Chhukung to Everest Base Camp on the Everest Base Camp trek covers 3 stages, via Lobuche and Gorak Shep. It goes from about 4,730 m to 5,364 m, a net gain of roughly 630 m. Total walking time is about 10.5 to 14.5 hours.
Quick facts
- Start: Chhukung, about 4,730 m
- End: Everest Base Camp, 5,364 m
- Change: a net gain of roughly 630 m
- Stages: 3
- Total time: about 10.5 to 14.5 hours of walking
- Hardest stage: hard
Stage by stage
- Chhukung to Lobuche: 6 to 8 hours via Dingboche and Dughla (hard)
- Lobuche to Gorak Shep: 2.5 to 3.5 hours (hard)
- Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp: 2 to 3 hours each way, or 6 to 8 hours for the return trip (hard)
How to split it
This is more than a day of walking, so trekkers usually break it into stages and sleep along the way. The route passes through Lobuche and Gorak Shep. Lodge availability changes by season, so confirm night stops with your operator.
Altitude and health
This route reaches about 5,364 m. Altitude sickness is possible above 3,000 m, so walk slowly, drink water and tell your guide about headaches, nausea or poor sleep. Altitudes vary by a few tens of metres between maps and guidebooks.
Reverse direction
Walking Everest Base Camp to Chhukung is the same route in reverse. It is mostly downhill and usually quicker, but a long descent is hard on the knees, so poles help.
Common questions
- How long is Chhukung to Everest Base Camp? Total walking time is about 10.5 to 14.5 hours, depending on pace and stops.
- Which places are on the way from Chhukung to Everest Base Camp? The route passes Lobuche and Gorak Shep.
Plan it
Back to all route information or see the Everest Base Camp trek guides.
