Everest Base Camp Trek in December
Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is a memorable experience for trekkers. You will reach the foot of the world’s highest mountain- Mt. Everest during this trek. If you are in a dilemma of whether EBC trek is possible in December? The answer is a, ‘YES’.
Although the autumn seasons ends in December and cold winter starts, the trek to the EBC is doable in December. There is low precipitation in December. This allows trekkers a clear view of the mountains like Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Makalu and many more.
The length of the EBC trek is about 130 km from Lukla to Everest Base Camp back and forth. The route to Everest Base Camp starts from Lukla. Then you trek to Namche Bazar via Phakding. After that, you trek to Gorak Shep passing through Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche. From Gorak Shep, you trek to Kala Pathar.
It usually takes 14 days of trekking. In the month of December, there might also be some snowfall. So, you need proper fitness and trekking for the trek. Sometimes, snowfall might extend your trip if there are frequent interruptions along the way.
In addition, the trail to EBC in December is not busy. So, you will have a quiet and peaceful trek to the EBC during this month. You will also be able to get a room in tea houses easily than in peak seasons.
Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek in December
Low precipitation
The weather is dry in December. December has a very low precipitation level of only 7mm. This month has a clear sky and almost no rainfall. The precipitation during this month is the lowest in the year. So, you can enjoy the dry and mud free trial during the trek.
Mesmerizing Views
In December, the sky is clear. So, you can experience the mesmerizing views of the mountain ranges in this month.
Quiet Trails
Cold weather is not everyone’s cup of tea. As a result, the number of trekkers in this season is quite low. So, you can experience quiet trails in December. You can experience peaceful trails and an undisturbed environment. If you a trekker who seeks peace and want to avoid the crowd, then you can have the best experience of trekking to Everest Base Camp in December.
Easy Flights
December is the offseason for trekking in EBC. So, you can get a flight to Lukla easily. So, you do not need to face problems regarding booking of flights. However, if the weather is not clear, the flight will not take off in time. But the chances of that happening is extremely low in December.
Different Options in Accommodations
There will be more choices in accommodations in December. Tea houses and lodges are usually vacant in December. So, you will have access to lodges and tea houses at reasonable prices without the bargain.
Udhauli Parva (Festival)
Udhauli Parva falls in December. People of Kirat communities, migrate from the higher altitude to lower altitudes. You might be able to catch fantastic celebration of this festival during the month of December in the various parts of the country.
The Weather of Everest Base Camp in December
Winter starts in December. The temperature in the Everest region falls below zero degrees Celsius during December. So, the weather in December is cold.
There is a different temperature in different places of the EBC trail in December. Here’s a look of how the temperatures are going to be like in the different parts of the trail.
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Especially during the early mornings and nights, the temperature gets freezing cold. But, with appropriate clothing and equipment, you will be able to get through the cold quite easily. As the teahouses have a low number of trekkers, you can ask for extra blankets to warm yourself up during the night time.
Cost of Everest Base Camp Trek during December
The cost of Everest Base Camp depends upon the services you choose during the trek. It also depends upon the days of the trek. The cost of this trek ranges from $1200 to $5000 per person.
December is an offseason for trekking in EBC. So, you can get a discount on accommodation, flight, and food.
The package includes Flight, Accommodation, Food, Equipment. We can also arrange for Visa, Travel Insurance and Tour Guide which you need to pay additionally.
- Cost of accommodation = approximately $25- $30 per day
- Cost of Visas and Permit= approximately $100
- Cost of flight from Kathmandu to Lukla= approximately $165- $180
- Cost of Insurance= $130- $150
- Cost of Equipment= $ 2000
- Cost of Tour Guide= $30- $40 per day
- Cost of Porter= $20- $30 per day
- Cost of Miscellaneous items= $200
Difficulties of Everest Base Camp Trek in December
Everest Base Camp trek in December is doable, but there are some difficulties you might during the trek.
- Cold Weather might affect some people.
- Some people might suffer from altitude sickness.
- Snowfall might block the trail.
- Days in December are short. So, you need to hike early.
- Without proper fitness and training, it is difficult to complete the trek.
- Sometimes, you might be short of required trekking gears. So, you need to check carefully the items before the trek.
