Everest Base Camp Trek in December
Trip Overview
Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the world-famous hiking journeys. Everest Base Camp Trek in short also called EBC Trek. This hiking trip takes you to the base camp of Mount Everest and grants you a great opportunity to explore Mount Everest, the tallest peak on the earth, its nearby glaciers, and the other Himalayan peaks. Truly, Everest Base Camp Trek is an adventurous lifetime journey that is full of romantic moments.
Everest Base Camp Trek follows the trekking trail through the gorgeous Sagarmatha National Park and takes you through the famous Himalayan town of Namche Bazaar. Destinations and sites like the sacred Tengboche Monastery and the beautiful summer valley of Dingboche are also encountered and visited during the peregrination.
This trek takes you up to Kala Patthar (5643m) which is the closest viewpoint of Mt. Everest and other enormous snow-capped Himalayan peaks. At EBC you can see the Khumbu Glacier descending down the face of Everest.
Going through far-off villages that lie in very isolated locations in the mountains is a great way to learn about Nepal’s remote Himalayan life. Observing the day-to-day life of the indigenous mountain people and getting to involve yourself in their warm hospitality is a massive part of the whole experience.
Nature lovers and enthusiasts can also bask in the beautiful natural environments of the region while trekking. Ornamented with lush woods, alpine vegetation, and much unique flora and fauna life, the Everest region is a cornucopia of marvelous Himalayan beauty. The charming and spell-binding beauty of the sceneries during the trek is breathtaking with farmlands in the low-lying areas and snow-covered grounds in the high, the changing terrain is enthralling with Rhododendron forests.
Is it possible for Everest Base Camp Trek in December?
This is one of the very common questions asked by many people. Yes, Everest Base Camp Trek can be done easily in the month of December. The only difference is in the month of December, the temperature is relatively lower than in October, and November. But it is bearable for trekking. And the trekking in December is like the same, not tougher than other months of the year.
The temperature on the route of Everest Base Camp Trek in December
In December, the temperature on the route like in Lukla averages 4°C minimum -1.8°C maximum of 9.8°, in Namche Bazaar average 0.5°C minimum -6.5°C maximum 7.6°C, in Dingboche average -5.1 °C minimum -13.4°C maximum 3.2°C, in Lobuche average -7.7°C minimum -16.4°C maximum 1.1°C and in Gorak Shep/ Everest Base Camp average -8.9°C minimum -17.8°C maximum 0°C. The average daily wind speed is around 12-19 k/hr (about 8-12 mph).
Tips and Packing List for Everest Base Camp Trek in December
To trek to EBC in December be prepared to pack up important trekking gears you need before you head out. It is advisable to dress in layers (to wear pieces of clothing on top of one another). The following list is a guideline to help you pack for your trekking. According to your requirements, you may adjust it.
For Head: Sun Hat; Bandana or head scarf; Headlamp with extra batteries; Sun Glasses with UV protection.
For Upper Body: Shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves); Lightweight thermal tops; Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater; Wind Cheater jacket; Down Jacket (good to minus 20 degrees).
For Lower Body: 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms; 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers; 1 pair of waterproof shell pants and 1 pair of hiking trousers.
For Hands: 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves and 1 pair of lightweight poly liner gloves.
For Feet: 2 pairs of thin inner socks; 2 pairs of poly or wool socks; 1 pair of Hiking boots (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support); 1 pair of running shoes and/or sandals.
Medical: Your daily taking medicine if any; small personal first aid kit; Aspirin, plasters (band-aids); Sunscreen; lip balms; Anti-diarrhea pills; Anti-headache pills; Cough and/or cold medicine; Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide; Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin.
Other Useful Items: 1 sleeping bag (good to -20 degrees C or 28 degrees F); Rucksack and Travel Bags; 1 large duffel bag; A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables; Small padlocks for duffel- bags; 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional); 2 water bottles (1 liter each); disposable rubbish sacks; Toiletries: 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel; Toothbrush/paste; Multi-purpose soap; Deodorants; Nail clippers; Face and body moisturizer; Tissue /toilet roll; hiking poles, snack food (chocolate/ biscuits); umbrella; reading book or pack of cards (for leisure time during trekking).
