Everest Base Camp in December is the driest month with the highest number of sunny days. With winter snow not started yet and summer monsoon in the distant, December is truly best month for the Everest Base Camp Trek. The mornings and evenings get chilly with subtle daytime temperature. Even though, the day becomes shorter, the gorgeous views of the mountains makes the day worthwhile.
The trekking trail is not crowded in December, thus it might lure some trekker who wants to get the fullest of the region. The tea houses are empty where you won’t have to share rooms with others and talk to the locals fully. All in all, the beauty at the Everest region during December is unparalleled and offer the best time of your lives.
Temperature and Weather
December welcomes winter which is the coldest month in Nepal. In the higher elevation, the temperature goes below 0 degrees Celsius in winter. The surrounding becomes cold during mornings and the evenings. During the night, the average temperature is -14 degrees Celsius. But the temperature ranges from 15-20 degrees in the sunny days.
The average precipitation is around 3mm meaning there is less chances of cloud covering the mountains and making the trekking thrilling and enjoyable. It is to be noted, that the weather condition at the Everest region cannot be pinpointed as it becomes erratic. The wind patterns changes each hour making it change the weather condition. With proper planning and information, trekking in December is certainly doable and most fun to be at.
| Place | Elevation | Avg Temp | Min Temp | Max Temp |
| Lukla | 2,840 m/9,316 ft. | 4°C | -1.8°C | 9.8°C |
| Namche | 3,440 m/11,284 ft. | 0.5°C | -6.5°C | 7.6°C |
| Dingboche | 4,410 m/14,465 ft. | -5.1 °C | -13.4°C | 3.2°C |
| Lobuche | 4,910 m/ 16,105 ft. | -7.7°C | -16.4°C | 1.1°C |
| Gorak Shep | 5,140 m/ 16,860 ft. | -8.9°C | -17.8°C | 0°C |
What to Expect On Your EBC Trek In December
Base of the Mount Everest – Everest Base Camp is full of lives and beauty that no words can fulfill or give justice to. Depending on the routes you take, you will come cross tiny bits of happiness and mesmerizing moments that will fill up your hearts. Every bits of what you shall expect or see in the trek cannot be explained as they are a blend of emotion and beauty. The Himalayan vistas glow under the clear blue sky making the experience unforgettable. With different events and the lovely weather, the following can be expected during the Everest Base Camp Trek in December. Of course, these are not limited to everything that you shall encounter. So, make sure you keep an open mind and eyes to soak in every bits of beauty at the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Tamu Lhosar
Tamu Lhosar is celebrated in December by both the Hindus and Buddhist. Lhosar is the Tibetan Buddhist New Year which is celebrated by different ethnic groups. You can see the ethnic Gurung; Magar and Tamang people celebrate Tamu Lhosar in the Everest Region.
New Year’s Eve
If you trek in the late December, New Years’ Eve fall while you are on the trail. To experience Himalayan nightlife, make sure you are at Namche Bazaar on the eve of the New Year. You can find bars, cafes and restaurants in this area. Ensure you do not consume much alcohol, as the effect elevates at higher altitude.
Low Rainfall
There is almost no rainfall during the month of December in Everest region. You might experience snowfall as you go higher in the altitude. The weather remains the same during December so you do not need to worry about the sudden change in the weather.
Less Crowd
Enjoying the beauty of the Himalayas in the lesser crowded area is a wise decision to make. Since it is off season for trekking, you will find less number of people. Thus, you will have enough time to enjoy the beauty and get the full benefit of being at the teahouse.
How Get Everest Base Camp
For getting to the Everest Base Camp in December, take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Since there is no rain for delay and cancellation of flight, you can easily fly to Lukla. However, the fog in Kathmandu might cause the flight to delay even if the weather at Lukla is perfect.
As an alternate, you can trek from Jiri to Lukla, which is called the Pioneers’ Route. You can take a day drive from Kathmandu to Jiri or can fly from Kathmandu to Phaplu and trek via the Solukhumbu region.
