The Trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is a dream destination for countless adventure enthusiasts. It is an adventurous journey that takes you to the base of the world's highest mountain peak, Mt. Everest, standing tall at 8,848masl. If you wish to embark on an adventurous excursion, the trek to Everest Base Camp is open throughout the year. But, if you want to take it a bit further, the December trek to the base camp is a next-level adventure!
The Everest region looks entirely different in December from how it looks in spring and autumn. It feels like an expedition more than a trek. You must wear the right equipment to walk on snow, sometimes crampons. There's snow everywhere, and everything is covered in white, making the destination a heavenly reality.
But is the December trek even possible? December trek to the Everest Base Camp is not for the faint heart. It's a challenge! What makes trekking in December particularly unique is that it is the most extreme trekking adventure you can come across in the Everest region.
When you trek in the winter, you will get the flavor of what it is like in the Himalayas. The landscapes are full of white snow, the trail is rigorous and unforgiving, and the path can get excruciatingly challenging, making the Journey wild and adventurous. Reiterating, the December trek is indeed for the daredevils!
Yes, trekking in December is something that rarely comes to your mind. When we think of December, we think of the cruel December cold. Rightly so, the Himalayas are extra colder in December! But that's where the fun is. It is as if we are challenging the odds against nature. All for the thrill.
Despite extreme temperatures, the December trek to EBC offers much more. The serene environment slowly dissipates the feeling of fatigue, the calming atmosphere makes up for the challenge you will face, and the views of the majestic Himalayas alongside you. That's something many adventure enthusiasts dream of fulfilling. The Trek to Everest Base Camp in December is a story for the books.
In this blog, we talk about December as a thrilling option for your coming EBC trek. It is an adventure less dabbled, yet, a gem on its own.
Highlights of December trek to Everest Base Camp
Crystal Clear Visuals
The main benefits of an EBC trek in December include the region's fantastic visibility and clear skies. The vistas are beautiful and fog- and cloud-free attributable to the low level of rainfall. The kind of trekking experience you'll have in December is strolling beneath a clear sky toward the mountains while taking in the surrounding area's immaculate clarity.
The month of December comes first after the end of the peak autumn season. Trekking in the first few days of December will also allow you to experience some of the season's final hues of autumn.
Calm and Less Crowded Trails
The winter season, regarded as the off-season for the EBC Trek, begins in December. The Everest Base Camp routes are more deserted and tranquil in December. You can simply stroll in the manner you like without interruptions or crowds. By the way, trekking on the serene Everest region trails is much more explorative than on the busy tracks. Nothing but you and the lovely surroundings.
Easy Accommodations
Finding your preferred lodging in the Everest region is quite impossible during the autumn and spring seasons. Due to the peak trekking season, the lodges and teahouses are crowded with numerous trekkers. However, this is not the case in December, when you may book the accommodations of your choice. The Everest region doesn't see many hikers in December, leaving the lodges unoccupied. As a result, you will receive price breaks on lodging and meals. Additionally, the housing spaces are vacant, allowing you to eat quietly.
Easy Flight Tickets
You don't have to worry too much about your flight tickets in December. No reservations are necessary; the tickets are easily accessible. Off-season causes the flights to Lukla largely empty, which is unusual. Only you will be able to understand the stress of the Lukla tickets if you are here in any autumn or spring months. As a result, booking flights in December is much more stress-free and relaxing.
December Festivities
December is a favorite month to commemorate Tamu Lhosar (Practicing Buddhists have their religious calendar, and Lhosar usually falls in December or January). The Tibetan Buddhist New Year is known as Lhosar, but various ethnic groups in Nepal observe various Lhosar festivities, some of which last until the end of February. Gurung and Tamang people celebrate Tamu Lhosar, a vibrant occasion in Kathmandu.
