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Everest Base Camp Trek in December

The year’s coldest season begins in December, the year’s final month. This trek takes you from low to high altitudes, with elevations reaching 5550 meters. As a result, the weather at Everest Base Camp Trek in December is highly variable, ranging from mild to intense. You should dress warmly and carry appropriate warm and nice gear at this time of year. The month of December heralds the beginning of the winter season. Even yet, the weather is clear and calm at such a high altitude. The views are spectacular. The higher up in the mountain village, it would be very cold.

everest base camp trek in December

Even snowfall and freezing temperatures have been reported. The best thing is that during this month, you are unlikely to encounter or observe tourists on the high mountain trails. Finally, if you intend to trek at high altitudes, you must be well prepared for the cold.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a month with plenty of sunshine and minimal snow on the ground, December, in many ways, the finest month for trekking to Everest Base Camp. Remember that the evenings and nights are cold after the sun sets. During the day, though, the weather is lovely.

Remember that December is one of the year’s shortest months. Preparation before you arrive is the key for a successful trek to Everest Base Camp. As a result, plan ahead of time because the temperature decreases dramatically once the sun sets.

Everest Base Camp Trek December Weather

December is the first month of winter in Nepal. In this month, the temperature drops to the freezing point at higher elevation above 3000 M. Apart from the cold, December is much peaceful & calm month to enjoy the EBC trek. If you have proper gear for the winter, you definitely can enjoy the trek a lot then you think. This time unspoiled and ice-covered scenery gives a striking view from the route.

The Everest region is extremely cold, especially in the mornings and evenings. The average nighttime temperatures between 4000 M to 4500 M hovers around – 10°C. During the sunny days, however, the average temperature ranges from 10°C to 15°C. If you pack rightly with sufficient requirement of gears for cold, December months could be one of the best months for you to go EBC trek. It’s tolerable during the day. In the midst of the snow, you can bask in the warmth of the sun.

The weather in December is quite warmer than it is in January, but there is not so much difference in degree Celsius. In December, the average high temperature in Namche Bazaar is 8°C to 10°C, while the average low temperature is -5°C to -7°C. As you go higher, the temperature drops and cold ratio increases.

When the weather changes, certain percentage of rain comes to make favorable temperature every season. Therefore, in December, rainfall is still low and snowfall is possible above the 3300 M in Everest trekking trail. December month is best for clear mountain view covered by thick snow over the magnificent Himalaya.

In December, the temperature drops dramatically, especially during the early mornings and evenings. However, if you have the proper gear and equipment, you are able to instantly survive from December cold. Due to a less number of trekkers at the teahouses in December, you can request extra blankets to keep warm at night if needed.

Everest Base Camp Trek Temperature in December

Place AltitudeAvg .TemperatureMin .TemperatureMax .Temperature
Lukla2860 M / 9383 Ft4°C -3°C 9°C
Namche Bazaar3440 M / 11286 Ft2°C -5°C 8°C
Dingboche4410 M / 14469 Ft -3°C -10°C 6°C
Lobuche4910 M / 16109 Ft -8°C-15°C 3°C
Gorakshep5180 M / 16995 Ft -10°C-17°C 0°C

Everest Base Camp Trek in December: Advantages and Disadvantages

The number of trekkers start to thin out in December after the hectic months of October & November. The owner of some tea houses started to descend down to the Kathmandu for winter therefore, some close for the season. However, you will have multiple choice room to find best bed at teahouse that remain open.

The mornings are foggy and misty, but the days are sunny and the nights are bitterly cold, with temperatures dropping to below freezing. There are very few chances of rainfall this month. Thus, you’ll be able to see the breathtaking vistas of the snowy landscape as well as inhale the refreshing winter air.

Advantage (Pros)

  • Offer greater mountain views, a less misty, less raincloud cover, and overall more constant and improved mountain vistas.
  • You may enjoy quiet paths and an unspoiled environment.
  • Less chance of flight cancelation between Kathmandu & Lukla flight.
  • If you prepare for the cold, December is the best time to trek in EBC trek.

Disadvantages (Cons)

  • In the Everest area trek, the temperature will fluctuate greatly from day to night.
  • Along the trekking route, there will be some snowfall & extremely cold.
  • Due to the harsh weather and snowfall, sometime difficult to trek on snow.
  • You have to start your trek early in the morning to reach your destination on time due to shorter day & cold temperature.

Suggested Everest Region Trek Route in December

In December, you can join the EBC trek if you are ready to tolerate cold temperatures, especially at night & morning. There are some of the trekking routes such as three pass treks where you have to be aware and must be ready to reroute back at any moment if there is too much snow on the trail. For the reason that December climatic temperature is low and snowfall could possible mainly at high passes where you have to cross it.

