Everest Base Camp Trek in December

The beautiful Everest Base Camp is a dream destination for trekkers all around the world. This incredible trek is ideal throughout the year. While December falls off-season and Everest base camp trek in December is still a great time to trek the Himalayan trails. Trekkers will get to travel in a tranquil atmosphere without any crowded trails in December.

However, the latter part of December can get quite cold, so it is not recommended for the trek. Hence, you should trek in the early part of the month for an outstanding adventure. December is perfect for budget travelers and backpackers as the facilities are available at a bargain price.

The weather remains dry in the season, but the weather gets cold when the sun goes down. Thus, the trekkers must prepare with proper clothing and trekking gear. The trails get quiet and peaceful in the winter, which means trekkers will have a great time exploring the region.

Besides that, you will also get to observe the region’s cultural landscapes. There are local settlements of the Sherpa and Tibetan communities along the trails. Their unique heritage, including landmarks like monasteries, gompas, and small Chortens are the highlights of this journey.

Overall, the beautiful winter Trekking Everest Base Camp in December is a pleasant experience. Want to know more about this trek? Read further for the complete details regarding Everest Base Camp Trek in December. Happy Traveling!

Check our Everest base camp trek package. You might also like the short Everest base camp trek package.

Highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek in December

• Magical Himalayan sunrises from Kaala Patthar and other viewpoints
• The awe-inspiring views of snow-clad mountains, including Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lobuche, Nuptse, Lhotse, and others
• Gorgeous trails consisting of forest, waterfalls, Lakes, glaciers, and others
• The warm hospitality and welcome from the locals
• Experiencing the winter atmosphere of the Everest region
• Tasting the delicacies of the Nepalese people
• Cultural exploration of the rich heritage, tradition, and lifestyle of the local community

Weather Conditions of the Everest region in December

December is a beautiful month for trekking adventures in the winter season. However, the weather can get quite extreme in late December. The temperature gradually drops down this month. The lower region trails are less cold, but as you move high up along the route, you can experience freezing conditions.

Moreover, the temperatures in Lukla, which is the starting point of the trek, are around 8-10 degrees celsius. However, by the time you arrive at the Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp, you can experience average temperatures of around -8 to -10 degrees celsius. The nighttime temperatures can drop even lower.

However, the daytime temperatures make it perfect for trekking in challenging conditions. As you move your body, it heats up, and you can trek with ease. Moreover, the average precipitation is around 3mm, which leads to dry trails and minimal chances of rainfall. You can walk observing the snow-clad mountains in the clear skies.

The Difficulty Level of the EBC Trek in December

The trek to Everest Base Camp is moderately challenging throughout the year. The difficulty level rises in the off-season of winter and monsoon. The first challenge is altitude sickness. This acute mountain sickness remains prevalent among trekkers. Trekkers will gain significant altitude in a short period. Besides, there are low oxygen levels and air pressure in the atmosphere which makes trekkers prone to altitude sickness.

Hence, trekkers will need to acclimatize and rest well between their treks to tackle this problem. Each day on the way, they should hydrate regularly with 3 to 4 liters of water. Moreover, they should trek gently and not gain more than 500 meters in altitude. Besides that, you should also sleep at a lower elevation point than the maximum point covered during the course.

This itinerary has two acclimatization days to explore the beautiful region while adapting to the high altitude. Another such difficulty is the terrain that passes through uphills and downhills regularly. Various trails are pretty difficult to pass through, even for experienced trekkers. For this reason, you should train well with physical and mental exercises.

A professional guide is essential to avoid getting lost, injured, and other emergencies. Besides, trekkers will also need to stay in some local teahouses. These tea houses are not fancy and only contain the bare minimum of meals and accommodation facilities. Trekkers will need to adapt and accommodate themselves in these basic facilities.

Moreover, the weather remains challenging this season as the temperature gradually drops throughout the month. Since December is the first winter month, the mornings and the early nights are pretty cold. The trekkers will experience unpredictable fluctuating weather in the high altitudes. Overall, trekkers need to be well prepared before going on this Everest Base Camp Trek in December.

Essential Tips for the Everest Base Camp Trek in December

• Trek early so that you will have plenty of time to reach your destination
• Hydrate well with 3 to 4 liters of water per day
• Rest sufficiently between your treks
• Acclimatize and adapt to the changing conditions
• Carry snacks to eat along the way so that you will remain charged
• Get yourself proper travel insurance before the trek
• Get appropriate trekking clothing and gears for the trek
• Trek gently so that you will not get drained out between the trek
• Trek only 500 meters in altitude each day before resting
• Book all your facility for the route in advance, like meals and accommodation
• Hire trekking guides and porters required
• Do not trek after dark in the remote trails
• Always do proper background checks on guides and porters
• Get yourself knowledge of the trek through the internet, veteran trekkers, etc

Training for the Everest Base Camp Trek in December

A rigorous training regime is an essential aspect of the Everest Base Camp trek in December. The incredible foothills of the Everest region pass through strenuous trails. There you will have to climb at a constant pace for long hours. These trails can drain you out and cause fatigue quite easily. The risk of injuries and cramps along the route is relatively high. Hence, trekkers need to train well for the trek to avoid them.

