse … all 3000+ meters of it. Nail the weather and it’ll surely be a trip highlight.

Trails to the peak start right in Chukhung, and unless there’s been recent snow, the route is typically done on dry ground. It’s primarily a dirt trail until near the top where there is a short section of rocky scrambling. There’s little exposure, just basic navigation skills required to follow a worn line to the prayer flag covered top. The only real difficulty is the elevation.

Beyond Chukhung Ri, the ridge drops briefly before continuing on to Chukhung Tse, the ridge’s true highpoint at 5860 meters. But unlike Chukhung Ri, Chukhung Tse is steeper and looser. 

When descending, be sure to visit the side peaklet that wanders off in a southwesterly direction from the saddle. At 5400 meters, the view from its cairn-covered top isn’t any less dramatic than Chukhung Ri.