The Everest Base Camp trek in January is generally quiet and peaceful compared to other months.
And, adventurous at the same time.
Just after autumn, a busy season in Nepal, winter season sets in.
Everest Base Camp trek in winter is not the peak trekking season because of the holidays and a cold weather.
But it has the most attractive views.
However, trekking to EBC in January has its own advantages.
Despite the cold, the daytime at Everest Base Camp is warm with bright sunshine.
And, though the night time temperature can get low, it should not bother much because you will be indoors.
Trekking in January means you will get great views of the mountains.
You may not get to experience such glorious and scenic views in any other season but in winter.
Hence if you want to choose trekking in Everest Base Camp in January, there are a few things to consider.
Table of Contents
- Weather During Everest Base Camp Trek in January
- Altitude of Everest Base Camp
- Understanding Altitude Sickness and How to Prevent It
- Packing tips for Everest Base Camp trek in January
- Advantages of EBC Trek in January
- Disadvantages of Everest Base Camp trek in January
- Tips to consider while trekking to EBC in January
- FAQs on EBC trek in January
- How cold can it get while doing the EBC trek in January?
- Will the tea houses in the EBC region remain open in January?
- Are guides/porters necessary for EBC trek in January?
- Do I need a travel insurance while trekking in EBC in January?
- What type of clothes are required for doing the EBC trek in January?
- Some Alternatives to Everest Base Camp trek in January
- Conclusion
Weather During Everest Base Camp Trek in January
As it barely rains, the EBC weather in January is mostly dry and stable.
However, the temperature changes drastically from day to night.
During the day, the sunshine is warm and the temperature remains around 4℃ (39℉).
Whereas during the night, the temperature at highest altitude like Gorakshep can drop to as low as -25℃ (-13℉).
There might also be occasional snow that won’t last for a long time (a day max).
You can continue your trek after the snow stops.
During this particular time, the trekking poles will come in handy.
Basically trekking in January is for those who want to avoid the crowd and can handle the cold.
Here’s a detail of the Everest Base Camp Trek Temperature in January
Place | Elevation | Avg temp | Min temp | Max temp |
Lukla | 2829m | -2.8°C | -2.8°C | 8.5°C |
Namche | 3463m | -6°C | -10°C | -3°C |
Dingboche | 4483m | -7.3°C | -15.3°C | -1°C |
Lobuche | 4910m | -15.7°C | -20.3°C | -8.1°C |
Gorak Shep | 5180m | -19.9°C | -27.6°C | -10.1°C |
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Altitude of Everest Base Camp
All the trekker who treks in Nepal will witness a great range of altitude.
And Everest Base Camp altitude is no exception.
The capital city of Nepal i.e Kathmandu itself lies at an altitude of 1345 meters.
From Kathmandu airport when you get to Lukla, you will be at an elevation of 2800m.
At the base camp, the elevation will be 5,364 meters (17,598 feet).
Further, you will also get to an elevation of 5,545 meters at Kala Patthar.
Here you will get the best views of the magnificent Mt.Everest.
Down below are some of the places and elevation you will pass through if you take extended EBC trek that lasts for about 3 to 4 weeks,
Place | Elevation |
Namche Bazaar | 3,440 meters /11,286 feet |
Phortse Thanga | 3,680 meters / 12,073 feet |
Maccherma | 4,479 meters / 14,694 feet |
Gokyo | 4,790 meters / 15,715 feet |
Gokyo Ri | 5,483 meters / 17,988 feet |
Everest Base Camp | 5,364 meters / 17,598 feet |
Kala Patthar | 5,545 meters / 18,192 feet |
Note that, with the change in altitude the weather and temperature also varies.
Such is the condition of the Everest Base Camp trek in January.
As you start ascending to the altitudes, you will feel much colder.
The dense snow and fog may obstruct the vision.
You may feel snow storms and frequent drops in temperatures in the high altitudes.
Understanding Altitude Sickness and How to Prevent It
Whether you sign up for the EBC trek in January or any other month, it’s important to be aware of the significant risk of altitude sickness that accompanies this journey.
Thus, planning and drafting a well-structured itinerary, taking necessary precautions and acquiring knowledge about preventing altitude sickness are crucial components for ensuring a successful and safe expedition.
Educating yourself about altitude sickness is of utmost importance.
Familiarize yourself with all its symptoms, grasp effective preventive measures and ensure that you’re well-equipped to handle any issues that may arise while you’re on the trail.
Should any concerns or symptoms emerge, don’t hesitate to communicate with your guide promptly.