Christmas is also right around the corner. You can aim to celebrate Christmas in Namche Bazaar or even Kala Patthar! A trek in the foothills of Mount Everest is undoubtedly a memorable way to spend New Year's Eve. Aim to be in Namche Bazaar on December 31 to experience the Himalayan nightlife. There are pubs and restaurants in the small town but remember that alcohol's effects tend to be more potent and more immediate at altitude, so you don't want to blow your New Year's resolutions.
Things to Expect on your December Trek to Everest Base Camp
Unexpected Snowfalls
The coldest season of the year, winter, begins in December. So, unforeseen snowfalls may occur in the higher elevations. The trail can get tough to navigate due to the snowfall. Without winter gear, it is dangerous to trek on the trails' deep snow cover. Sometimes the entire route can be blocked by snowfalls. You must be careful while traversing the Himalayas during any time of the year. Although in winter, you have got to be extra cautious. Never forget to carry crampons and other trekking equipment with you. They may not be as valuable in different seasons, but trekking equipment is a staple in winter!
Getting stuck during your Journey
Sometimes, it snows a lot in December, to such an extent that heaps and heaps are piling up by the minute. Too much snow could block your trail, and you might have to have a few days of overnight stays in the teahouses. This is why you must have a few extra days at hand. Trekking in the Himalayas is unpredictable, even more so in winter. You should prepare yourself for the better.
Fact: You do not have bulldozers high up in the Himalayas to mark the trail after a heavy snowfall. Yaks are the Himalayas' bulldozer. They never get lost even when the snowfall is so high; they feel like small hills! Yaks lead the way to another nearby settlement during extreme snowfall situations!
Weather and Temperature in December
The winter season officially begins in December. The bulk of the trail is exposed to considerably below freezing at night. However, the daytime is typically sunny and clear. It looks incredible with the mountains covered in snow and the sky clean and blue. Trekking in December could be a fantastic experience with the rewarding view of the landscapes with the right equipment and preparation.
Daytime highs in December will typically hover around 4°C. The minimum temperature at night is often around -14°C. Bear in mind that the nights can get as cold as -38°C. Trekking during the day will make you feel warm from the sun's rays and make the terrain easier for you to move through.
Expect the sun to be out for about 5-7 hours every day on average in December. These are the average hours during the day when the sun is out and not blocked by clouds. December sees winds with an average daily speed of 12 to 19 kph (about 8-12 mph). Due to the brisk breeze, mornings and nights are typically chilly.
Possibilities of getting a Frostbite
The Everest region is frigid in December. Thus, you must understand the importance of carrying necessary trekking gear. You need layers of clothing, especially for the time you sleep. In Nepal, people do not practice insulating rooms, so you must prepare yourself beforehand with clothing layers. You are also likely to catch frostbite if you do not prepare yourself properly.
Hiring a Guide and a Porter is an Absolute Necessity during Winter Trek
When traversing the Himalayas, a guide is of great help. With their years and years' worth of experience trekking in the Himalayas, they know the trail and the region by heart. Similarly, they are full of information that will be more valuable for you during the trek. Likewise, they know what to do in case of emergencies. Having a guide to accompany you during a tour is worth it.
Porters carry your heavy luggage. Your essentials are heavier in December with additional clothing and trekking gear, among other supplies. You do not want to be all exhausted on the trail, do you? When would you even enjoy the Journey then? Thus, hiring a guide and a porter will make your challenging Journey in December a bit more comfortable! Although, the choice is ultimately yours!
Tips for your Winter EBC Trek
- Carry trekking gear such as crampons. They come way more in handy than you can expect.
- Layering your clothing is crucial.
- Have a few days at hand, just in case.
Double-check all your trekking gear.
It is a common misconception that an EBC Trek in December is not doable. Yes, it's a little more complex than other times of the year. Nevertheless, remember that "difficult journeys frequently lead to magnificent destinations." The Trek to Everest Base Camp in December is a serene adventure that enriches your life with more than you anticipate.
We hope our effort to provide you with more information regarding the December trek to the Everest Base Camp has been a worthwhile experience!
Happy Trekking!
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