Chhukung 4750 m - Chhukung Ri 5559 m - Chhukung 4750 m
day 24 : 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  
  
  
   
  earings  
  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  
  a lower secondary summit of 5417 m also offers great views of the surrounding mountains  
  
  
   
  ridge travel  
  the slated ridge that connects the two summits of Chhukung Ri can be difficult to walk especially with ice covering the trail  
  
  
   
  headlamp  
  during the few minutes in the dying light of the day is a most lovely time to enjoy the special ambiance of the mountains  
  
  
   
  venus  
  Venus the evening star shining brightly above the mountain silhouette in the aura of the evening glow  
  
  
 

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