Everest Base Camp, at 5,364 meters, is the highest base camp in the world. It's daring for trekkers to plan an Everest Base Camp trek in December. Well, that plan is doable with an experienced trek guide and premium trekking gear. Weather and temperature play a significant role in making this trip successful in winter.
December is the vacation month for Europeans and Americans. Most of these nationals prefer trekking to Nepal to celebrate the aesthetic of the Himalayas and enjoy the wintry festivals, Christmas and New Year. As an Everest trekker in winter, you'll behold the true elegance of snow-cladded Everest and adjacent mountains, along with some days of celebrations and partying in Namche Bazaar.
Talking about challenges, December is the beginning of winter in Nepal. The cold in the Everest region in winter can quickly freeze you.
Many travelers wonder if it's possible to trek in December or not!
Well, it is not impossible. It is full of adventures and challenges. This time is for audacious but experienced high-altitude trekkers who adore risk and high-altitude trek adventure in every step. If you are in that category of trekker, you can join the Everest Base Camp Trek in the winter of 2023 and enjoy the crowd-free and adventurous route, like straight Everest base camp in 7 days and returning by helicopter.
If you are looking for an Everest Base Camp trek this December, you should pay attention to every part of your trek plan in more detail. Here's an article from our expert on the Everest tour to assist your trek plan.
Weather and Temperature in Everest Base Camp Trek in winter
The cold gust of wind blows over the Everest area firmly around this time. There are icy and snow-covered trails. The temperature dramatically falls to -13 degrees. Even during the daytime, the temperature averages around 4 degrees.
But still, it is not cold as in January. As you ascend the altitude, the temperatures fall at a high rate. Snowfall can block the trails temporarily. There are even chances of rainfall, more than in November.
Despite this harsh weather, you would get a magnificent view. Unlike monsoon, the viewing never gets obstructed by Overcast. Further, the snow fills the entire landscape, making it heavenly. The glimpses of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and more are splendid and majestic.
Kathmandu to Lukla flight
It hardly rains in December in Luka, but it does get snowfall. Thus, Kathmandu to Lukla flight in December doesn't get delayed or cancelled by rainfall, but snowfall does. There are many cases where the airport crew clears the snow on the Lukla airport runway by pouring hot water.
If there is anything that can hinder the flight situation is the density of fog in Kathmandu. Kathmandu faces a lot of fog in December.
The cost of the Kathmandu Lukla flight in December is cheaper as well. If you don't get any flights on schedule, there's also the option of a Kathmandu to Lukla helicopter flight. The helicopter has no problem landing at Lukla airport, even if it's filled with snow.
Cultural escapade
Sherpa in Khumbu practice Buddhism and celebrates Tamu Loshar in December. You can observe the celebration in the Tengboche monastery and gompas throughout the ethnic Buddhist settlements to mark this festival. This festival is a new year in the Lunar calendar.
Also, December is the month for Christmas and New Year. To observe these two notable festivals as foreigners in the Everest region will be magical. Cherishing the festivals on the lap of Everest is once in a lifetime for every travel freak.
Alternatives of Everest Base camp Trek in December
December isn't favorable to go on alternate Everest trek routes. You can stick to the classic trail only up to Tengboche. Above that place, you may face many troubles like snowfall and cold weather to progress further.
Even if you opt to go higher, you will have empty trails that are very peaceful, thrilling, and daring. You can take a short trek to prevent yourself from the coldest situation. You must be careful about the slippery and challenging trails due to the cold and snow.
Everest View Trek
Everest View Trek is possibly the safest, most luxurious, and most preferred Everest region trekking in December. You'll hike on the Everest trekking route till Namche, climb to Hotel Everest View at 3,880 meters, and behold Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Thamserku, and more.
You'll be wrong if you consider fog and clouds to ruin a fabulous view of Everest. But, in December, you will see the crisp glimpses of the snow-filled Himalayas, which are more mesmerizing than ever.
This plan is for the light trekkers who want to trek with family to Namche with luxury, especially in December.
One day Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Wish to behold snow-filled Everest and Khumbu terrain and still be unable to trek to Everest in December? If so, you can sightsee the entire Everest region, with Everest base camp helicopter tour soaring high on a helicopter with a bird's eye view of the whole Everest region and Khumbu landscape.
Within a day, you will get to the Everest base camp and snow-occupied Kala Patthar. The views and the helicopter flyout experience are overwhelming and marvellous. It is the most straightforward way to reach the centre and confront Mount Everest.
Everest Gokyo Lake Trek
Gokyo Lakes Trek is another best trek in the Everest region in winter, especially in December. Gokyo valley sits north of the alluring Gokyo lakes. This glacier-fed lake freezes in December, making it ideal for skiing on frozen Gokyo Lakes.
