Everest Base Camp Trek in December and January | Everest Winter Trek

Since December is the last month of the year and January is the first, trekking to EVEREST BASE CAMP in these two months is exciting and fun. These are the winter months, when the Himalayas and the hills receive snowfall. Lower elevations get chilly temperatures, while higher elevations may receive snowfall.

Since it’s winter, fewer hikers choose to visit the Everest Base Camp in December and January, however winter is actually the greatest season to see the breathtaking Himalayas. 

Furthermore, December and January are suitable months for hiking to the high altitudes of the Himalayas or to Everest Base Camp. Only with a little additional equipment can you avoid freezing temperatures and icy roads.

It’s a common misconception among trekkers that winter in the Himalayas is harsh, that trails are closed because of persistent snowfall, that tea houses and lodges are closed, etc., but in reality, December and January are the ideal months to climb Everest. Without a doubt, December and January are the best months to hike Everest if you want to avoid the crowds and experience the snow-covered Himalayas under a bright blue sky. 

There are still all of the lodges and tea houses operating, the routes are clear of many hikers, and the scenery is breathtaking.

if you wish to avoid trekking crowds and are ready for below-freezing weather. The finest months of the year to trek to Everest Base Camp are December and January.

Everest Base Camp Trek Weather in December and January

There are four distinct seasons in Nepal: summer (monsoon), autumn, winter, and spring. The coldest months of the year are December and January, when snowfall occurs in the Himalayas and highlands. 

The best months to see the magnificent view are also December and January, when the sky is still clear and offers a magnificent perspective of the Himalayas. Snowfall will mostly occur at night as long as the temperature stays below freezing; it won’t fall everywhere or every day, but it will happen occasionally.

The weather in the Himalayas is typically erratic; for example, days are typically warm and nights are cool in lower altitudes such as Lukla, Namche Bazaar, and Tengboche. 

Conversely, locations such as Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, and Everest Base Camp will see distinct weather over 4,000 meters. The days will be mildly warm here. The nights will be chilly, though, occasionally falling below zero degrees Celsius.

You don’t need to fear because the tea house and all of the lodges have heating systems and a timber construction that shields them from the extreme cold. As a result, the room is warmer than the outside air. 

December and January are among the greatest months to hike Everest since there are less people on the trail, the scenery is more spectacular, and there are enough hotel rooms available for guests to choose from. 

The Everest Base Camp Trek weather in December and January is shown in the chart below, which is based on the daily schedule that trekkers follow when spending the night.

Trekking Trail in December and January 

December and January offer less crowds and more solitude from a crowded trail for those trekking into Everest Base Camp. Due to Christmas and New Year’s, fewer hikers travel to the Himalayas during this time of year. 

The two most popular holidays in the world, Christmas and New Year’s, are to blame for this. People like to spend their free time with friends and family during this period. 

However, this time of year also sees a significant influx of hikers ascending Mount Everest. It is dependent on their desired vacation itinerary.

The Everest trail stays clear of yak and dung and is uncrowded in December and January. Before winter, hotels and resorts typically stock up on everything they need. Yaks are created as a result (the carrier’s sole way to unwind in their barns). 

The trails are brightly lit during the day, and you can see the sun even in the jungle. You will be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas and surrounding nature during the entire path.

Can We trek Everest Base Camp during December and January?

It is indeed feasible to travel to Everest Trek in December and January. There’s no need to be concerned, even though it’s winter and there will be snowfall over these two months. Snowfall typically occurs at night, leaving the day bright and sunny. 

While hotels and lodges are still open to hikers in December and January, the number of hikers will be lower than in other months of the year. There will be enough lodges and private rooms for you to choose from, and the trails and hotels will be less busy.

Easily taking a flight from Kathmandu airport to Lukla and back is one of the best things about visiting Everest in December and January. Other periods of the year are not suitable for this. 