The advantages of trekking to Everest Base Camp in December
Low Rainfall: Everest region has almost no rainfall during December, although you may see some snow. You can walk dry and do not have to worry about walking in wet clothes.
Clear view: Winters usually have the clearest views on the route of the Everest Base Camp trek. The sky is crystal clear with a good view of the surrounding.
Less crowd: In the winter, you will not find a crowd of trekkers there. The trails become quiet and peaceful. You get to spend as much time on the trail as you like to enjoy the surroundings. You will also have easy accommodations.
Outline Itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek
| DAY | ITINERARY | HEIGHT | AVG WALKING |
| 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal | 1400 m | |
| 2 | Flight to Lukla. Trek to Phakding. | 2610 m | 4 hours |
| 3 | Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar. | 3440 m | 6+ hours |
| 4 | Day for Acclimatization in Namche. | 3880 m/ 3440 m | 3 hours |
| 5 | Trek Namche Bazaar to Tengboche. | 3860 m | 6 hours |
| 6 | Trek Tengboche to Dingbouche. | 4410 m | 6 hours |
| 7 | Day for Acclimatization in Dingboche. | 4600m / 4410 m | 3 hours |
| 8 | Trek Dingboche to Lobuche. | 4910 m | 6 hours |
| 9 | Trek Lobuche to Everest Base Camp. Night stay at Gorakshep. | 5164 m / 5365 m | 7:30/8 hours |
| 10 | Early morning Hike to Kala Patthar. Then trek Gorakshep to Pheriche. | 5550 m / 4200 m | 6+ hours |
| 11 | Trek Pheriche to Namche Bazaar. | 3440 m | 7 hours |
| 12 | Trek Namche Bazaar to Phakding to Lukla. | 2840 m | 7 hours |
| 13 | Flight from Lukla. Back to Kathmandu. | 1400 m | |
| 14 | Departure from Kathmandu, Nepal. |
For the price detail of the Everest Base Camp trek, please click on this hyperlink: Everest Base Camp Trek Cost.
Please contact us by email at [email protected] or WhatsApp/ Viber at +977 9851203181 for any further information about Everest Base Camp Trek, need any changes in the above itinerary, or if any questions. Once we receive your message, we get back to you within 24 hours.
Itinerary
Our tour officer will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu. He/She will be displaying play card with your name written in it outside the airport terminal. He will meet, greet and welcome you with auspicious garland and escort you to your respective hotel by our private tourist vehicle. At the hotel, he will assist you to check in and do a pre-trip meeting with you. You will be briefed about your overall program, introduced your guide and clear your questions/queries if any. During the meeting please clear the due balance and handover a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. Overnight at the hotel.
Early morning you will be picked up at the hotel by our guide and escort you to for the flight to Lukla. During flight, you enjoy stunning views of Himalayas. After landing at Tenzing-Hilary airport you meet your porter. He will carry your luggage. Then you start your trekking. Today you trek of three hours. It’s easy and gentle. The trail starts passing a Kani (ceremonial gatehouse). It descends steeply then runs level above Kyangma village, which has a large gompa (monastery) and school. After that, you enter Cheplung village. The trail descends through community forest with the sight of Dudh Koshi River. Crossing suspension bridge it’s a short climb around the ridge to Ghat. Leaving Ghat the trail passes a school and complex of mani walls, chortens and prayer wheels. Then the trail climbs to the hamlet of Chhuthawa. From Chhuthawa after a short walk, you reach to Phakding. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
After breakfast, you continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. Continuing up the Dudh Koshi valley you will reach a cluster of local Bhatti (porter rest houses) and a small hydroelectric project. The trail climbs up over the ridge and pines to the small village of Toktok. You will soon get your first view of Thamserku peak (6608m). The trail again climbs steeply around the ridge and reach Benkar. Here you find waterfalls. Leaving Benkar the trail crosses east bank of Dudh Koshi River over suspension bridge and heads to Chumoa. From Chumoa it’s another steep climb to the outskirts of Monjo village. Just above the Monjo, there is a checkpoint for Sagarmatha National Park. Your trekking card is checked here. Afterward, the trail cuts across to the west bank of the Dudh Koshi River on another suspension bridge and runs to Jorsale. Above Jorsale you follow the river bank over gravel before climbing to the forest. You will see flowing together of Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi rivers. From here it continues ascent through dense pine forests and then eventually enters to Namche Bazaar. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Today you stay at Namche Bazaar to avoid symptoms of Altitude Sickness (AMS). This doesn’t mean you have to stop walking. You hike up the Shyangboche. You cross grass airstrip at Shyangboche and walk towards the Everest View Hotel, the highest hotel in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. From here you can have a good view of Mt. Everest and surrounding peaks. Then you continue walking to Khumjung, the largest Sherpa village in Everest region which sprawls below the peak of Khumbila (5761m). The houses here are large and ostentatious and many locals own tracts of land further north along the valley. You visit Khumjung Gompa. One of the treasures kept here is a Yeti Skull. From the flat area in front of the Gompa, there are views east to Amadablam, Thamserku, and Khumbila. After the visit of Khumjung village, you return directly to Namche Bazaar following the path behind the village school. Today you will have also option to visit Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center where you can see some well-preserved displays on Himalayan flora and fauna and the culture of Sherpa people. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
After breakfast, you follow the path by the giant Mani in Chhorkung and trek north around the long ridge. At the end of the bluff is a viewpoint over a panorama of Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest. Then trail reaches Kyangjuma. After a short walk, it takes to trail junction at Sanasa. You follow the trail to Tengboche runs gently downhill towards the river traversing Lawichasa, Tashinga, and Phunki Thenga. Then it crosses the river on the bridge. From here the trail climbs past some water powered prayer wheels and begins a sustained climb through a forest of rhododendrons. On the way, there are many porter rest stops. Eventually, you will reach Kani and a pair of chortens and arrive at Tengboche. The major attraction of this place is Tengboche Gompa. Inside the monastery are incredibly elaborate wall hangings, a 20-foot sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Your day starts with following the trail through conifers and rhododendrons forest. The trail sooner reaches Debuche. Then the path continues through rhododendron forests to Milinggo. From here the trail descends steeply to the suspension bridge over Imja Khola. Crossing the bridge it climbs. You find the good photo shooting place of beautiful Stupa mirroring towering Ama Dablam. Afterward, you will soon arrive at Pangboche. Leaving Pangboche the trail climbs above the tree line and enters the arid landscape of alpine meadows. It follows the path of Imja Khola (stream) and passes Shomare and Orsho. After Orsho the trail splits. You will follow the lower path along the west bank of Imja Khola that leads to Dingboche. From Dingboche, you can have good views of Island Peak, Peak 38 and Lhotse. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Today you spend a day in Dingboche for the acclimatization. In the morning you have refreshing breakfast while admiring views of the looming Ama Dablam (6,856 m). Then after our guide take you a short walk to Nangkartshang Gompa. This Buddhist monastery is 400 m above Dingboche on the ridge. From there you can enjoy the view of Makalu (8463m), the fifth highest mountain in the world, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Cho Oyu. From this vantage place, you can also see Imja valley as well as picturesque fields and pastures. Then you walk back to Dingboche and get relaxed at your lodge. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
From Dingboche, you follow the path climbing slowly along the ridge through the village of Dusa. On the way, you can have a spectacular view of twin peaks of Taboche and Cholatse, Ama Dablam and Kantega. Then the trail drops down to a glacial stream following rising up to Dughla. From this village, the trail goes directly up gravelly terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier. Afterward, it moves at the top of the ridge which covered with memorials to lost climbers and Sherpas. From here you can enjoy an impressive view of Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m), Khumbutse (6623m), Changtse (7550m) Nuptse and Lhotse. Then trail meets the junction. You follow the path that ascends north over the loose moraine and arrive at Lobuche. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Today your trek begins following a narrow gap between the glacial moraine and the mountain wall past the Italian Pyramid. The route of the path changes regularly as the edge of the moraine tumbles into the glacier. To find the trail look for cairns of stones left as markers and hoof prints and dung left by yak trains. After rounding the trail you will have your first views of Kalapathar (5545m). As you climb to take the time to detour to the edge of the moraine to look out over the Khumbu Glacier. Then the trail passes Changri Shar Glacier and reaches Gorak Shep, flat sandy bowls at the foot of Kalapathar. You continue walking to Everest Base Camp following the path across the Khumbu Glacier. Everest Base Camp is at the bottom of the Khumbu Icefall at 5365m. Visiting Everest Base Camp you trek back to Gorakshep for night halt. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Wake up early in the morning then hike up to Kalapathar through grassy ridge above the Gorak Shep. It takes one and half hour to two hours to reach the summit which is marked by prayer flags. As you climb it the peak of Pumori looms dramatically ahead. By climbing 200 m you will find yourself in front of world’s definitive mountain views- a 360-degree panorama of Himalayan giants from Pumori and Lobuche to Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest. From this elevation the true height of Everest becomes clear. The entire south face of Everest is visible. After taking photos this world-class scenery you back down to Gorakshep. Have a lunch in Gorakshep. In the afternoon you trek to Pheriche retracing your steps along the moraine of Khumbu glacier. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
After breakfast, you descend to the valley of Orsho then follow the west bank of Imja Khola to Shomare and on to Pangboche. From Pangboche you retrace your footsteps down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Debuche and Tengboche. From Tengboche, you trek down to Phunki Thenga then climb the ridge towards Namche Bazaar. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
From Namche Bazaar, you follow the steeply downward path. Once you cross the high suspension bridge the trail runs mostly level to Josale and then climbs to Monjo where your trekking card will be checked out. Then it’s an easy run through Benkar and Phakding to Lukla. After arriving at Lukla it ends your overall trek. Most trekkers make a celebration of finishing their trekking with their guide and crew members at Lukla. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Early in the morning, you move to Tenzing-Hillary airport. Then catch once again that scenic mountain flight to Kathmandu. After you land at Kathmandu airport you will be transferred to your hotel. You have free time rest of the day. You can have a hot shower, a spa for relaxing your body in Kathmandu. Evening you will be offered farewell dinner with Nepali cuisines and cultural dances at typical Nepali Restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
The trip concludes today. Our tour officer will drop you at Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
Travel Tips
All foreign nationals except Indian Nationals are required to arrange a visa in order to enter Nepal. A Nepalese Visa can be obtained either prior to your arrival at a Nepalese embassy abroad or on arrival time in Kathmandu at the airport. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can be also taken at entry points at Nepalese borders. For Nepalese Visa it requires your passport with at least six months validity, recent digital photo (size: 1.5″ x 1.5″) and the following fees either in USD dollars cash or the equivalent local currency:
| Visa Facility | Duration | Fee |
| Multiple entries | 15 days | US$ 30 or equivalent Nepalese currency |
| Multiple entries | 30 days | US$ 50 or equivalent Nepalese currency |
| Multiple entries | 90 days | US$ 125 or equivalent Nepalese currency |
We would offer you the meeting and greeting service in Kathmandu International Airport on your arrival time. For this, you need to pass us your International flight details at least 2 days before your arrival date in Kathmandu. After you get down from the aircraft you just pass on the Customs and come out of the Terminal building where you will see our tour officer standing with a playing card with your name written on it. He will greet and welcome you with auspicious garland and escort you to the hotel.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp does not require tremendous logistics in terms of accommodation as you will find plenty of clean and friendly lodges along the trail. Lodges typically offer a room with a wooden bed with a simple mattress or foam pad, a cotton pillow, and a blanket or quilt. They have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We will accommodate you and your group in a local lodge available each day. We send a porter ahead of us to book the required rooms for you (here rooms cannot be booked in advance).
In the case of Kathmandu, we offer you a tourist standard hotel under 3-star categories unless it is mentioned otherwise or clients have a special choice.
In the trail of Everest Base Camp Trekking, it’s commonly available of Authentic Nepali meal: Dal Bhat (rice with lentils soup and seasonable vegetables), noodles, pasta, chapatis, eggs, French fries, porridge, and muesli. The restaurant of lodges also serves Tibetan foods like momo, thukpa, chowmein, along with pizza, spring rolls, pancake, and another continental as well as Indian foods.
Tea and hot lemon are traditionally the main drinks on the trail though coffee is found everywhere. Bottled soft drinks, bottled water, and even beer are common along the route but the price of each bottle rises each day when you move upward.