The entire valley looks gorgeous, and the frozen lake is now open for the ice games like ice hockey and ice skating. In recent years, winter action sports like snowboarding and skiing are becoming popular in the Everest region, luring hundreds of high-altitude athletes.
Besides, the peaceful Gokyo trek route in December becomes even more serene with snow-occupied terrain, which keeps the trek entertained.
Accommodation in Everest Base Camp in December
The Everest trekking route barely sees the crowd, except for audacious mountain lovers and extreme snow athletes. Crowds become thinner. The trekkers and local people also migrate to other warm places for winter.
Several teahouses close down, but you won't have difficulty finding suitable accommodation for yourself. The flow of fewer visitors gives you many reliable options at a reasonable rate.
December is not the best time for hot showers at high-altitude places like the Everest base camp trek 7 days route. Even washing your face, brushing your teeth, and toileting becomes freezing on cold days.
There are no heated beds or rooms during December in tea houses en route to the Everest Base Camp trek. But, the oven in the dining hall keeps you warm before you sleep in bed, putting extra blankets and curling in sleeping bags.
More than anything, it's time you can treat yourself luxuriously. Namche and Lukla have a few luxurious hotels where you can spend quality time.
Tips for Everest Base Camp trek in December
As you know, December isn't an ideal month for Everest trekking unless you're an experienced trekker. But still, if you decide to come for Everest Base Camp Trek, there are a few things that you must consider.
Here are a few tips for trekkers planning to hike to Everest Base Camp 7 days in December.
Carry decent warm clothes
December is the coldest month, and you have to prepare for it. The clothes should outcast the extreme cold of the Everest region.
The temperature in the daytime increases up to 5° C, and nighttime brings the extreme cold of -17° C.
You have to endure this winter with an extra set of warm clothes and sleeping bags than any other season.
Know your itineraries and gears
The Winter trekking itinerary must be precise. You must be well aware of the places and tea houses to shelter if you can't continue the pace of the hike. On top, the heavy snowfall could ruin your itinerary.
If you're on your own, you would need maps, reading materials, first aid kits, a whistle, warm clothes, gear, light sleeping bags, etc. The list goes on. Make a good list and double-check the things you need on the Everest trekking route. Don't Compromise with anything in this cold season. You should be well aware of the weather and challenges throughout the trek.
Hence, buying Everest Base Camp Trek in December with a trusted local agency becomes the best way to avoid all the headaches and logistics you have to plan on your own.
Stay hydrated and eat more
It'll be great if you adapt to the climate of the Everest region in December so that it doesn't deter your health. For that, you should go through the acclimatisation process and need to drink a lot of water.
Staying hydrated is one of the ways to confront altitude sickness. Drinking lukewarm water regularly before, after the meal, and even at nighttime will help you survive this trek.
You need fuel in your body to hike at pace and explore the Everest region. You should eat only healthy food. And, you need to pay attention to the types of food that can make you sick.
Eating unhealthy food will only make you ill and spoil your trek plan. So, develop healthy food habits before and during the trek.
Take care of your body and mind
Don't give yourself a hard time during the Everest trek in December. If you feel like stopping and acclimatizing more, take a day for rest. If you push yourself to a harsh cold in December, it will strain your mental and physical health.
Accommodation charge in the month becomes cheaper. You might even afford luxurious accommodation for yourself. You can make this time trek a relaxing vacation with a spectacular view of the Himalayas.
Also, drink plenty of water and eat more to refuel body energy.
Final Thoughts
With excellent time for stellar mountain glimpses and beautiful sunsets, you can enjoy a crowd-less EBC trek 7 days freely in December.
It is the month for trekkers who want to escape the crowded route.
As challenging as it can be, not every trekker can walk up to the camp at this time. Extreme cold can only bring the hurdles to a higher altitude, so staying at a lower height is better.
You can enjoy strolling around the trail routes of Everest base camp at a lower altitude. One crucial thing is December is very unpredictable as the climate and weather can be moderate to extreme.
It's wise to plan the Everest Base Camp trek in December with a trusted local tour agency like Sublime Trails for the best guide and porter to help you on this visit.
What’s next?
Sublime Trails is travellers' favourite agency for 2022 on TripAdvisor. Our tour and trek services are most admired by trekkers. Thus, for a wholesome Everest experience, be a part of our fixed departures of 12 days long classic Everest Base Camp trekking in December 2022. Our expert-designed Everest trekking package with proper acclimatisation plans, logistics, guides, and porters.
Dial at +977 9851183278 or email info@sublimetrails.com regarding the Everest base camp trek in Autumn and Winter 2022. Our tour manager and an expert will assist you regarding the inquiries.
