Mt. Everest (8848m) is a majestic mountain surrounded by spectacular trekking trails on all sides. The trek to Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular and well-marked trekking routes in the world. This once in a lifetime trek brings you closer to the spectacular Himalayas in all its glory.
Are you seeking for some quiet adventures in the Himalayas? In that case, trekking the Everest Base Camp during the month of December is ideal for you. You can observe the picturesque snow-capped mountains over the clear blue sky. Moreover, you get to enjoy the full facilities of the tea houses and lodges along the trail at a bargain price.
Furthermore, there are lesser risks of precipitation during December. The trail also passes along the Sagarmatha National Park, which is a UNESCO listed World Heritage site. The Everest Base Camp Trek in December is a pleasant experience that provides a unique perspective of the region.
If you want to know more about the Everest Base Camp Trek, then you have arrived at the right place. I have provided detailed information about the things that you need to know before starting your trek in the Everest Base Camp region. Select the best trek based on your desire and requirements and book your trip now!
Highlights of The Trek:
- Trekking peacefully in the beautiful trails of the Mt. Everest region
- Enjoying the full facilities of the teahouses, lodges along the trail
- Experiencing the surreal atmosphere of the Everest Base Camp
- The spectacular sunrise view from Kala Patthar
- Passing through the conservation area of Sagarmatha National Park
- Breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Mt Ama Dablam, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse and other snow-capped mountains
- Exploration of the culture and traditions of the local sherpa people
- Incredible hospitality of the Nepalese people
Why Trek Everest Base Camp in December?
Wonderful view/sharp visibility
The sharp visibility and the wonderful view of the surroundings is a major attraction of the Everest Base Camp Trek in December. The chilly winds get blown away in an around Mt. Everest giving us a picture-perfect view.
There is a chance of some snowfall in late December. The trails might get covered and blocked with snow. So, the best time to trek without any risk is early December.
Low precipitation
There is nothing more disappointing during the trek than rain playing a spoilsport and limiting you to the teahouses for days and obstructing the beautiful views. Besides, the trail also gets quite slippery.
There are fewer chances of rainfall in the Everest region in December. You don't have to worry about the rainfall playing spoilsport.
More accommodation facilities
The tea houses, lodges, and other accommodations are easily found, and you can find them to be almost empty. The rooms and meals are available at bargain prices. You can rest in the kitchen near the fireplace during the freezing conditions. The hot showers are also available at your disposal.
Quiet trekking trails
The month of December is the off-season for trekking in the Everest region. The routes are quite peaceful in December. You can enjoy the beautiful trail in all its glory. Since you have braved the winter, you can enjoy the winter wonderland. There will be no disturbance, and you can take as many pictures of the unobstructed view of the mountains.
Easy flights
The flights from Kathmandu to Lukla are almost empty. You will not need to book the flights early. But the weather might play a hurdle during the flights. The weather may fluctuate any time you choose to trek and affect the flight schedule.
The Weather Around Everest Base Camp in December
The weather is freezing, and the temperature dips below 0 degrees celsius in December around the Everest Base Camp region. The tea houses, lodges, and other accommodation along the trail provide various facilities like hot showers, warm blankets, and hot meals. The accommodation facilities are easily available since December is the offseason.
Everest Base Camp Trek Temperature in December:
| Place | Elevation | Maximum temperature | Minimum temperature | Average temperature |
| Lukla | 2,829 m/9281 ft | 9.8°C | -1.8°C | 4°C |
| Namche | 3,463 m/11,361 ft | 7.6°C | -6.5°C | 0.5°C |
| Dingboche | 4,483 m/14,708 ft | 3.2°C | -13.4°C | -5.1 °C |
| Lobuche | 4,910 m/ 16100 ft | 1.1°C | -16.4°C | -7.7°C |
| Gorak Shep | 5180 m/ 17000 ft | 0°C | -17.8°C | -8.9°C |
The average precipitation around December is around 3mm, which is considerably less. Therefore, the chances of cloud covering the mountains is also relatively less, which makes the conditions perfect for a trekking adventure.
Having said that, it is almost impossible to predict the exact weather of Everest Region. The wind pattern and clouds changes every hour or so, which leads to weather changes in the Everest Base Camp. Overall, December might not be the best time to trek the region according to conventional norms but with proper preparation and will power it is doable.
Food and Accommodation along the Everest Base Camp Trek In December
You can find many tea houses, lodges, and other accommodations at a bargain price in December. The cozy beds are available in a peaceful environment. Since December is not a peak season for climbers and trekkers, you can stay at the Himalayas in a peaceful environment.
If the night gets pretty cold, you can rest near the fireplace in the kitchen. You will also find the hot showers at your disposal without any hassle. The overall facilities at these places are easily available.
You will not find it hard to find an excellent place to stay along the trail. Book early in any case to be safe from any inconvenience. You can expect healthy and nutritious meals along the path. This nutritious food might not warrant anything fancy but guarantees you full nutrition during the trek.
Trekking Trails for the Everest Base Camp Trek in December
There are multiple trekking trails along the Everest Base Camp region with each of trail providing a unique perspective of the place. The adventurous flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is the first step before you start your journey. Since the trails are mostly isolated the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek from Phakding to Everest Base Camp is ideal for you.
You won't find the trails crowded and the spectacular views of the mountains will overwhelm you. The trail passes along the well-marked trails of Phakding, Namche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, and Everest Base Camp before returning back the same route.
If you would love to trek some alternative routes, then the Gokyo-EBC trail is best suited for you. The trek, however, can be quite a challenge for even the most experienced of trekkers as you will have to tread along a glacial path. The turquoise Gokyo Lakes is the primary attraction of the trek.
