Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass trek is one of the most adventurous treks in the Everest region. Combine Everest Base Camp with Gokyo lake and Camp Cho La Pass and you will have the Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass trek.

Trekking in Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass in December means it is certainly going to be a cold month. Higher elevation witnesses snowfall with high wind. This pass is physically demanding during the winter season and requires special foot gears.

This adventurous trek offers you the best views of mountains like Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, and many more. Walking to the Everest Base Camp will be an achievement. And of course, the adventure of crossing the Cho La Pass will give you an unforgettable experience. And, December simply enhances the views.

Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass trek is doable in December especially for those who are not too bothered by the cold. It is also the best time for trekking and the chance of a clear mountain view and open sky is more than 80%.

Highlights of Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Trek in December

• Thrilling and adventurous flight to Lukla with splendid views of the Himalayas
• Explore Buddhist monasteries during the trek in places like Namche, Tengboche, Pangboche etc.
• Witness Sherpa lifestyle and culture
• Snow-capped mountains such as Thamserku, Lobuche, Cho-Oyu, Nuptse, Lhotse etc
• Reach the foot of the world’s highest mountain the Mount Everest.
• Semi-frozen Gokyo lake
• Stunning view from Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri.
• Challenging Cho La pass covered with snow
• Spend the Christmas amidst the beauty of nature in the Everest region.

Everest Base Camp Cho La Pass Weather

December is winter, a rather cold month. This mountain region is at an altitude of around 3500m. It has an alpine climate with quite low temperatures in winter.

The trail is much quieter during December and other winter months. The snow makes the surrounding landscape remarkably photogenic.

In December the snow-capped surrounding provides spectacular views of the mountain vistas. Also, it doesn’t rain during December. However, in the high Himalayas, there will be heavy snowfall.

Everest Base Camp Chola Pass weather during December is freezing cold at night and in the mornings. The minimum temperatures drop down to -14 degree Celsius. During the daytime, the temperatures will be generally around 4 degree Celsius.

For high altitude treks like this, December is definitely not the best time of the year. It is best suggested for experienced trekkers and professionals.

Moreover, even when the temperature is most severe, you will experience the bright sun during the day with brilliant views. Experienced photographers and trekkers will enjoy this time of the year.

Because of fewer trekkers, you will enjoy affordable food and accommodation facilities in the area. And you can have a peaceful and quiet trekking experience.

Route for Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Trek in December

EBC Cho La Pass trek starts with an exhilarating flight to Lukla that will take you to the Khumbu region of Nepal.

You will hike up along the Dudh Kosi region where you will enter into Sagarmatha National Park. And proceed further to Everest Base Camp via Namche.

In December due to snowfall in the higher elevation, the trails can be wet and slippery. Hence be careful and put on a good and comfortable pair of trekking boots.

The trekking trail leads you to a valley with turquoise colored Gokyo lakes. The glory of the longest glacier Ngozumpa glacier along with the Gokyo lakes from Gokyo Ri is mind-blowing.

Not to forget the thrill of crossing the icy trail along Cho La pass is an exciting experience. The trail then takes you through Gorakshep, Everest Base Camp, Kalapathar and back to Namche and Lukla.

The average walking hour is 5-6 hours daily with some days for acclimatization.

Experience Required

Cho La Pass trek is a difficult trekking route. Most of the part of the trail is moderate to adventurous. But some part of the route especially between Draknak to Dzongla is challenging.

Cho La Pass trek is physically demanding especially when there is snowfall. Proper gear and equipment is a must. You will mostly trek uphill to reach Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp. And descending while returning back to Namche and Lukla.

Those people with knee problems should take proper knee support. A slow and steady walk is always the way to go.

Prepare yourselves for 5-7 hours of walk every day, mentally and physically. This will add in to make your trekking experience smooth and easy.

Hundreds of trekkers take this trek around spring and autumn due to its favorable weather condition. Hence trekking in December may not be the best time but it is still possible.