Trekking up to Everest base camp in December has not been issue yet. But, remember to check the weather conditions as you move along the trekking destination. Otherwise, to avoid the cold temperature better to prefer Everest short trek that doesn’t go all the way to EBC. It actually goes up to Namche bazaar (3440 M) which is two-day hike from Lukla. Although, you won’t be able to see EBC from Namche, but you will be able to see the breathtaking tip of the Mount Everest during your exploration day.

If you have enough days to explore Everest route then, some trekkers even choose to go from Jiri to Luka. Jiri is 9 to 10 hours of drive from Kathmandu. This was the first route before the construction of Tenzing Hillary airport in 1960 AD. These trails are infrequently used these days, but they offer a gradual uphill trail to Lukla and the Everest region.

Alternatively, you can take Luxury EBC Heli Tour, this is perfect for people those who have limited time in Kathmandu, but wish to explore the base camp of Mount Everest.

December is also an excellent time to explore the luxury tour to everest region. There are famous luxury lodges along the route which need pre booking to enjoy the real boutique hotels of the mountains such as Yeti Mountain Homes, Everest Summit Lodge & Hotel Everest view. At last, this type of luxury tour trek is amazing any time of the year, especially in the winter.

Everest Base Camp Trek December Packing List

This is final months of the year as well the years winter season begins in December. This Everest base camp trek takes you from low to high altitudes with an elevation reaching 5550 M (Kalapatthar). The weather on the trek in December may be rather fickle, ranging from mild to severe.

There are some things to consider before starting on your trek or when travelling to Everest Base Camp. Because of cold, you should wear layer upon layers clothes. Extra down jackets and warm sleeping bags should be brought with you. The days are shorter, begin your journey early. Snow may obstruct the trail, therefore hiring a guide is recommended. The guide will be useful in the situation.

Before you leave, be prepared and have all Everest Base Camp trek packing list of the essential items you need.

  • Buy a duffel bag if you’re planning to hire a porter.
  • If you’re a solo hiker, a Backpack is a better option (50 to 60 liter)
  • A daypack for stuff you’ll needs during the day.
  • A rain cover that is the right size to protect your backpack and your body
  • Trekking Clothes: Full and half-sleeve base layer | Insulation layer | Outer Layer
  • A raincoat, poncho, or rain jacket.
  • Fleeced, water-resistant, and comfortable pants
  • Moisture-wicking and breathable undergarments
  • A warm, light-weight T-shirt to wear in the lodges
  • Comfortable extra-short pants or trouser
  • Windproof jacket that is light
  • Waterproof hiking boots in the correct size
  • Sandals or light hiking shoes for the lodges.
  • Water, dirt, snow, and bug protection is provided by gaiters.
  • Waterproof gloves on the inside and outside
  • Hiking/trekking hat with a wide brim.
  • Woolen Cap (Woolen beanie would be good choice).
  • Neck Gaiter helps keep the cold out of your nose and neck.
  • Down Jacket (Duck or Goose Down – 600g to 700g Down
  • Ear plugs with an eye mask (number 20)
  • Trekking poles are useful for reducing joint pain while rising and descending.
  • UV-protective sunglasses (number 22) (Polarize would be good)
  • Flashlight, torchlight, or headlamp
  • Require two water bottles (Each liter)
  • Electronics such as a camera, a portable charger, a power bank, and an additional battery etc.
  • A guidebook, a notebook, a pen, and other similar items
  • Medication, a first-aid kit, and toiletries are all required.
  • Documents (Insurance, Passport, Cash Money)

Nepal Festival & Events in December

Tamu Lhosar: This festival is mostly celebrated by Magar, Gurung & Tamang people. This is very popular festival falls in December. Lhosar is the Tibetan Buddhist New year, however other ethnic groups in Nepal have their own Lhosar festivals. Tamu Losar is a festival in which all generations of a family gather to exchange love and wishes.

Christmas Day: In Nepal, “X-Mass” is observed in the traditional Nepalese manner. Nepali Christians are busy visiting churches, exchanging gifts, and celebrating with their loved ones. Nepal observes a national holiday on Christmas Day. Every year on December 25th, Christmas is observed.

A New Year’s Eve: A trek in the Everest region, of course, is a memorable way to spend New Year’s Eve. On December 31, strive to be at Namche Bazaar to experience Himalayan nightlife. There are a number of pubs and restaurants in this bustling town. But, keep in mind that at higher elevations, the effects of alcoholic drinks are faster and stronger, and you may not want to wreck your coming days.

You may also like to learn more about the following topics:Click Below
EBC Trek in JanuaryEBC Trek in February
EBC Trek in MarchEBC Trek in April
EBC Trek in JuneEBC Trek in May
EBC Trek in AugustEBC Trek in November
EBC Trek in OctoberEBC Trek in July
EBC Trek in SeptemberBest Time to Trek EBC

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