Moreover, doing the EBC trek in January exposes you to harsh temperatures along the trail.
The colder the temperature, the more challenging it becomes to acclimate to the increasing altitude.
Therefore, it is really important that you prioritize your personal well-being throughout the journey.
Altitude sickness is not to be taken lightly; its consequences can be severe, even fatal.
Thus, maintaining a vigilant and cautious attitude towards it is imperative for your safety and the success of your adventure.
Packing tips for Everest Base Camp trek in January
- January is a cold month and hence packing and gearing up well plays a vital role. It is very important to take care of your clothing which will determine your comfort.
- Some important things you should not miss out are windproof and waterproof jackets. They keep away the snow as well as keep you warm.
- Similarly, you need windproof and waterproof trousers as well. It keeps you warm even when the temperature goes below freezing point.
- One of the important packing essential is the toiletries and first aid box in case of emergency. For the cold weather, especially during harsh wind, you need lip balms, sunscreen lotions, winter gloves, hats, and a pair of warm socks.
- During winter, since you need more clothing, you will need a comfortable and spacious backpack. Since the EBC trek is quite long, you will require enough space to accommodate all the necessary items during the trek.
- And most importantly you will need a good pair of trekking shoes that will either make or break your trek. Since there will be snow in the trails, water and snow resistant shoes will come in great use.
- You will also need good quality sleeping bag that you can fill comfortable if temperature goes around minus 25 Degrees Celsius.
- There can be day(s), where you might have to walk over snow so make sure you got spikes for the shoes to avoid slipping on trail
Advantages of EBC Trek in January
- With few trekkers trekking in January, there are various benefits of trekking in this month.
- In January, the air is dry and the precipitation is very less. The skies are almost clear and cloudless offering a spectacular view.
- This is also an advantage for the flights, they don’t cancel that frequently due to the weather conditions.
- Being an off season there will be very few people on the trail. This means that you will have the path to yourself. You can enjoy the peaceful trail and spend some solitude with nature.
- During this time due to fewer people, you won’t have a problem hiring guide and porter.
- When you are one of the few travelers, the lodges and the teahouses can give you special treatment.
- Rooms will be more available and you won’t have a problem with other services like solar charging etc.
- In other months like October and November, there will be a high number of tourists, queuing up for charging. This is, not at all, a problem in January.
- Due to the few numbers of trekkers, you will get plenty of opportunities to click beautiful pictures of mountains and places.
Disadvantages of Everest Base Camp trek in January
- In January due to the risk of snow storms and harsh temperatures, the high passes like the Cho La Pass trail and Mera Peak climbing remain closed.
- Sometimes the trekkers might have to fall back as a result of blizzards and hurricane winds in other passes.
- Trekking to EBC in January i.e in winter means the days are going to be shorter. Therefore, you need to start your trek early so as to reach the lodge before darkness settles in.
- January trekking at the EBC is quite pleasant with moderate temperature during the day. However, at night it can get to a freezing point sometimes -20 to -30 degree Celsius.
- Not having proper acclimatization can lead your body to take a lot of time to adjust to the cold at higher altitude. Hence, this can make you susceptible to AMS (Acute mountain sickness).
Tips to consider while trekking to EBC in January
Preparing for the Everest Base Camp trek in January requires careful packing due to the cold weather.
Ensuring that you have the right clothing for EBC is crucial for your comfort during the journey.
First and foremost, don’t forget to bring windproof and waterproof jackets.
These are essential as they not only shield you from snow but also provide warmth in the chilly conditions.
Equally important are windproof and waterproof trousers, which offer protection and insulation even when the temperature drops below freezing.
Paying attention to essential items is vital.
Pack toiletries and a first aid kit for any potential emergencies.
In the cold climate, especially when facing strong winds, remember to pack lip balms, sunscreen lotions, winter gloves, hats and a pair of warm socks to stay comfortable.
Since winter demands more clothing, opt for a comfortable and spacious backpack.
The Everest Base Camp trek spans a considerable distance, making it essential to have enough room to carry all your necessary supplies throughout the journey.
Arguably the most critical aspect is having the right pair of trekking shoes.
Your choice of footwear can significantly impact your trekking experience.
Given the presence of snow on the trails, it’s wise to invest in water and snow-resistant shoes to prevent discomfort and ensure safety.
A high-quality sleeping bag is another essential item.
Select one that offers adequate insulation, especially if temperatures might reach around minus 25 Degrees Celsius.
Lastly, consider bringing spikes for your shoes, especially for days when you might encounter snowy paths.