In the spring and fall, when the Everest trip is at its busiest, the only route to reach Lukla is via Manthali airport, which requires a nearly 4-hour drive from Kathmandu (unless you choose for an additional helicopter).
This causes hikers to begin their early trip to the Manthali airport at two in the morning, which adds to the difficulty and chaos of the trek. After the trek, you have to drive back to Kathmandu from the Manthali airport, where you must fly back from. 

The Everest trekking season is less popular in December and January, yet there are daily flights from Kathmandu airport to Lukla (both ways).

Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek in December

A quick and simple flight from/to Kathmandu to/from Lukla 
Trail less crowded with a few choice resorts and hotels 
breathtaking views of the snow-covered slopes in the Himalayas 
a tidy and cozy trail 
How to view frozen rivers and lakes at their best 
pristine, cloud-free views in the distance 
sweeping views of the Himalayas before dawn from Kalapatthar 
High likelihood of seeing snow leopards and Himalayan thyolopherid

Everest Base Camp Trek: Food and Accommodation in December and January

While the climb to Everest Base Camp is not too difficult, it can be a little bit cooler in December and January compared to other times of the year. This is due to the fact that the coldest months of the year are winter, December, and January. 

The trek is less congested because fewer hikers visit the Himalayas during Christmas and New Year’s. On the other hand, Everest lodges and tea houses are open all year round. There won’t be as many hikers, so you can enjoy cozy rooms with all the amenities.

Rooms with hot showers, Wi-Fi, and views of the mountains can be found at lodges and tea houses. Trekking at this time of year therefore presents a variety of options. 

You can choose from a variety of cuisines offered by the lodges and tea houses along the Everest Base Camp Trail by consulting the hotel’s menu. The only issue is that they will ask you when your food is ready, so make sure you accept it when it is. 

Warm food is always advised due to the lower temperatures rather than waiting

Popular Everest Base Camp Trek Packages for December and January

Everest is a huge area with a variety of pathways linking to various parts of the area. The Everest Trek comes in a variety of packages, and hikers can choose to extend the trail or combine the Base Camp Trek with other adventures in the EVEREST REGION. 

In addition to the moderate trekking path, climbing many peaks in the Everest region is also an option. Listed here are a few of the most well-liked Everest Base Camp Trek packages based on various day counts. This aids hikers in finishing the Everest journey on schedule.

Everest Base Camp Comfortable Trek 15-Days

Short Everest Base Camp Trek 10-Days

Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek

Budget Everest Base Camp Trek 12-Days

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

Everest Base Camp Trek for Seniors and Kids 19-Days

9 Days Everest Base Camp Trek

Namche Bazaar Trek

6 Days Everest Base Camp Trek

Kalapatthar Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek for Beginners 16 Days

Alternative Trekking trails in the Everest region in December and January

Everest is a large area endowed with a variety of plants, animals, and flora. In the Everest region, there are a plethora of additional trekking trails. It can take months for hikers to reach the summit. 

However, several of the locations may be challenging for hikers to access during the harsh winter months of December and January, which bring with it snowfall. This is because there are fewer operating lodges and heavy snowfall. 

Certain walking trails in the Everest Region are easily accessible in December and January, despite the weather. These include the GOKYO LAKE AND GOKYO RI TREK, NAMCHE BAZAAR TREK, KALAPATTHAR TREK, AMA DABLAM BASE CAMP TREK, and EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK. 

Other hikes like the Peak Climbing Route, the Everest Three Pass Route, etc., are

What to bring for the Everest Trek in December and January

It takes some extra equipment and supplies to trek into Everest Base Camp, and you’ll need much more in December and January. In Nepal, December is the dead of winter. At night, the temperature in the Himalayas, particularly on the Everest Base Camp path, drops to below zero. 

Trekkers need to be prepared for the chilly winter weather and intense sun reflection by packing warm clothing, gloves, woolen caps, jackets, pants, woolen shocks, and sunglasses.