Besides these, the Jiri-EBC trail is also available in case you are not keen on taking the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Overall, these multiple trekking trails provide you with the best of the region and you can choose the one that suits your requirement and desire.
Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty
The Everest Base Camp Trek takes about 12-14 days. The alternative Chola pass and Gokyo lake route take a couple of days more. You will be walking 5-8 hours per day on an average and above 4,000m at all times. The trail around the Everest region is well-marked and easily navigable.
You will not require any technical skills except for the Chola Pass route, in which case, you will be walking on an icy glacier. The highest point of the Everest Base Camp Trek is Kalapathar (5,643m). The risk factor of Acute mountain sickness is always present. Many expert veteran trekkers advise not to climb or trek more than 600m in elevation at any given trekking day.
Overall, the level of difficulty is challenging as you will be walking for 5-8 hours each day with heavy luggage. Alternatively, you can also decide to hire a porter that eases the pressure of your back.
Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek in December
Prepare well
Proper preparation before the trek is quite important at any time of the year. For a trek in December, you will need to dress in layers as chilly winds blow during the trekking hours. Another advantage of dressing in layers is that you can add or remove layers of clothing based on the requirements.
You should carry extra down jackets and comfortable sleeping bags to protect yourself from the freezing conditions in the nighttime. Since there might be some occasional snowfalls, carrying a trekking pole is a must. Besides these, equipment like trekking shoes, gloves, ski-goggles, sunscreen, emergency lights, and others are also essential.
Acclimatize and hydrate regularly
The main mantra of trekkers around the everest region is to go slow. The acclimatization process includes going at a slow but steady pace. This process relaxes your body and makes it able to cope with the altitude sickness.
Climbing up and down in elevation makes you adapt to the conditions faster. Besides, this you will also need to hydrate regularly. Regular hydration increases the oxygen levels in your body and aids you in your trekking adventure.
Book in advance
Even though the tea houses, lodges will be available without any hassle, early booking will assure you of the fact and gives you peace of mind. So, search, compare, decide, and book in advance for the trip.
Start your trek early
The days are short during this time; hence, starting your trek early is a must during the trek in December. Starting early helps to reach the destination before dark. You will have to trek for almost 7-8 hours during the day. The swift weather changes increase the risk of unexpected snowfall during the trek. Therefore, you can reach your destination safe and sound.
Things to Consider While Trekking Everest Base Camp In December
Guide and porter
The trail from Phakding to Mount Everest Base Camp might be well-traveled and marked accurately, but during December, the occasional snowfall might cover and block the path. You will need a guide to clear and identify the trail in such conditions. Moreover, the guide can also provide local information that may be essential for the trip.
Besides, a local guide helps you understand the local culture and tradition. Many tourists confuse a guide with a porter. However, their roles are quite different; a porter helps you by carrying your cargo during the trek as you will pack heavy.
Fitness
The right level of fitness and stamina is a must for anyone who wants to trek in the Everest region. Trekker must start their training, including cardiovascular activities like cycling, hiking, swimming, and others at least two weeks before the trek. Go slow and hydrate regularly is the primary mantra of trekkers in the region.
Altitude sickness
The Everest Base Camp Trek moves above 4000m at all times. The chilly winds, harsh conditions, and dry air make the trip challenging. The bare minimum oxygen levels and air pressure contributes to the altitude sickness.
There is a Kunder hospital at the north of Namche established by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Himalayan Rescue Mission’s health post at Pheriche that provides information and medical services related to altitude sickness to trekkers.
Permits
All trekkers must have TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) permit for any trekking activity in Nepal. However, if you already have a local permit, then the TIMS permit is not required. The local permit gets issued at Monjo, Chubu region for a fee of USD 20, and also in Nepal tourism board in Kathmandu.
The trekkers also need to get the necessary permit for entry at the Sagarmatha National park. You need to show and register the permit at several checkpoints around the region. You can get permission at Monjo or Kathmandu, at the cost of USD 30, with added government tax.
You can get the Gauri Shankar National Park Permit permit at Shivalaya checkpoint at the cost of USD 20. This permit is only required if you are trekking from Jiri to Lukla and not if you take the usual flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
Travel insurance
The travel insurance is a necessary part of any trekker’s trip. Accidents, injuries, or sickness can happen at any time, and you might also require helicopter evacuation. The helicopter ride might cost anywhere between $5000 to $10000.
Therefore, travel insurance is a much-needed precaution. There are regular flight delays and cancellation based on unfavorable weather conditions. In these cases, travel insurance comes in handy.
The Items You Need for Everest Base Camp Trek in December
You will have to pack a lot of stuff for the Everest Base Camp Trek in December. The list of items that you need for the Everest Base Camp Trek in December are:
- Trekking clothes
- Warm Down Jacket
- Waterproof trekking shoes
- Thermals
- Fleece jackets
- First aid kit
- Trekking Poles
- Sleeping bags
- Pair of Sunglasses
- Traditional Maps/ Google maps offline download
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
- Toiletries (Tissues, wet wipes, Moisturizers, sanitizers, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
- Water Bottles and water purifying tablets or purifiers
- Large backpack (60l)
Conclusion
If you love trekking in peace and some added challenges that comes your way then the Everest Base Camp in December is ideal for you. The clear skies and wonderful views around the Everest Base Camp is are the primary attraction of the trek.
The tea houses, lodges are practically empty, and you can enjoy the facilities at a bargain price. The exciting Everest Base Camp Trek in December is a fantastic opportunity to get up and close in the tranquility of nature.