These training regimes should include multiple physical exercises that build your strength and stamina. Besides that, aerobics or cardiovascular exercises are also important because they will help you gain flexibility. It will help you reduce these minor injuries and help you breathe in low Oxygen and air pressure conditions. Hence, these exercises are an integral part of this trekking journey.

Last but not least, mental stability along these treks is essential as well. The mental exercises prepare you for the challenging hike and keep your mind positive and stable throughout the route. This helps you immensely to continue through the higher altitude train. Even if you are physically strong, you must have the mental strength to pull this trek off. Overall you should focus on these training exercises a couple of weeks ahead. This whole process will get you accustomed to the tough conditions.

Why Take The Everest Base Camp Trek in December?

Incredible mountain views

The high-altitude trek offers awe-inspiring views of the mountain peaks. Moreover, the Himalayas of the Everest region remain unparalleled to any other natural landmarks in the world.

Various viewpoints like Kala Pathar provide you with sweeping views of the snow-covered mountains. Besides that, the gorgeous sunrise and sunset views make this trek even more special. You can capture these unforgettable moments on your camera.

Exciting trekking adventure

The primary aspect of this Everest Base Camp region is the beautiful and adventurous trekking adventure. The trek is through challenging landscapes, which is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for trekkers to explore the foothills of the Himalayas. The Himalayan foothills are quite rugged and pass through diverse natural terrains, including green hills, grasslands, glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls.

Diverse cultural exploration

As with other treks in the country, the Everest Base Camp Trek is also cultural. You can find settlements of the local people even at the high altitude. Along with the settlements, you can find Buddhist landmarks like prayer wheels, flags, and stones carved in Tibetan prayers.

You can learn about this ancient culture inspired by Tibetan Buddhism and interact with the locals with the help of a professional trekking guide. And this knowledge will help you learn about the region’s civilization and history. Therefore, it is quite a highlight of this trekking adventure.

Wildlife exploration

Various opportunities for wildlife exploration are also present in this Everest Base Camp Trek in December. Trekkers will get to observe rare and endangered wildlife species, including Himalayan Tahrs, black bears, dance, etc. However, you will find it hard to see them in the latter part of the month because they generally Hibernate in winter.

Things to Consider for the Everest Base Camp Trek in December

Acclimatization

Trekking to EBC is a serious challenge that requires trekkers to remain fit. Hence, acclimatization is essential during the journey as it helps adapt to changing conditions. Since the trekkers will arrive at this destination in a short amount of time, they will not have proper time to adjust.

They will get to traverse the area and adapt their body to a higher altitude. This is a significant aspect of any trekking journey, and you must follow it. However, even in this acclimatization, you will hike a little to explore but won’t gain much altitude.

Trekking guides and porters

Various professional trekking guides are available to help you in multiple ways during the trial. They will help you with navigation, protect you from various external factors, and help you in case of any emergency.

So you should hire an excellent professional guide after a background check. They have the appropriate knowledge of the local place, and therefore, interacting and exploring the local region is no problem. You will get an up-close insight into the place with the help of these guides.

Porters are those who carry the trekking luggage to the tea houses. They will help you remain fit to arrive at your destination in time during the trek. Porter guides who work as both are also available. Therefore, you can hire them at a reduced price.

Trekking gears and equipment

Everest Base Camp Trek in December requires trekkers to get protected from various factors. Hence, the trekkers need proper warm clothing and trekking gear to remain safe during the trek. The cold climate, unpredictable weather, freezing temperatures, etc., are some of the challenges. If you are only planning to use these trekking gears once, you can hire them daily.

Travel insurance

The various risk factors in this trek are high altitude, climate, and injuries. Even if the trekkers get a slight cramp, they need to get evacuated as there are no health facilities in the region.

Hence, for these reasons, trekkers need to get these travel insurance packages before going out on the trek. Also, it must cover various factors, including those mentioned above. Besides, travel insurance also covers loss, damage, property theft, etc.

Training regime

The training Regime for the Everest Base Camp Trek includes various physical and mental exercises. The fitness level of trekkers allows them to trek comfortably even in the most strenuous terrain. Mental strength, a positive attitude, and a motivated mind are essential to complete your journey without any hassle.

Outline Itinerary for Everest Base Camp Trek in December

Day 1 – Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,830 m.) and trek to Phakding (2,640 m).

Day 2 – Trek From Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m)

Day 3 – Acclimatization in Namche

Day 4 – Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3867 m)

Day 5 – Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4260 m)

Day 6 – Acclimatization Day in Dingboche

Day 7 – Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4930 m)

Day 8 – Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5170 m) and Everest Base Camp (5364 m) and return to Gorakshep.

