Chhukung to Gorak Shep on the Everest Base Camp trek covers 2 stages, via Lobuche. It goes from about 4,730 m to about 5,160 m, a net gain of roughly 430 m. Total walking time is about 8.5 to 11.5 hours.
Quick facts
- Start: Chhukung, about 4,730 m
- End: Gorak Shep, about 5,160 m
- Change: a net gain of roughly 430 m
- Stages: 2
- Total time: about 8.5 to 11.5 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)
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. Lodge availability changes by season, so confirm night stops with your operator.
Altitude and health
This route reaches about 5,160 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 Gorak Shep 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 Gorak Shep? Total walking time is about 8.5 to 11.5 hours, depending on pace and stops.
- Which places are on the way from Chhukung to Gorak Shep? The route passes Lobuche.
Plan it
Back to all route information or see the Everest Base Camp trek guides.