These spikes will provide traction and help prevent slipping on the trail.
FAQs on EBC trek in January
How cold can it get while doing the EBC trek in January?
January is one of the coldest months, with temperatures easily dropping to around minus 25 Degrees Celsius during this trek.
Will the tea houses in the EBC region remain open in January?
Yes, the tea houses remain open in the Everest Base Camp trek all year round.
Moreover, due to fewer trekkers during this time you will most likely receive better service.
Normally in peak season, there is a shortage of mattresses and blankets in the tea house.
This is not a matter of concern in January.
However, the tea house in the high altitude like Gorak Shep may remain closed due to harsh weather condition.
Besides, you will not have trouble finding tea houses in other places of the trek.
Are guides/porters necessary for EBC trek in January?
Since trekking in winter is challenging and includes risk, hiring guides are close to compulsory.
As the trekking trails to EBC are less crowded with few trekkers, it is good to hire a porter/guide for Everest Base Camp trek in January.
The trails can be tricky during winter due to snowfall.
Hence having a guide will give you both physical and mental assistance.
As for porter, it is wise to hire them. Because the trek will certainly be much easier without having to carry heavy baggage.
Do I need a travel insurance while trekking in EBC in January?
Any insurance you have is a good as you can never prepare fully for misfortunes.
Different insurance policies cover different items.
And, you definitely need a travel insurance for Everest Base Camp trek in January.
Some insurance policies cover only up to 3000m.
Hence, make sure you have a clause in your insurance to cover for the altitude up to 6000m.
This is because in high altitude there is a risk posed by acute mountain sickness and other altitudes related illness.
So, having insurance that covers up to 6000 m will cover you up for the entire course of the trek.
This way you will not have to worry about expensive evacuation or medical assistance.
Also, you can get insurance for incidents like accidents, flight delays, and baggage loss etc.
What type of clothes are required for doing the EBC trek in January?
Ensure that you conduct thorough research and pack appropriately for the EBC Trek in January.
Given the harsh temperatures, it’s vital to have ample warm clothing, a suitable down jacket, a proper sleeping bag, and reliable waterproof hiking boots with excellent grip.
Devote sufficient time to researching a comprehensive packing list for the EBC trek.
Some Alternatives to Everest Base Camp trek in January
The Everest Base Camp trek is not only the trek that you can take in January.
There are other treks that you can consider in the Everest region:
Everest Panorama Trek
If you want to view the Everest but do not have enough time to complete the classic EBC trek in January.
Then you can try the Everest Panorama Trek.
This trek will take 10 days and will give you amplified time to get familiar with the Everest region.
In this trek, you will come across Lukla, Phakding,
Namche Bazaar as well as Tengboche.
This short trek will offer you spectacular views of the Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse, Mt Thamserku and many more.
With this time you will get a glimpse into the Sherpa lifestyle as well as their culture.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek -11 days
Since trekking in January is challenging, some people may not have the physical capacity to trek to and from the EBC.
Hence Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return provides this option to trekkers who prefer to take a helicopter tour back to complete it in shorter time or to skip the descent.
With this, you can experience the Everest Base Camp trek in an easier way.
Moreover, this will take a shorter duration to complete and will be great for those who are running short on time.
Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek
If you are doubtful about the fact that you may or may not be able to acclimatize with the cold January weather.
Then Jiri to EBC trek will make sure that you do.
This is a long trek to the Everest region.
Here you will take small gains in altitude every day.
This way, there is lesser chances of altitude sickness.
This trek is possible for those who have close to 3 weeks of trekking days.
Gokyo Lakes Trek
This 15-day trekking trip to Gokyo Lakes is the best alternative to the EBC Trek.
If you are someone who is looking for an incredible adventure with amazing views, then this trek is for you.
If going to EBC is not your main goal but you are seeking a trip that provides an overall great mix of culture, people, views, etc., then opt for Gokyo Lakes Trek.
Conclusion
There is no denying that January is cold and can be quite challenging.
It is also difficult especially for those who don’t prefer the cold season.
Yet, the cold is not so extreme that trekking becomes impossible.
With proper preparation and precaution, you can successfully complete the Everest Base Camp trek in January.
If you love peaceful trails and want a little thrill to you trekking January is the right month.
The Everest Base Camp trek in January will definitely be rewarding.
For further question and queries, please feel free to contact us.
Also, it is our pleasure to guide and assist you to the best of our ability and plan the trip for you going to EBC in January.
Want more information? Send us your query, and our experts will get back to you within 24 hrs.
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.