Day 9 – Early morning hike to Kalapathar (5545 m) and trek to Pheriche (4240 m)

Day 10 – Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3467 m)

Day 11 – Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2800 m)

Day 12 – Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu

Is Trekking Guide Necessary for Everest Base Camp Trek in December?

Professional trekking guys are an essential part of this Everest Base Camp Trek. These trekking guides help you with the various challenging aspects, including navigation. While the Everest Base Camp Trek is pretty mainstream, trekkers can get lost due to confusing routes. Therefore, these guys will help you navigate and protect you from various external factors.

They are also well equipped with first aid knowledge and safety protocol. Therefore, you will get complete protection during the trek and evacuation if necessary. Another exciting aspect of hiring a guide is that they will help you with the local language. This local knowledge is essential while interacting and dealing with the locals in the tea houses.

They also have networks around; therefore, you will get the best of these facilities and accommodations. Besides that, you will explore the cultural landscapes and learn about the region’s rich heritage. The porters take your stuff to your destination in advance. This allows you to trek freely without any burden on your back. Hence, hiring these guides and porters is essential for the Everest Base Camp Trek in December.

Typical Day in the Trek

The typical day in the Everest Base Camp Trek journey starts early in the sunrise from the tea house balcony. Trekkers can observe the gorgeous views of the sun rising from the snow-clad mountains. The weather remains clear in the morning. After that, you will complete your daily rituals and have breakfast in the teahouse, which generally includes bread, eggs, tea, and coffee.

The destination and the time duration for the day also determine the pace of the trek. You will continue till you reach a teahouse where you can have lunch. The lunch of “Dal Bhat” is very fulfilling and gives you energy for the trek. We will continue our walk by hydrating regularly and resting in between.

Don’t forget to bring snacks for the trek so that you will not remain hungry. Finally, you will arrive at the destination where you will rest and have some snacks. At around 8 p.m., you will have your dinner, which is generally Dal Bhaat. You can socialize with trekkers or occupy yourself by reading a book. You will sleep early to observe the beautiful sunrise in the morning.

Food and Accommodation for the Trek

The food and accommodation along the trail are generally in the local teahouses. The most common meals in these places include Dal, rice, cereal (pulses), vegetable, lentils, spinach, and others. These meals provide a balanced diet to avoid remaining hungry even after the taxing journey. You will get served this meal twice a day.

You can have light meals like tea and coffee with bread and eggs for breakfast. Some tea houses in the lower region also have meal facilities, including noodles, momo, thukpa, and others. Still, as you move high during your journey, you will find the facility and the menu varieties get reduced significantly.

The meal prices are pretty high because the food ingredients need to be transported on the back of a yak, donkey, or through porters. Drinking water is available in tea houses, but you should not drink the tap water directly and only drink water after purifying it by boiling or through water purification tablets.

Besides, you can carry snacks so that you do not get hungry while trekking the challenging trails of the region. Along with the meals, you will find your accommodation in the tea houses as well. The houses are pretty tiny with basic facilities of the room. In the case of the packed rooms, you’ll also have to share rooms with another trekker.

However small the facility is, the services provided by the locals will warm your heart. They provide incredible hospitality to travelers. You will get immense pleasure from staying in these tiny houses during your stay. You should, however, carry extra sleeping bags.

The weather is freezing in these conditions, especially in the latter part of December. You should prepare well for the trek with warm clothes and gear and manage your toiletries. And the toilet facilities are generally eastern squat style which means you will have to get accustomed to these facilities.

Packing List – Everest Base Camp Trek in December

Clothing

• Down jacket
• Trekking pants
• Waterproof jacket
• Trekking shirts
• Windproof jacket
• Thermal wears
• Trekking socks
• Warm woolen cap
• Trekking gloves
• Trekking boots
• Raincoat

First Aid and Toiletries

• Anti-nauseant medication
• Water purifying tablets
• Insect repellent
• Shampoo
• Soap
• Toothpaste
• Quick-dry towel
• Toothbrush
• Toilet paper
• Sanitizer
• Sunscreen

Others

• Phone
• Power Banks
• Solar Charges
• Extra Batteries
• Local SIM card
• Trekking Map
• Reusable water bottles
• Camera

Important documents

• Passport
• Trekking Permits
• Travel insurance

Final Say

Everest Base Camp Trek in December is an ideal adventure for trekkers who love a peaceful adventure. It is an off-season trek since December lies in the winter season. The trekkers will trek through beautiful landscapes in a tranquil atmosphere without much crowd.

However, the latter part of December can get entirely freezing with chances of heavy snowfall. It would be best if you trekked in early December as far as possible. Trekkers should prepare well with proper clothing and trekking gear during this trek in December. Overall this December Trek in the Everest Base Camp region is a unique and beautiful experience.