Other than items, a decent sleeping bag that can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C, crampons for snowshoeing, and trekking poles should be sufficient. On the other hand, you can sleep with a blanket at lodges and tea houses.

Can we trek Everest Base Camp in December and January/ Winter?

All year long, it is possible to trek to Everest Base Camp. But during the monsoon, clouds make visibility difficult, and some rainfall falls in the lower regions. The remainder of the season is ideal for the Everest Trek aside from this. 

Because of Christmas and New Year’s, December and January are considered the off-season for tourism. People choose to spend their vacations and time with their families during this time of year. Additionally, those are Nepal’s winter months. The result is a drop in temperature to -20 degrees Celsius.

Currently, December and January are the best months to trek to Everest Base Camp in terms of views and visibility. The paths provide a breathtaking panoramic view and are less busy. The Himalayas are reflected at sunrise and sunset, and the clouds are still clear. 

The vegetation appears white and blanketed in snow when the mountain receives snowfall. You’ll adore how expansive the wintertime view is throughout. Discovering the ideal spot to stay won’t be difficult because trails and hotels are less congested. The breathtaking view of the Himalayas is also the nicest feature. 

The important thing to remember is that you will need additional warm clothing in December and January.

Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek in December and January

The lowest temperature of the year is recorded in December, when nighttime lows drop to -20°. You therefore need to mentally be ready for this severe weather. 

You might have to stay an extra day at the lodges or tea house till the weather improves because occasionally there may be snowfall during the day as well. Therefore, when trekking, make sure you have a few extra days (reserved days) in addition to the acclimatization day.

This will enable you to walk more leisurely and not worry about when your international flight will arrive. You should also ensure that you have a local porter or an experienced guide who knows the trail and the lodges along the way. 

There won’t be as many hikers in December and January, and if the trail is covered in snow, there’s a good chance that people won’t know which way to go.

Do I need to have a guide and porter for Everest Base Camp Trek in December and January?

For the Everest Base Camp trip, hiring a guide or porter is an optional extra. On the other hand, having a guide is highly advised for the Everest journey in December and January. 

Fewer hikers choose to visit Everest Base Camp at this time of year because it is the harsh winter season. Snowfall occurs frequently at this time of year. 

Because there are fewer hikers and more snowfall, trails are covered in snow, making it challenging for hikers to find the precise trail. Furthermore, during December and January, tea houses may stay closed in some places.

A guide can assist you find the correct path, tell you about the villages, mountains, and legends, and make hotel reservations for your overnight stay. They will assist you in making the ideal reservation at the ideal time because they are fully informed about the motels and lodges. 

Because of all of this, a guide for the Everest Base Camp Trek in December and January is the greatest and most reliable option for any hiker.

Festival celebrated in December and January in Nepal

Every month, festivals are observed all over Nepal, where they are highly common. The diversity of cultures and religions is to blame for this. In Nepal, there are 125 distinct ethnic settlements, and each of these communities observes a distinctive holiday. 

Christmas is celebrated on December 25 in urban regions, mostly in Kathmandu and Pokhara, where most Christians reside. New Year’s Day is observed nationally on January 1. 

Despite having its own official calendar, Nepal also celebrates the New Year with parties and festivities.

Aside from this, the Udhauli festival is observed on December 26, 2023. This is a well-liked celebration in the Kirat community, signaling the start of winter when people from hilly areas move to lower altitudes to avoid the harsh winter months. 

The local Kirat community of Kathmandu congregates in Tudikhel to celebrate the festival, which is marked by singing, dancing, and displays of various Kirati cultures and customs. The Tamang community celebrates Tamu Loshar, or New Year’s Day, on December 31.

January 15, 2024, is designated as Maghe Sankranti. Every community across the country observes this as a holiday, and the government does too. In December and January, there are a few smaller celebrations held in addition to those big ones. 

While students visit temples and honor knowledge goddesses, all schools, colleges, and institutions are closed. 

In Nepal, December and January are dedicated to celebrating a number of important holidays.