December is the last month of the year in Nepal, which is a season of extreme coldness and frequent snowfalls. Thus, trekkers usually ask “Is it possible to have Everest Base Camp Trek in December?”
Well, the answer is Yes! It is possible to visit Everest Base Camp during December; as the trails to EBC is empty, and which offers more adventure and challenges. Also, you can enjoy your trip freely.
The weather and temperature of the Everest region during December is extreme cold with strong cold winds, icy pathway, snowfall, and temperatures reach minus degrees. Trekkers who want to escape an overcrowded season of Autumn and Spring season then Winter season is perfect for you. But, you must be prepared yourself for extreme weather up there.
Things to Know About EBC Trek in December
Everest Base Camp Trek Weather in December
Nepal has four types of the season which are Summer/Monsoon, Autumn, December, and Spring. The coldest season of the year starts from December which is the last month of the year. During this trek, you walk from low altitude places to higher altitude places which can rise to 5,600 meters. Thus, Everest Base Camp Trek weather in December is quite unpredictable as it varies from moderate to extreme.
At lower altitudes places like Lukla, Phakding, Namche, and Tengboche, during the day the weather is warmer while nights are moderate cold with few snowfalls. But at higher altitude places like Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, EBC and Kala Patthar, the days are warm and moderate while nights are freezing cold where temperature can go minus degrees.
Thus, people who can bear the cold and walk over icy trails then they can do EBC Trek in December. You can experience true adventure when trekking in this month as the trails are empty, snow-covered which makes walking very difficult and slippery.
The following Table Demonstrates the Everest Base Camp Trek in December:
Destination | Elevation | Min.Temp | Max.Temp |
Lukla | 2,860m | -1°C | 9°C |
Namche Bazaar | 3,440m | -6°C | 7°C |
Dingboche | 4,410m | -13°C | 4°C |
Lobuche | 4,949m | -16°C | 1°C |
Gorakshep | 5,164m | -17°C | 0°C |
Merits of Everest Base Camp Trek in December
Every trekking month in Nepal has its attractions, Same way December also has its unique advantages and feature;
Less Rainfall
Most trekkers are afraid of trekking in the off-season due to fear of rainfall while trekking. They do not want to spoil their precious day or once in a lifetime views and scenery because of rain. Thus, most of the trekkers cancel their Nepal Visit during Monsoon and Winter season.
But, for adventure lovers, there is good news. The weather of Everest in another month (seasons) is very unpredictable but incase of December (winter season) the weather is predictable. In December, there is no rainfall in the Everest Region but sometimes there is snowfall in place of rainfall.
Magnificent Views.
Trekkers might think “ does the views and scenery will be magnificent in December?”. For those who think that fogs and clouds might blur out the Himalayas views and scenery then they are wrong. During December, fogs and clouds gather at the lower region making the higher region of Everest crystal clear with breathtaking views and scenery. Thus, you get to see wonderful views even in December.
Empty and Peaceful Trails.
Most trekkers get feared of extreme weather, fewer views and scenery, low accommodation, etc thus they cancel their Mount Everest Base Camp Trek in December. Making the trails free for those who love extreme adventure and been waiting for a moment like this. In December, you get to walk in open space without any disturbances from fellow EBC Trekkers. Trekking in empty trails adds extra adventure and thrills to your journey which you can’t get from peak seasons.
Better Accommodation
During the peak season of trekking, hotels and lodges in the Everest/Khumbu region are packed with uncountable tourists. Thus, it becomes very difficult for trekkers to get good accommodated hotels. Cases like sharing rooms arise. But in December, you don’t have to bother about hotels and lodges as you can find various choices and can get high-quality rooms at cheap rates too.
Easy Flight Trip
Every trek to Everest Base Camp starts with a scenic Kathmandu to Lukla flights. In the peak season, Lukla flight tickets are very difficult to get due to a large number of tourists traveling. You have to wait for days to get your tickets but if you are trekking to Everest Base camp in December then you can get flight tickets more easily.
The attraction of Everest Base Camp Trek in December
- Scenic Mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
- 360°degree sweeping views of apex peaks from Kala Patthar.
- Once in a lifetime sunrise views from Kala Patthar.
- Adventuring and Challenging off-beaten snowy trails.
