Everest Base Camp Trek in December

The Everest Base Camp trek in December is very much doable and quite possibly one of the best times to do this trek. December is considered to be the beginning month of winter and the cold gradually increases as the days go by, especially in the mountains. But it is very different from what people initially think what winter in the mountains is like. People usually have this thought that winter in Nepal means heaps of snow that makes normal travel very hard, let alone trekking in the mountains. But that is not the case. 

Nepal has four seasons and the tourism industry categorizes two of them as peak season and the other two as off-season. The peak season is considered as spring and autumn, which are the months March-May and September-November, respectively.  During these two seasons, a lot of tourists enter Nepal either for trekking or tours. And among other places, Everest Base Camp is the most popular trekking destination in Nepal. So, the Everest Base Camp trail sees a lot of trekkers in spring and autumn, meaning it will sometimes feel a bit crowded. 

But in summer and winter, which are the off-seasons, the influx of tourists coming to Nepal drops by a significant amount. Especially those who are going trekking. Summer sees a lot of rain, so it may be a bit of a risk but not something entirely impossible. Winter, however, with the right preparation, can be a perfect time to do the Everest Base Camp Trek, specifically during the month of December. Knowing the weather and climate before embarking on a journey to the EBC is very crucial. 

So on this blog we will provide you with all the information regarding trekking to the Everest Base Camp in December. 

Since we have already established that you can do the Everest Base Camp in December. Let’s further discuss other important matters, starting with temperature and weather. 

Temperature and Weather in Everest Base Camp in December 

The month of December will have become quite cold on Everest but it still is not as bad as it would be the next two months that follow. There won’t be snowfall at the beginning of the month but as the month progresses, the chances of snowfall increase as well. The temperature gradually drops and falls in the range of 5°C to 10°C during the day and -12°C to -5°C during the night. 

The temperature during the day is manageable and during the night, having warm clothes and a blanket will ensure to keep away the cold. And the temperature mentioned above is just depicted at an average rate, which means the temperature can drop even lower or be higher as per how the winter has been predicted to be the current year. 

Why should you do the Everest Base Camp Trek in December? 

There are multiple numbers of advantages and highlights of trekking to the Everest Base Camp in December and they are as follows: 

• Some of the clearest views of the snowy mountains upon a bright azure sky.
• Because it is off-season, there will be significantly fewer people trekking the mountains, which means it will be less crowded, which the EBC has quite the reputation of. 
• Because there will be fewer people hiking the trail, it will be peaceful, and you can enjoy a much more spiritual journey. 
• There is a very low chance of rainfall but you can experience some pleasant snowfall. 
• Fewer people trekking also means you will have multiple choices for accommodation and do not have to worry about not getting a good room throughout the trail. 
• If the weather is clear during the early mornings, then you can take a direct flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. As opposed to travelling to Ramechhap during peak season, during winter there will be a direct flight from Kathmandu and vice versa.
• A perfect opportunity to spend your holidays Christmas and New Year among the mountains of the Everest Range.  

Altitude and Acclimatization on Everest Base Camp in December 

The highest elevation you reach during this trek is at Kala Patthar at 5,644 m (18,519 ft) above sea level. Other notable altitude points include Everest Base Camp itself at 5,364 meters (17,598 ft), Namche Bazaar at 3,440 meters (11,286 ft), Tengboche at 3,867 meters (12,687 ft), Dingboche at 4,410 meters (14,470 ft), and Lobuche at 4,940 meters (16,210 ft). 

It does not matter which season it is; the high altitude will have some impact on your body and you always have a chance of suffering from altitude sickness if you do carelessly ascend higher. And because it is December and winter, the temperature will be lower, which can sometimes create a hard time to adjust to the altitude. This is why, while hiking to the Everest Base Camp, acclimatization is consequential. 

No matter at what time you have embarked on a journey, without acclimatization, it can put your body at risk of acute mountain sickness. Your itinerary should be well thought out with proper rest and acclimatization days. Thus, during the hike, ascend slowly so you can avoid altitude sickness and enjoy your trek to the fullest. 

Physical and Mental Preparation for Everest Base Camp in December 

Trekking to the Everest Base Camp isn’t something that can be done with no preparation at all. Be it spring, autumn, summer, or winter, proper planning and preparation are required prior to embarking on a journey to see the world’s highest peak. And winter needs extra care while preparing for the trek. 

First of all is mental preparation. You have to be fully aware of what type of place you are going and set your expectations according to that. We have already established that cold temperatures are one of the challenging factors of doing this trek in December but there are other aspects of the trek that can make it more challenging and these aspects will be present no matter which month you choose for the trek. 

The total distance of the Everest Base Camp trek is 130 km round trip, which means each way is 65 km starting and ending at Lukla. Which means on average you will be trekking  at least 10-15 km for 7-8 hours per day. The land topography and gain in elevation make the hike challenging and with the addition of the low temperature and possibility of snow, mentally preparing yourself will be a lot of help. 

Some of the ways to mentally prepare for the trek are by doing meditation and yoga to keep your mind sound and calm. Doing research on the destination and talking to other trekkers who have done this trek will help create a good idea of what to expect. You need to have a positive mindset and not get discouraged. And above all, keep your expectations practical and realistic. 

And now let’s talk about physical fitness and how we can prepare physically for the trek. Your physical and mental health go hand in hand. To prepare physically, you will need to start with exercises focusing on cardiovascular conditioning. Going hiking to the mountains near you will help you get used to the trails you will eventually walk during the trek and it will also help in acclimatization. 

And above all, you need to maintain your diet before and during the trek with food that gives you nutrition and energy. Staying hydrated will help the body to maintain its energy balance and make it easier to cope with the increase in altitude. Thus, overall, you have to be sure you are actively working towards your mental and physical health in order to have the best trekking experience to the Everest Base Camp in December.

Carrying the Proper Gear and Equipment for the Trek

Going anywhere, you need to pack and prepare accordingly. If you go to a place with a beach, then you will pack clothes that are suitable for its environment. Similarly, you need to have the right clothes, gear, and equipment when you are going for a trek in the mountains, especially in December. Making the right packing list will give you absolute assistance. 

First and foremost, you will need a few sets of clothes that can withstand the cold of negative degrees. From inner thermal wear to socks, make sure your clothes are of good quality and actually shield you from the winter cold of the mountains. Layering is better than wearing one big puffer jacket. Pack smart and pack only the essentials. Gear like crampons and trekking poles is mandatory for trekking in the winter, as you will possibly have to walk in ice and snow. 

A sleeping bag that can withstand cold up to -20°C, as the blankets that the tea houses provide might not be enough to keep you warm. You can also take portable heating pads to keep your hands and feet warm. Other equipment includes a compass, map, headlamp, and sunglasses that make up the complete packing list. Be sure to research more and buy all the required items before your trek. 

Get Winter Deals and Special Offers during December

As we know, the winter season is considered an off-season in Nepal, which means many places get very few tourists. It means there are a lot of places that offer discounts and deals during this time. Therefore, during winter there might be companies that offer off-season deals, which is one of the perks of travelling to Nepal during December or the winter season in general. So if you want an affordable and enjoyable trip, winter is the way to go. 

Finding Accommodation during EBC Trek in December 

As briefly mentioned above, finding good accommodation during the month of December is a pretty easy task. One of the main reasons is that there are just fewer people trekking amidst the trials of Everest during this time. The numbers are significantly low compared to peak season, which leads you to an advantage. In some cases, you might be the only guest staying at the tea house, allowing you to get the best services from the owner. 

Getting Guide and Porter Services for EBC Trek in December

Whether you are trekking solo or in a group, hiring a registered trekking guide is mandatory as per the rules set by the government of Nepal. Normally the guides charge about 35-40 USD per day and for porters it is 25-30 USD per day. But if you are going from a company, they will already include your trekking guide cost; however, you need to pay additional if you wish to hire a porter. 

It is actually very imperative that you take a trekking guide with you, especially during the month of December, as the trail might be confusing because of the snow and it increases the chances of getting lost. So it is recommended that you hire a registered trekking guide for your trek. 

Final Thoughts 

Everest Base Camp truly is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and trekking there in December is even more unique than most people realize. The trail is more peaceful; the snow cascading on top of the peaks against the Cerulean sky adds even more to the beauty. And you might think that it will be too cold and while it is a valid concern, with the right preparation, you can easily tackle the cold and enjoy the trek to the fullest with the best of the best experience. Moreover, you can also get amazing deals during December or the entire winter season, so if you are interested in booking a trek to the Everest Base Camp in December, you can do so via email or WhatsApp at info@alpineramble.com or +977 9851175531