The trekking team who will go with you is the most significant thing that makes your Everest Base Camp trekking successful, enjoyable and memorable. We would provide you with skilled, experienced, courteous, knowledgeable and helpful trekking guide and porters. The trekking guide leads you in the trail and brief you all the about this route and porters carry your luggage. Our all trekking guides are carefully selected in terms of their appropriate experience, leadership skills and their knowledge about local culture, ecosystem, geography, flora and fauna, and history. With aim of sustaining local communities, we only employ local people as trekking guide and porter. Our all trekking guides are certified by Nepal Government, Ministry of Tourism. We manage trekking team such a way that one trekking guide in each group and porters like one porter for two trekkers.
During the trek, your main luggage will be carried by porters or pack animals (usually yaks or crossbreeds). You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sunscreen, spare jacket, etc. – a small load that allows full enjoyment of the trek. A trek bag is ideal for your main luggage, plus a small lockable bag for travel clothes or anything that you do not need during trek which you can leave at hotel’s locker room in Kathmandu for free of charge.
Every morning, first of all, packing your bags and then have a hearty breakfast at the lodge restaurant. Then set off on the day’s walk. After walking for 3-4 hours you all stop for lunch in a local restaurant. Then continue walking for your destination. After lunch, it’s the only a couple of hours walking. You usually arrive at your destination in the time of afternoon tea. Check in at the lodge. The rest of the day is at leisure. At the free time, you may explore the surrounding village, doing a bit of washing or simply relax by reading books and writing a diary. On some days you will arrive at your destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. Most people also spend free time playing cards and other games reliving the day’s adventures. Then in the evening have a dinner and you will be briefed by your trekking guide about your next day’s walking and then go to your bed for a well-earned sleep.
Everest Base Camp Trekking is moderate trek suitable for any passionate walkers who able to walk at least 5-7 hours a day with a light day pack. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes; however, if you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have a positive attitude, self-confidence, and strong determination, you can do this trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance your strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but not compulsorily required for this trip. It is vital for participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases to consult their doctor before taking the trip.
At high elevations, the combination of reduced oxygen and lower atmospheric pressure can produce a variety of unpredictable effects on the body, known collectively as Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is also commonly known as Altitude Sickness. Everyone who treks over 3500 m experiences some mild symptoms of AMS like slowness, dizziness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, racing pulse, disturbed sleep and swelling of the hands and feet but serious cases are very rare. The golden rule of prevention from Altitude Sickness is don’t walk too fast at altitude, drink plenty of liquids, eating well, getting plenty of sleep and avoiding alcohol. If in case you feel any mentioned symptoms the simple cure is to move down (descend) and you shouldn’t ascend further until you start feeling better. To treat AMS there is also available medication Acetazolamide (better known under the brand name Diamox). The dosage is 250 mg every twelve hours. Diamox improves respiration at altitude and can, therefore, accelerate acclimatization. Some doctors recommend a preventive dose (125 mg twice a day) for people trekking at high elevations. At the time of trekking our trekking team always guides you to prevent from Altitude Sickness and they always have Diamox along with first aid kit.
We believe casualty and a serious sickness will not happen in the trip. If it happens we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. Since all the expenses incurred in evacuation liable to you please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu.
We strongly advise you to take travel insurance before joining a tour which should cover medical expenses, emergency repatriation and helicopter evacuation at high altitude places and loss of your luggage. We would request you to bring your insurance documents when you come to Nepal.
The itinerary for each trip should be taken as a guideline only. Depending on the situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of the trip ending should always coincide with the original itinerary.
Kindly keep in mind that sometimes unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original.
In Everest region as you climb through the hills mixed deciduous forests and scattered rice terraces give way to pine forests, then rhododendrons, then scrub junipers, before finally, the only vegetation is low alpine shrubs and grasses. As you walk, scan the skies and the undergrowth for golden eagles and the spectacular Himalayan Monal (danphe or impeyan pheasant) with its regal, shimmering green, blue and purple plumage. In forested areas around Namche Bazaar, Thame, Phortse and Tengboche, keep your eyes peeled for Himalayan Thar and musk deer often spotted beside trails early in the morning. You may also hear the strange hoarse call o the muntjak or barking deer. