Chhukung Ri
5559 m
10 november 2003
dawn colours
the magenta glow of the early morning sky typically greets those who care to wake up early enough to brave the cold
farewell
bidding farewell to Germaine and Assim as they will make their way back to Lukla from here
down the valley
off they go, Germaine and Assim heading down the valley towards Dingboche
yak
with longer horns and a thicker coat, the true yaks are also larger in size than the dzopkyos
another peak
on this day we challange ourselves with a daytrip to peak Chhukung Ri
icy crossing
being half frozen, the rivers about Chhukung are a hazard to cross
view back
the stunning view back to Chhukung with the majestic Ama Dablam towering just south of the settlement
dusty trail
the initial climb was long and gradual over grazing land before a steep scramble up a slated ridge
summit
at 5559 m, Chhukung Ri is a popular easy day-excursion from Chhukung
summit prayers
north of Chhukung Ri is the higher peak of Chhukung Tse (5857 m), a much more difficult peak to surmount
view of the valley
the views from Chhukung Ri are staggering, with Ama Dablam dominating amongst a ring of mountains
[ click on the above image for a panoramic view ]
secondary summit
Germaine sharing the photos from David's camera with the owner of the lodge
ridge travel
the mist covering the surrounding peaks as the sun sets behind the mountains
evening glow
the porters huddle around a campfire for warmth... it was still very cold here in Chhukung despite the lower altitude
venus
Venus the evening star shining brightly above the mountains in the evening aura
