Everest Base Camp Trek in December

Commencing the Everest Base Camp trek in December signifies more than a mere adventure. It epitomizes human perseverance, courage and the desire for exploration.

Despite the popularity of spring and autumn, December emerges as a hidden gem in the realm of trekking seasons.

As the Himalayas are enveloped in winter’s icy grip, this month unveils a chance for daring individuals to carve their own path through uncharted territories.

Everest Base Camp Trek in December is definitely possible with proper preparation and by packing the right gear and clothing.

While spring and autumn are the most preferred times for many trekkers to explore the Everest region, we will delve into the details of embarking on the Everest Base Camp trek in December.

In this article, you will discover both the merits and demerits of undertaking this incredible adventure during the month of December.

The trek to Everest Base Camp starts from Lukla. It takes about 30 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Lukla – known as the entrance of the Everest region.

The temperature in Everest Base Camp in December goes below zero degrees Celsius.

However, the precipitation in the Everest region is very low.

This promises for a clear view of the mountains and some awesome photography.

Weather detail – Everest Base Camp Trek in December

December is the beginning of winter and one of the three coldest month in Nepal.

December, January and February are three months that falls under winter season of Nepal.

December is the starting month of winter and temperature would not be that harsh as compared to January and February.

In the higher altitudes, the temperature falls below 0℃ in winter of December.

The Everest region is very cold, usually during mornings, evenings and nights.

At night, the average temperature is around – 14℃.

Yet, the temperature ranges from 15 degrees- 20 degree Celsius during sunny days.

Even though it is very cold during mornings, evening and nights, you can enjoy a pleasant weather during the day.

Daily Temperature Range

During the day (lower altitudes): 5°C to 12°C (41°F to 54°F)
During the day (higher altitudes): 0°C to 7°C (32°F to 45°F)
During the night (lower altitudes): -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F)
During the night (higher altitudes): -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 14°F)

While doing Everest Base Camp trek in December, you will have a pleasant experience during the day throughout the trekking duration from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back.

However, mornings, evenings, and nights are quite cold, especially as you go to higher altitudes above 3,500 meters (11,480 feet).

At your final teahouse destination, Gorakshep, you should expect night temperatures to drop to around minus 15 degrees Celsius.

Keep in mind that room temperatures are nearly the same as the outside temperature.

Temperature and weather impact aspects of the EBC trek in December

We will further go in details on how colder temperatures and snowfall on the trail impacts various aspects of doing Everest Base Camp trek in December.

Trail Conditions

During the Everest Base Camp trek in December, trail conditions can be affected by colder weather and snowfall.

Some parts of the trail may become icy and slippery due to low temperatures, especially in shaded areas at lower altitudes and almost everywhere above 3500 meters.

Wearing proper hiking boots with good grip is crucial for safe walking.

Additionally, snowfall can cover parts of the trail, potentially hiding trail markers and making it harder to find your way.

In such cases, it is advisable to follow experienced guides or group of other trekkers if you are doing it alone.

Moreover, there could be an increased risk of avalanches in certain areas due to accumulating snow.

Local guides and authorities keep a close watch on these conditions to ensure the safety of trekkers.

So, do your research, consult with experts, book a guided tour and take precautions at all times.

Accommodations

Accommodation options during Everest Base Camp trek in December might be affected by the weather and cold temperatures.

Because it’s colder and there are fewer trekkers, some teahouses might close for a while or not have everything available.

To make sure your trip goes well, it is a good idea to plan your schedule and book where you will stay before you go.

Remember, the places you’ll stay don’t have heating, so the rooms can get really cold, especially at higher places.

It’s a good suggestion to bring a sleeping bag that’s made for this kind of weather and warm clothes so you can sleep comfortably.

Also, because it’s so cold, things like bathrooms and water can freeze.

So, it’s smart to be ready for these simple conditions and have things like wet wipes and hand sanitizer to stay clean and comfortable during your journey.

Overall Trekking Experience

Everest Base Camp Trek in December comes with extra challenges due to colder temperatures and snowy paths.

It’s important to stay warm when you take breaks, even though you might feel warm from moving around.

December is a quieter time because fewer people are trekking compared to busy times.

This peacefulness lets you connect in a special way with nature and the mountains, as there aren’t as many people on the trails.

The cold weather makes altitude effects stronger.

It’s really important to get used to the higher places slowly  and be careful about altitude sickness.

Drinking water and taking enough breaks is really necessary.

During the day, the snowy landscapes, shiny mountain tops and clear skies create beautiful scenery.

The famous views of Everest and the nearby peaks look even more impressive against the white snow.

Everest Base Camp Trek in December is a unique adventure.

It gives you a different way to see and experience the region compared to when it’s busier.

If you’re someone who likes adventures, this is a chance to experience the area in a special way.

The fresh air and quiet snow make the experience even more real and enjoyable.

The mix of things you see, hear and feel adds to the whole journey.

Advantages of trekking Everest Base Camp in December

Low Rainfall

Everest region has almost no rainfall during December, although you may see some snow.

The weather is pretty predictable in the Everest region during December.

So, you need not worry about abrupt changes in the weather during your trek.

