via Kongma La side trek (6 days)
Everest Region, Nepal

Highlights: Imja Tsho (Lake) and Kongma La Pass

Difficulty: strenuous

Probably the least traversed of the classic three passes in the Khumbu region, the path to the Kongma La (5535 m) offers a spectacular but strenuous route between Chukhung and Lobuche. This pass offers unparalleled views of what many regard as one of the most beautiful mountains in Khumbu, the pointed spired of Ama Dablam. While in Chukhung, you may wish to spend an additional day and climb Chukhung Ri for a panorama of the Chukhung Valley, or hike to the alpine lake of Imja Tsho.

Images from via Kongma La Side Trek

Weather Conditions in December

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December is probably the most underrated month to trek, one of the driest months of the year skies are often clear from sunrise to sunset. The trails and teahouses are less crowded than in November. At higher altitudes, temperatures drop as the winter season approaches so it is important to carry warm enough clothing and sleeping bags. When properly prepared December can be a great month to trek

At a glance
On average there are 1 day with precipitation in December. The highest point on the trek is Kongma La Pass at 5535 m. During December, expect high temperatures of around -4.8°C (23°F) and lows down to -20.8°C (-5°F) at Kongma La Pass.

via Kongma La Side trek
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Sat Dec 20 (day 1)
Dingboche (4410 m) About 5 hours from Tengboche Expect typical high termperatures of about 1.9°C (35°F) and lows of about -14.1°C (7°F) in December. Overnight more info on Dingboche

Sun Dec 21 (day 2)
Dingboche (4410 m) Overnight

Mon Dec 22 (day 3)
Chukhung (4730 m) About 3 hours from Dingboche Expect typical high termperatures of about 0.0°C (32°F) and lows of about -16.0°C (3°F) in December. Overnight more info on Chukhung

Tue Dec 23 (day 4)
Imja Tsho (Lake) (5010 m) Acclimatization hike to the Glacial lake of Imja Tsho about 3-5 hours round trip from Chukhung Expect typical high termperatures of about -1.7°C (29°F) and lows of about -17.7°C (0°F) in December. more info on Imja Tsho (Lake)
Chukhung (4730 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 0.0°C (32°F) and lows of about -16.0°C (3°F) in December. Overnight more info on Chukhung
Side Trip to Chukhung via Chukhung Ri Climb (0 less days) via Chukhung Ri Climb Rating: \| 2 reviews Highlights: Chukhung Ri Difficulty: strenuous The climb to the 5550 m (18,209 ft) summit of Chukhung Ri is a tough lung busting struggle, but the reward is a panoramic view of Makalu, Island Peak, Ama Dablam, and the glacial lake of Imja Tsho. This should only be attempted if you feel well acclimatized at Chukhung.

Wed Dec 24 (day 5)
Kongma La Pass (5535 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about -4.8°C (23°F) and lows of about -20.8°C (-5°F) in December. more info on Kongma La Pass
Lobuche (4940 m) About 6-9 hours from Chukhung via the Kongma La Expect typical high termperatures of about -1.2°C (30°F) and lows of about -17.2°C (1°F) in December. Overnight

Thu Dec 25 (day 6)

via Chukhung Ri Climb Itinerary Reviews

by Dominic (Male) on Nov 17, 2025

Three Passes & Everest Base Camp Upper Gokyo Valley Day Hike to 5th, via Chukhung Ri Climb, Thame-Khumjung Alternate Route, via Ama Dablam Base Camp, via Chukhung Ri Climb, and Thame-Khumjung Alternate Route led by Pemba Chiri Sherpa

by Chris (United Kingdom) on Dec 31, 2018

Three Passes & Everest Base Camp via Ama Dablam Base Camp, Upper Gokyo Valley Day Hike to 5th & 6th Lakes, Thame-Khumjung Alternate Route, and via Chukhung Ri Climb led by Ang Tsering Sherpa

via Kongma La side trek (6 days) Everest Region, Nepal