Since you will be spending most of the day above 3500 m above sea level, high altitude will be a problem. Altitude is the main reason that makes the trek difficult.

So, for those who have previous experience in high altitude will find the trek easy to moderate. But if you are a novice then it is best to undergo intense training prior to the trek or choose a different season. Training will make your trek a lot easier.

Meals on the trek

The tea houses offer a wide range of meals. They prepare meals on order basis so it is safe to say that the meals are fresh. The menu includes noodles soup, handmade bread, rice and curry items, spaghetti, pizza etc.

In December, since it is cold you can try the local noodle soup that will be great to keep you warm. You can get these noodle soups in both veg and non-veg.

Yet it is best not to take meat items as they may not be fresh and also it can be unhealthy for your body.

Lukla and Namche Bazaar offers an extensive range of places to eat as well. However, do not expect western meals in the remote villages to be like the meals that you eat at restaurants in cities.

In December you can enjoy the undivided attention and services that you will receive. This is largely because of the low number of trekkers in December.

Accommodation

Cho La Pass trek route does have a lot of tea houses. You will stay in a twin sharing room basis. They provide your room with blankets. These lodges have small rooms that provide basic lodging experience during your trek.

But in December since the mornings and nights are going to be freezing do not forget to ask for extra blanket. You will also need to carry your own sleeping bag too.

Although the lodges are standard please do not expect high standard rooms in the mountains.

However, if you are seeking the Luxury type of accommodation, then you can consider Everest Luxury Trekking. This involves luxury accommodation throughout the trek.

Almost all rooms during the trek consist of two single beds that will accommodate two people. But if you prefer a single room even while traveling in a group, you can get single rooms after paying supplement charges.

This can be difficult during peak season. But since December is less crowded there are more chances that you will get single rooms.

Some useful tips for Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Trek in December

• Since the trail is quite challenging in December, trek in groups or sign up for training about 3-months prior to your trek.
• The trails can be wet and slippery due to the snow, so carry a good pair of trekking boots and warm clothing gears. Do not underestimate your gear. They are a necessity.
• Always follow the guide for your safety. They are professionals who are familiar with everything about the trek
• Consider hiring a porter because trekking in winter requires more gears. Hence the luggage can weigh more which can be a trouble to carry especially in the snow.
• Stay hydrated. Since December is a cold month, you may miss out on drinking water. Carry a flask. That way you can take warm water.
• Take proper rest and acclimatization and do not rush.
• Consult a physician before the trek because the risk of altitude sickness is higher in winter. And take necessary precautions.
• Keep extra days in case of flight delays due to bad weather.
• If December is the only time you have and you want to experience trekking in Nepal, but you don’t have time for a long trek like EBC and Cho La Pass, then you should consider the Everest Base Camp Trek in December. Complete the trip in just 14 days and enjoy incredible views and lifelong stories to tell.

Conclusion

If you want a challenging and secluded adventure, December is the best time to take the EBC Chola pass trek.

However, it is wise to take the trek under proper guidance and preparation. Make sure to carry proper gear and equipment so that your trekking goes smooth and comfortable.

For any further question or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us. It is our utmost pleasure to guide and assist you in planning the trek for you.

Madhav Prasad

Madhav started working as a porter in 2001 and then moved on to work as a trekking guide. After working in the trekking and tourism industry for eight years, he co-founded Mosaic Adventure in 2009.

Madhav has trekked to most of the trekking destinations in Nepal, including Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Poon Hill Trek, Jomsom Muktinath Trek, Indigenous Peoples Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and all of the day hikes around Kathmandu.

He has also extensively traveled to other countries such as Australia, the USA, the UK, France, Hong Kong, Japan, China, the Philippines, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Thailand, Turkey, and India. Madhav is the one who answers most of your questions about trekking and tours and helps to plan your trip by giving a personal touch.