List of Things to Pack during Trekking in December
You need to be very careful during packing things. As December is cold, so you need to choose your clothes accordingly. Here is a list of things you need to pack:
Clothing
- Sleeping Bag
- Hiking Trousers
- Jackets (Down and Fleece)
- Trekking Boots
- Thermals
- Gloves
- Gaiters
- Caps and Beanie
- Scarf
First Aid
- Antiseptic Cream
- Bandages
- Paracetamol
- Imodium
- Diamox
- Chlorine Dioxide Tablets/ Water purification tablets
- Insect Repellent
- Antiseptic Wipes
Toiletries
- Toothbrush/ Toothpaste
- Towel
- Nail Clippers
- Soap
- Deodorants
Extras
- Book
- Guide Book
- Binoculars
- Journals
- Thermal Flask
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
Some tips for Trekking to EBC in December
December is an off season for trekking to Everest Base Camp. This is why you might be looking for healthy suggestions about what must be done to prepare for the trip.
Here’s are a few things you can take care of before setting out for your trek or while you are on your way to the Everest Base Camp.
- You should dress in layers as the weather is cold.
- Better carry extra down jackets and warm sleeping bags.
- Start your trek early as the days are shorter.
- It is better to hire a guide as snow might block the trail. In that case, the guide will come handy.
- Be prepared and checklist the important equipments you need before you head out
- Don’t forget to ask for off-season discounts along the trails.
- Check the weather regularly for updates on snowfall or rain
- Get a travel insurance.
Alternative treks to EBC in the Everest Region in December
Gokyo Lake Trek
You can also try the trek to Gokyo lakes in December. The main attraction in this trek is to climb up to Gokyo Ri. You can see some of the highest mountains like Mt. Everest, Mt. Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Lhotse. The clear weather of the month of December allows you to get some splendid views of these mountains as well as the Gokyo lakes. You will also be dazzled by the wonderful views of the the largest glacier in Nepal- Ngozumpa Glacier.
Chola Pass Trek
Chola Pass Trek is also known as Everest Circuit Trekking. You can observe beautiful mountains like Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse and so on during the Chola Pass Trek in December. In addition, you will also cross the famous Cho La pass in this trip.
Everest Panorama Trekking
You can have a great experience of trekking to Tengboche Monastery during the Everest Panorama Trek. You will trek through Sherpa villages, have interaction with them and learn about their cultures. You can also observe stunning mountains like Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku and many more.
It is a short trek. So, if you are an inexperienced trekker and short of time, then this trek is definitely for you. Besides, if you are worried about the cold climate of the higher altitudes of the Everest region, then Everest Panorama Trekking will be perfect for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Everest Base Camp in December
Is porter or guide needed to hike to Everest Base Camp in December?
Actually, it is not a compulsion to hire a porter or a guide. If you are comfortable carrying your backpacks then you do not need to hire a porter. Regarding the guide, we recommend you to take in December. Some paths might get blocked by snowfall. At that time, a guide will come handy.
How hard is it to trek Everest Base Camp in December?
It depends upon your experience. If you are an experienced trekker with proper fitness, you can can complete this trek quite comfortably in December The trek of 14 days is quite comfortable than 12 days trek.
In December, snow might cover some of the routes. Yet, the scenic view of the mountains and the peaceful trail will help you to enjoy the most.
Is it difficult to find accommodation in the Everest Region in December?
December is an offseason for trekking. So, there are few trekkers in the trail and is quite easy to find rooms in lodges and tea houses. This also gives an extra edge of having more choices for accommodations. You can also get a fair deal in accommodations.
Do I need to have travel insurance while trekking to EBC in December?
You definitely need travel insurance while trekking to EBC. You need to hike through higher altitudes. So, you have a chance of getting altitude sickness. We recommend you to have travel insurance while trekking to EBC no matter which month you head out to trek to EBC. This is no different during December.
Conclusion
If you want to enjoy the beautiful and clear views of mountains with a peaceful trail then December is definitely the month to trek to Everest Base Camp. You will also have no problem in finding rooms in hotels and tea houses in December. Also, you will have no problem in hiring a guide. So December trek to Everest Base Camp is definitely doable.