Why Winter Trek to Everest Base Camp?
Clarity like no other
Winter in Everest Base Camp encapsulates crystal clear visibility and bright sunny skies! With less likelihood of rainfall, the panoramas are stunning and devoid of fog and clouds. Winter hiking is wandering under a clear sky, gazing at the mountains, and taking in the perfect clarity of the surroundings.
More so, in the early months of winter in December, the region still has some leftover reminiscence of autumn. Although cold, the weather builds up a cozy atmosphere! Likewise, in the final month of winter in February, the region makes an entrance for spring. The weather is calm while the atmosphere is more serene than ever!
No trekking Crowds in Winter
December marks the start of the winter season and is an off-season trek to the Himalayas. In winter, the Everest Base Camp routes are more peaceful and solitary. There are no crowds or interruptions! Thus, you may wander at your pace. By the way, trekking on the calmer Everest region trails is much more exploratory than on the bustling routes. It is just you, your solitude, and Everest peeking at your shoulders.
Finding lodging is not a Struggle
The autumn and spring seasons make it difficult to get your desired accommodation in the Everest region. You can see lodges crowded with trekkers in peak seasons! However, it is not the case during the winter when you can reserve the rooms of your choice. Since it is not a seasonal trekking, most teahouses and hotels are left empty. Thus, more rooms for you!
Book Flight Tickets Easily
As we mentioned previously, the winter trek is off-seasonal. Thus, you will not find it hassling to get yourself Lukla flight tickets! You may find it pretty interesting that even seats are empty at times. Trekking in spring or autumn is a whole different picture! But, in winter, booking flight tickets to and from Lukla is a piece of cake!
Festivals of Winter
If you want to explore Buddhism culture and religion, look for winter treks to the Everest region. Likewise, the Higher Himalayas are brimming with their unique culture and rituals, making your experience more insightful. You can witness Tamu Lhosar falling in December or January. The festival is one of a kind, celebrated by the indigenous Tibetan Buddhists and Sherpa. It is a vibrant occasion even in Kathmandu where the stupas are more welcoming than ever!
Similarly, you can also have a glorious experience celebrating Christmas in December! You can schedule your trek targetting Namche Bazaar on Christmas Eve or New Year! You can enjoy the vibrant and cozy atmosphere in various pubs and restaurants in Namche.
What to Expect on your Winter Trek
Hindering Snowfalls
Winter is the coldest Himalayan season. Thus, you might encounter unpredictable weather changes in the Himalayas. It might even snow unexpectedly on the trekking trail. Unexpected snowfall could make it difficult for you to navigate the route. It is also crucial that you carry the appropriate equipment like crampons. Crampons can help you walk on the snow with less struggle.
Additionally, there will even be a possibility that heavy snowfall may block your route. So, you might have to stay overnight at the nearby teahouse for a few days. Well, that is what makes trekking so adventurous!
You might get stuck
Winter snowfall can be challenging, with mountains of snow building up faster on the route. You might need to spend a few days sleeping over in the teahouses if there is too much snow on the ground since it could obstruct your path. It is better to have some extra days on hand. This way, you will be able to stay on your schedule and do not have to take unnecessary stress.
Interesting Fact:
You do not have bulldozers to define the trail after heavy snowfall in the Himalayas. Yaks are the bulldozer of the Himalayas! They do not even get lost during such harsh conditions. When it is snowy, yaks lead your way to the nearest settlement.
Weather and Temperature in Winter
The winter months in Nepal are December, January, and February. The weather, without a doubt, is chilly in the Everest region during winter. Although the nights are harsh, the days are sunny and bearable. When you gaze at the mountains decorated in fresh snow, the feeling is possibly one of the best experiences on the journey! The skies are bluer than ever. Similarly, the landscape view is the most rewarding during this time.
In the winter, daytime highs usually range between 8°C and 9°C. Around -14°C is frequently the minimum temperature at night. Understand that the nights can be frigid (-38 °C). Trekking throughout the day will keep you warm from the sunlight and make the terrain easier for you to traverse.
During the winter, you may anticipate the sun to be visible for an average of 5-7 hours daily. These are the typical daylight hours when the sun is out and not obscured by clouds. Similarly, wind speed in the winter ranges from 12 to 19 kph (about 8-12 mph). Nights and mornings are usually cool because of the sharp air.
Chances of getting a Frostbite
The winter trek to Everest Base Camp is a challenging adventure. Hence, remind yourself. The days and the nights in the Everest region are far less forgiving in winter. Therefore, you must carry warm clothing. Similarly, layering is a great way to protect yourself from harsh temperatures. Likewise, the nights can get extremely chilly. So, if you are not fully prepared, you might get frostbitten. Keeping yourself warm is the key!
Make sure to hire a Guide and a Porter for your Winter Trek
Having an extra pair of hands on your journey will make your trek undoubtedly easier. Thus, we highly suggest hiring a guide and a porter for your winter trek. The guide can help you gain more insights about the journey, and having someone who speaks the native tongue doesn’t hurt! Similarly, they have many experiences of trekking in the Himalayas and the adversity that comes with it. The skills of a guide are an asset during the EBC trek, especially in winter.
Similarly, you would not want to make your journey extra stressful by carrying all your heavy luggage yourself, right? Why would you exhaust yourself before even reaching the base camp? Enjoy the experience and do not stress out on the journey. A porter will carry your stuff, making your journey far less work! However, it’s all your choice!
For your Winter EBC Trek
- Make sure to pack your crampons. You will have to use them at times
- Layering your clothing is the best way to keep yourself warm
- Keep some extra days at hand
- Cross-check all your trekking gear, equipment, and other essentials
The winter trek to Everest Base Camp is an admirable journey that many believe is an impossible attempt! We agree that the winter trek is far more challenging compared to trekking in other seasons! However, that’s what makes trekking in winter an adventurous experience!
We hope that we were able to provide you with some insights regarding trekking to Everest Base Camp in winter. Happy trekking!
Some Most Popular Treks
