Everest Base Camp Trek in January can be enjoyable if the chilly weather is not in your primary concern. Definitely, it is ridiculous for the individual to travel in the dead of winter in January. However, I can guarantee you that it is feasible. And I am going to write here how to do it.
Trekking to EBC in January is also an excellent option for those who like to avoid crowds. This is a particularly chilly month. Not just in Nepal, but throughout the Northern Hemisphere as a whole. The temperature lowers to -15°C to -25°C at night as we travel to high altitudes above 4500 meters.
Even though it is chilly, the daytime temperature is tolerable. During the day, the temperature of the Everest Base Camp trek fluctuates from 8°C to 10°C at lower elevation. It’s best to arrive at a lodge before dusk. In January, I went on my first Everest Base Camp trip. I know that in January, the mountains will be covered with snow and it will be breathtaking to see the high Himalayas.
In January, there isn’t usually as much snow as we imagine. If you have a comprehensive Everest Base Camp Trek Packing List, you should be able to walk to EBC. For example, dress warmly and bring as many medical supplies as well as the best hiking boots for Everest Base Camp Trek.
Everest Base Camp Trek January Weather
As a trek leader for different travel companies, I have been to Everest Base Camp in January for several years. However, the EBC trek January weather is very cold and becomes very sharp. The average temperature is -18°C in the base camp of Everest. But you do not need to be frightened by the strong winds.
Although, you are trekking to high altitude, the winds do not affect along the route to Base Camp, somehow, the severe wind might impact to summiteer. The substantial temperature change between night and day may impact your Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty in January. The lowest temperature is -15°C to -25°C at night, while the highest is 2°C to 5°C during the day in average.
But don’t be afraid. You’ll be ready to tackle the challenge in January with a little extra preparation for Everest Base Camp Trek. Furthermore, in January, the Everest area will have 5-6 hours of sunlight. You would be able to hike comfortably throughout that time because the temperature rises significantly after daybreak (sunrise).
Keep in mind that the weather in the Everest region is fickle. You could be discomfort by sudden snow showers and snow storms. The meaningful of trekking life always determine by a little excitement. Therefore, thrill the adventure and enjoy the trek.
Everest Base Camp Trek Temperature in January
| Place | Altitude | Avg .Temperature | Min .Temperature | Max .Temperature |
| Lukla | 2860 M / 9383 Ft | 4°C | -4°C | 10°C |
| Namche Bazaar | 3440 M / 11286 Ft | -2°C | -6.5°C | 7°C |
| Dingboche | 4410 M / 14469 Ft | -3°C | -14°C | 6°C |
| Lobuche | 4910 M / 16109 Ft | -11°C | -16°C | -2°C |
| Gorakshep | 5180 M / 16995 Ft | -10°C | -20°C | -3°C |
Everest Base Camp Trek in January: Advantage & Disadvantage
Trekking in January has both benefits and drawbacks (Advantage & Disadvantage). If you understand the value of trekking in winter, it will give you a better idea of what to anticipate on the route.
There’s so much more to love in winter trekking, like; the splendor of the snowy landscapes and panoramic views. You can explore the region without having to contend with crowds of visitors and random hikers.
Furthermore, being able to stroll in nature without being disturbed by unpleasant flies makes your winter vacation much more enjoyable and peaceful.
Advantage
Clear Mountain Views: Along the Everest Base Camp trek route, the vista is spectacular. The sky in January remain clear, cheerful, and beautiful. There are no barriers to your view of the mountain ranges.
You’ll realize that the freezing temperatures and challenging weather of January are well good enough to justify. Hence, the splendor of the snow-capped mountain ranges and wintry sceneries will steal your pain away.
Less Busy Trail: The trails going up to Everest Base Camp are less busy due to the offseason. You can take your time and enjoy the trip without having to worry about other hikers coming in your way.
During peak seasons, the Everest Base Camp may become quite congested. The routes are clogged with tourists, and the throng controls your hiking pace.
The majority of lodges are not occupied completely. As a result, January is the best time for you to go on the EBC trek if you love to travel in peace and quiet.
Cost Price Descent: Due to the low tourist season, prices on Everest Base Camp Trek cost and accommodations drop, which is a great benefit for those on a tighter budget. agencies decrease with certain percent.
The month of January is great for those on a limited budget. You can get a good deal on lodging and other services.
Disadvantage
Chilly Night: Your room will not be heated, even though you’re provided warm blankets. Make sure you carry the best sleeping bag for Everest Base Camp Trek and proper gear.