Amazing view

Winters usually have the clearest views in Everest Base Camp, the sky is crystal clear with pin sharp view of the surrounding.

Less crowd

You will thank yourself for making this wise decision once you are on the trail.

Since it is the off-season for trekking in the Everest region, you will not find few people trekking there.

You will have enough space and time to enjoy the spectacular view and take some amazing pictures too!

More options for accommodation

During this time, you will find more lodges to choose from. And the best part is that you won’t even have to bargain for a good price.

You will have easy accommodations and meals at a much cheaper price!

Easy flights

You will easily get flight tickets from Kathmandu to Lukla or vice versa this time of the month.

You need not struggle to book the flights at all. Except, when the weather is cloudy and unfavorable for flights.

Also, if you undertake this trek in December, there is a high chance that the Lukla flight will operate from Kathmandu.

Unlike the peak season (spring and autumn) when flights operate from Ramechap, which involves a 4-hour drive early in the morning each way.

Trekking trail options to the Everest Base Camp

Allow us to usher through some popular trekking trail options to the Everest Base Camp for December.

Classic Lukla to Everest Base Camp trek (13-14 days trekking)

The classic Lukla to Everest Base Camp trek is the most popular.

It’s the most direct route from Lukla to the 18,192-foot peak of Kalapatthar and the best view of Mt. Everest.

This route takes you through the beautiful Sagarmatha National Park which eventually ends at the Everest Base Camp.

As you trek up the valley from Lukla, sky-touching peaks, such as Cho Oyu, Nuptse, and Lhotse surround you.

You climb the Namche hill to the town of the same name(Namche bazaar), where you’ll have another day or two to acclimatize.

Then it’s on to the largest monastery in the Khumbu region at Tengboche (12,664 feet), the holiest mountain to the Khumbu Sherpas.

From Tengboche, you will travel to Dingboche(14,436 feet).

Here you might spend another night for acclimatization process.

After a few days on the trail, you will reach Gorak Shep at 16,995 feet.

During this trek, you will cross a lot of loose rock and glacier moraine.

From here you will trek to the Everest Base Camp and then hike back to Gorak Shep.

After a night at Gorak Shep, the next morning you will hike up Kala Patthar at 18,592 feet to see the sun rise over the Everest.

Next stop is a descend back to Dingboche.

From there you’ll retrace your steps back to Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu.

Recommended 14 Days itinerary for Everest Base Camp Trek in December

Below is the 14-day itinerary that Mosaic Adventure offers to its clients.

This itinerary includes proper acclimatization and safety measures to ensure a comfortable trek to EBC in December.

This trip is available year-round, with multiple departure dates in December as well.

However, if you’re considering starting on a custom date, please get in touch with us.

One of our tour coordinators will help you plan your Everest Base Camp trek in December.

Here is a brief overview of the itinerary.

For more detailed trek and package information, please visit the EBC trip page.

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu, stay in Thamel area. 

Day 2: Take a scenic flight to Lukla (2840m/9320ft)–from there trek to Phakding (2610m/8560ft)–this is approximately 3.5 hours walking trail after about 35 minutes flight. 

Day 3: Trek for about 6 hours from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11290ft)

Day 4: Take side trip to higher altitude and return to Namche to acclimatize. 

Day 5: Trek for about 5 hours to reach Tengboche also known as Tyangboche (3860m/12660ft)

Day 6: Trek tfor about 5 hours from Tyangboche to reach Dingboche (4360m/14300ft)

Day 7: Another acclimatization day – usually trekkers visit Nagartsand Peak. 

Day 8: Approximate 5 hours trek to Lobuche (4940m/16207ft) 

Day 9: First trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5170m/16961ft). Keep your belongings at the teahouse then take a daypack and go for a return trip to Everest Base Camp (5300m/17400ft) 

• Roughly 8 hours journey for Lobuche – Gorakshep – Everest Base Camp – Gorakshep

Day 10: Sunrise viewing hike up to Kalapatthar (5545m/18192ft) then trek down to Pheriche (4270m/14070ft) – Approx. 7 hours trek including the time taken for return Kalapatthar trip.

Day 11: About 6 hours return trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11290ft) 

Day 12: Walk ups and downs for about 6 hours to reach Lukla (2840m/9320ft), where you started your journey. 

Day 13: Fly back and stay again in the hotel at Thamel.

Day 14: Departure. Go home or extend your stay for another activities like Chitwan National Park Tour. 

Jiri to Everest Base Camp (19-21 days trekking)

For those who want to extend their EBC trek, there is no slower way to go than trekking from Jiri.

On this Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek, you need to add 5-7 days to the basic Everest Trek.

The trails, until you get to Lukla, is very quiet and secluded.

This gives you a chance to see the local life and the Sherpa culture. And this route has some of the most spectacular views.

Tumlingtar to Everest Base Camp (21-23 days trekking)

It begins with a short flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar in Eastern Nepal.

It starts in the lowlands and ends up at Lukla, adding around 5-8 days to the Classic Base Camp trek.

We can arrange this trek for you.

