The short answer
Dingboche is a stone-walled farming village in the Imja valley where most Everest trekkers spend two nights. Chukhung is the quieter valley head above it, used for acclimatisation hikes and for Island Peak.
Key facts
- Dingboche
- About 4,410 m
- Chukhung
- About 4,730 m
- Rest day
- Essential
- Views
- Ama Dablam, Lhotse
How it works
- Arrive from PangbocheYou cross the valley with Ama Dablam at your shoulder.
- Rest the next dayAcclimatise with a short climb and sleep at the same altitude.
- Optional Chukhung day tripWalk to Chukhung and return if you feel strong.
- Decide your routeContinue to Lobuche or head up to Chukhung and over the passes.
- Prepare for colder nightsHeating is limited; keep your sleeping bag warm.
A village built for the high valley
Dingboche sits in a wide valley with stone-walled fields and a long view of Ama Dablam. It is a common acclimatisation stop, with day walks to nearby ridges that help the body adapt.
Chukhung lies further up, with views of Lhotse and Island Peak. It is quieter and colder, and suits those who want extra time at altitude.
Acclimatisation days
Follow the rule of climbing high and sleeping low. Short day hikes to higher points, then returning to sleep, help many people adapt.
Drink plenty, eat regularly and tell your guide about headaches or poor sleep. Nights here are cold, so bring a warm sleeping layer.
Insider tip
On the rest day, climb the ridge behind the village and come back down to sleep.
Avoid this
Do not treat the rest day as a day off from hydration.
Related questions
Is Dingboche cold?
Yes. Nights drop well below freezing in the trekking seasons.
Can I take a different route?
Yes, via Pheriche, but the Dingboche rest day is worth keeping.
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