It is recommended to avoid routes that needs crossing of the high passes such as Three Passes Trek. Trek that is less than 13000 feet is safer but you need to be sure of the weather condition. If you want to avoid coldest weather condition, then try shorter treks to the Everest Region that does not go up to the base camp. You can stay at Namche Bazaar which is a two day walk from Lukla.
Food and Accommodation:
The tea houses in the Everest Base Camp Trek is comfortable and warm but the facilities gets basic as you go higher in the altitude. You will have twin bed room with a common toilet. You can wish you upgrade the facilities and take a room with bathroom attached if the services are available. The beds are comfortable with mattresses, pillow and blankets. There is Wi-Fi in most of the tea houses but the speed cannot be guaranteed due to lack of network in the higher areas. You can charge your gadgets but it will render you some charges. So, make sure you have a power bank.
The foods in the tea houses are delicious and there are varied menus or options to choose from. It is recommended to try the local foods such as Dal Bhat which is steamed rice with lentil soup, curry and pickle. These are the main food or staples for the locals but depending on the tea houses, you will get western meals as well.
For drinking water, there is bottled water for sale but it is not suggested to buy such plastic bottles. You can either bring your own flask or bottle for the trek. You can also order boiled water in the tea house and fill it in your flask. Make sure you carry a liquid purifier or tablets to treat the tap water. The tap waters are usually used by the locals but it can be different for the stomach and you might end up sick.
What to Pack for EBC Trek in December
December is the peak month of winter where the temperature ranges from -14 to 20 degrees throughout the day. The most essential thing you need to pack for the trek in December is the warmest clothes, trousers, socks and headwear. You shall also need clothes that are wind and water proof as it might help you during the early morning trek.
For your safety and reducing the chaos on what actually to take with you during the trek, we have listed the essentials to take for the Everest Base Camp Trek. You can check or read the blog on our website.
Travel Tips
Preparing tips for Everest Base Camp during the winter is the vital part of the whole trekking experience. If you are unprepared on what it to come, the trek will probably the worst experience where you might end up ill. Being over prepared is as bad as being under prepared as the weight would be physically draining and you would not need most of the stuffs.
Thus, to make the trek easier and joyous, we have listed you major travel tips which can be helpful for the Everest Base Camp trek. You can read those 60 trekking tips for everest base camp trek on our website. You can also read some of the travel tips that we have mentioned down below to give you an overview on the trek.
Prepare Well
Proper planning and preparation before the trek is important at any time of the season. For December, you must dress in layers as the chilly winds blow to the max. The major benefit of dressing in layers is you can easily add or remove the layers of clothing. You must carry extra down jackets, sleeping bags and caps to protect yourself from the cold. There might be occasional snowfalls, thus trekking poles are must along with good quality trekking shoes, sunglasses, head torch and so on.
Acclimatization
The main thing to consider is to acclimatize properly. Since you will be ascending to the higher altitude, you may experience altitude sickness. Make sure you spend enough time to adjust to the surrounding and cope with the altitude. Also, let your porter, guide or friends know about the symptoms if you are feeling any.
Book in advance
Even though the tea houses, lodges are empty and will be available, make sure you have booked in advance so that it gives you peace of mind.
Start early
The days in December are shorter. Thus, starting early helps to reach the destination on time and you do not have to spend much time in the dark. You will be trekking for almost 7-8 hours during the day. You will need enough time to sleep as well.
Eat enough
Since you will be trekking for couple of hours, you will need to be perfectly healthy. Make sure you eat enough proteins and carbohydrates so that you have enough energy for the climbs. Also, you are supposed to drink 2-4 liters of water every day to reduce the chances of altitude sickness.
Conclusion
Everest Base Camp Trek in December is certainly possible with proper planning and information. You will have no hassle with accommodation, food or any services. With lesser number of people in the trail, it is excellent time to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the trail at peace. The only thing to consider is the temperature. If you like winters, then there is no problem at all. Even if you are not, trekking in December is still possible.
Enjoying the trek and experiencing the beauty of mighty Everest is just a step ahead. If you have any queries or question, please let us know. You can contact us via the number and the email address given in the website.