Keeping your stuff dry can help you escape from the cold evenings. Always keep an extra pair of basics in your bag.
Harsh Cold: In the Everest region, the months of January is one of the coldest. As previously stated, temperatures can plummet below -15°C to -25°C above 4500 M.
Extra preparation is crucial to handle the extreme temperatures. Also, understanding altitude sickness will help you stay safer.
Weighty Pack: In general, cold weather preparation requires extra layers of clothes and gear. Furthermore, for Everest Base Camp trek in January, and especially for high altitude trek, appropriate nourishment and hydration are important.
Maintain a regular meal schedule and a healthy diet to ensure that your body is well nourished and that you have the energy to trek in the cold.
You’ll need more layers, which adds weight. Choose the best backpack for Everest Base Camp Trek to handle it comfortably.
Everest Base Camp Trek January Packing List
What to bring for the Everest Base Camp Trek in January? Because you’ll be trekking in the cold, you’ll need to carry more than normal. Make sure to bring warm clothes with you. The following are the fundamental requirements for your January trek: For more information, you can read our complete guide for Everest Base Camp Trek packing list.
Suggested Everest Region Trek Route in January
In January, some higher elevation trekking route are not recommended. It is not the reason of cold climatic conditions; hence, snow will make some trail blocked. High altitude trekking route such as three pass treks are not to give priority which are unsafe to trek in winter. Anytime, you might have to turn around from the route due to the heavy snow & bad weather conditions that causes insecure to continue.
If you are not a highly experienced high-altitude trekker, One option is the Everest Luxury Lodge Trek up to Namche Bazaar. Staying at places like Yeti Mountain Home or Hotel Everest View provides warmth and comfort amidst incredible views.You can do a couple of days trekking from Lukla and staying in Namche Bazaar. This can be the best option to enjoy the view and its panorama with a comfortable journey. In fact, this time of the year, the panoramic view of mountains is awe-inspiring and very less chance of getting altitude sickness from Namche Bazaar.
January is a great time to take an Everest luxury trek into consideration. Although, it is quite expensive, you will experience the premium accommodation of the Everest Region. Such as Yeti Mountain Home or Everest Summit Lodge or Hotel Everest View. Although this sort of vacation is unique at any time of year, it is much more spectacular during the winter when you have a chance to retreat from the cold to a nice, cozy hotel in the Himalayas.
Another alternative way to do the trek is from Jiri to Lukla & Namche Bazaar. This was trekking route before the construction of airport at Lukla. It is just a day drive from Kathmandu to Jiri and 4 to 5 days hike to Lukla. At last, a couple of days, you can progress your journey to Namche Bazaar from Lukla.
If you’d rather not go high, consider trekking from Jiri to Lukla and up to Namche—a classic route with fewer altitude risks.
For a helicopter experience, the Heli Tour to Everest Base Camp is another way to see the region in January without braving the trails.
Nepal Festival & Events in January
Just after Christmas and the English New Year, winter begins in Nepal. On a new year’s eve, if you arrive for a trek to the Everest region, it may be the most memorable vacation trip you’ve ever had. Make a great plan to enjoy the festive season and explore the nightlife in a high mountain town (Namche Bazaar). Keep in mind that the effects of drinking are stronger and faster at higher altitudes.
Traditional festivals and events in Nepal typically follow the Bikram Sambat (BS) calendar, which is 56/57 ahead of the English calendar (AD). However, Sonam Losar festival celebration takes place in January, although not usually. As a result, most of the time it occurs in January, although it sometimes occurs at the end of December or beginning of February.
This festival is mostly celebrated by Nepal ethnic groups of himalaya region with ties to Tibet. This Buddhist celebration is observed on the first day of the new year. Because Sherpas make up the majority of the population in the Everest region, you may see some festivities if you visit everest trek during Lhosar.
If you’re in Kathmandu or Pokhara, try the homestay experience during Maghe Sankranti or Shree Panchami, which marks the transition from winter to spring. Also, if you plan to spend time in Pokhara before or after your trek, here’s a list of things to do in Pokhara. You can observe the Maghe Sankranti and Maghi festivals, celebrated in January. It is a Nepalese celebration that takes place on the first of Magh according to the Bikram Sambat (B.S) calendar. Shree Panchami, Basanta Panchami, or Saraswathi Pooja (goddess of knowledge), is one of the most important festivals in Nepal and falls in January. This festival is the day after winter ends and spring starts.