- Picturesque villages of Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lukla, Gorakshep, and Lobuche.
- Exploring renowned Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery of the Khumbu region.
- The highest altitude glacier of Khumbu.
- A direct encounter with the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest.
- Trails decorated with prayer flags and wheels, mani stones.
- Swinging suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi river and Imja river.
Everest Trekking Permits
Want to trek in the Everest region then you need to have permits to enter this preserved area. You can apply for permits alone or your Trekking Agency in Kathmandu can apply for you. Another you need to pay some amount at the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park to enter this conservation area. Trekking to Everest Base Camp in December requires three permits i.e.
- Tims (Trekkers Information Management System): $10
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry: $35
- Pasang Lamu sherpa V.municipality special Permit $20
- Frequently Asked Question about Mount Everest Base Camp Trek in December
How difficult is EBC Trek in December?
As compared to other months, trekking in December is not much different as it follows the same trails, villages, bridges, forests, valleys, etc. The trails start at altitude on a flat pathway to high altitudes with a rocky, snowy and steep pathway. Thus, its difficulty varies from moderate to difficult level. But, there are some differences in terms of climate, weather and trail structure. December has extremely cold weather with frequent snow falls at higher altitudes leaving a thick snowy pathway; thus makes the trekking very difficult as compared to others.
How is accommodation in Khumbu Region in December?
Accommodation is better in the Khumbu region in December as compared to peak seasons. Most hotels, lodges and tea houses are empty or have low visitors due to off-seasons. So, it will be a great opportunity for trekkers like you to get well-accommodated rooms at reliable rates as you have too many options.
Is it required to hire a guide of EBC trek in December?
It depends on how experienced you are. But we suggest you have a guide on your journey as they can be very helpful. Even experienced trekkers hire guides as they know a lot of things which they are not aware of. Guides can take you places which you didn't know about, they will interact you to the local people and even in emergency cases they will help you and save your life. Thus, hire a guide while having Everest Base Camp Trek in December.
Do we need to have porter while trekking to Everest Base Camp in December?
Yes, you need to have a porter on your EBC journey. If you didn’t take them then you have to carry your heavy bags to EBC which is impossible for you to do. Trails in December are full of snow, which makes walking very difficult while carrying heavy loads.
Porters have to experiences of carrying heavy loads and walking over these difficult routes. Besides that, Tourism is the main source of income in this region. So, if you take porters then you are providing jobs to these people.
Recommended Everest Trekking in December
Everest View Trek
This Everest View Trek in December is a special Everest package who want to experience Mt.Everest with a light adventure of trekking. Your last stop is Tengboche, land to the largest monastery of Khumbu districts.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
One of the best holiday packages in the World as well as Nepal. This EBC Helicopter tour is the easiest and shortest way to reach the base camp of World’s Tallest Mountain, Mt.Everest. Within a couple of hours, you reach the kingdom of Himalayas.
Everest Gokyo Lake Trek
This wonderful trek takes you to the lap of unexplored and unspoiled Gokyo Valley. This valley has a remote village of Gokyo and beautiful Gokyo Lake located aside of the largest glacier of Nepal, Ngozumpa Glacier. On this trek, you pass through one of the Three High Passes of Everest Region, Cho La Pass (5,420m).
Everest High Pass Trek
It is one of the most difficult and challenging trekking routes in Nepal that passes through the Three High Passes of Everest Region. They are Kongma La Pass (5,528m), Cho La Pass (5,420m), Renjo La Pass (5,435m).
Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trek
Reaching EBC has many approaches among them Phaplu is one of the popular ones. It is considered safe, length, adventurous, oldest, etc. Those who want to skip the Lukla flight then trekking from the beautiful village of Phaplu is the best. As trails from Phaplu passes through wonderful valleys, forests, remote ethnic villages, stony pathways, bridges, and more.
Conclusion
You might think of extreme coldness, accommodation, safety, which are the reason to back off you from trekking to Everest Base Camp in Winter. For them, please do read our blog or contact us for more details. Otherwise, you can interact with people who have done Everest Base Camp Trek in December. From their reviews, they say Trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp in December is one of the best trips they have taken in their lifetime on a peaceful trail to EBC.