As you head from here to Lukla, the trail passes through Brahman/Chhetri villages as well as others.

Gokyo Over Cho La Pass (17-18 days trekking)

This is the most popular alternative route to the classic Everest Base Camp Trek.

Everest Bas Camp and Gokyo lakes trek via Cho La Pass is a longer but a very beautiful circuit to the Everest.

The views of the Everest region from Gokyo lakes is something out of dreams.

The village of Gokyo is one of the highest settlements in the world.

It offers extraordinary views of the turquoise Gokyo lakes, Cho Oyu and Makalu (27,838 feet).

From Gokyo, you cross over Cho La pass and descend down into Lobuche, where you rejoin the classic EBC trek route.

Recommended treks in the Everest region during December

Everest Panorama Trek

Can you not bear the cold winter? Do you have less time for the Everest Base Camp trek?

Then, Everest Panorama Trek is the ultimate choice for you.

It is the perfect trek to explore the beautiful villages of the Everest region and see Mount Everest in a short time.

This trek follows Lukla- Phakding- Namche bazaar- Tengboche route.

Gokyo Valley Trek

Gokyo Lakes trek is another suitable trek destination in December.

And is adventurous as well. It is a completely off the beaten track in a rustic location.

This is a moderate trek and you can walk into at any time of the year.

You will pass through delightful valleys, crystal clear emerald lakes and the world’s biggest ice glacier – the Ngozumpa glacier.

On this trek, you will witness the extreme view of huge ace range located between Cho Oyu and Gyachung in Khumbu region.

Tips for Everest Base Camp trek in December

• The days are shorter so you need to start early.
• Most of the routes are not open so it’s better to hire a guide to help you trace the right path.
• Since it is very cold during the day and night, be ready with warm clothes. Dressing in layers is the key.
• It is advisable to learn about the local communities. You can interact and learn about their culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Guide/porter options for the trek to Everest Base Camp?

We have classified the options as follows

• private guide + porter
• private guide + no porter
• no guide + no porter
• porter/guide(combined person)
• small group tour with guide + porter or yaks

You can also arrange for both a porter or a guide in Lukla after arriving.

Or, you can book beforehand.

What is the option for buying and selling trekking gears in Nepal?

There are dozens of shops selling knock-off gears in Kathmandu.

And even a few sell branded goods at a fixed price.

You can rent items for less than a dollar per day and return them when the trek is over.

Most shops will also buy used gears so make sure to keep your receipts to get a better price for your gears.

You can ask your guide for a recommendation to help you locate the best rental shop for you.

Altitude Sickness, Safety and Packing for Everest Base Camp Trek in December

Altitude sickness, also called acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a real concern when you do high-altitude treks like the Everest Base Camp trek in December.

It’s important all year, but the risk goes up in December due to colder weather and snow.

Make sure to learn about Acute Mountain Sickness, its symptoms, how to prevent AMS and ways to handle it.

AMS happens when your body struggles with less oxygen at higher places, especially above 3500 meters.

Symptoms can differ, but they usually include mild headaches, feeling sick or serious problems like trouble breathing or confusion.

To avoid AMS, slowly getting used to higher altitudes is important.

Use rest days to let your body adjust.

Go slow while climbing and drink lots of water to help your body get used to the changes.

Staying hydrated is a must in cold weather.

Dry air and exercise can lead to dehydration, which makes AMS worse.

Drink water, and also try drinks with electrolytes and warm beverages.

When packing for the Everest Base Camp trek in December, focus on warm clothes and gear that works in cold weather.

Wear layers, bring a warm jacket, sleeping bag, gloves, a warm hat (beanie) and a buff to stay warm.

Good, waterproof trekking boots with good grip are a must for icy paths.

If you’re trekking after the third week of December, bring shoe spikes for extra grip and hand warmers to stay warm.

Your bag should have basic first aid stuff like altitude sickness medicine (like Diamox), pain relievers and your personal meds.

Don’t forget good sunglasses with UV protection, strong sunscreen and lip balm to protect your skin and eyes.

A headlamp, portable charger, and extra batteries are important for safety and convenience.

Learn about AMS, its symptoms and how to stay safe.

Remember to take it easy as you go up and keep drinking water.

When you’re packing for the Everest Base Camp trek in December, make sure to pack warm, wear good hiking boots, and take other important things for a safe and comfy trip.

Conclusion

Trekking to Everest Base Camp in December is possible and doable.

You will have no problem with accommodations on EBC, food or the service during this time.

Everest Base Camp in December witnesses a low number of trekkers.

Hence, it is an excellent time for those who enjoy peace and solitude.

The only thing that you need to consider is the temperature.

Trekking to Everest Base Camp in December means dealing with colder weather and snow.

If you are fond of the winters, you should not have any problem. In fact, you will enjoy it more!

Well, if you are not a big fan of the winters but still waiting to explore the EBC in December, it is possible too.

Be sure to support yourself to pack proper gear and equipment for your EBC Trek.

But the experience of being away from the crowds and enjoying an adventure is worth it.

Being ready with the right things and adjusting to changes in weather is very important to have the best journey possible.

If you have any further question or queries, please feel free to contact us.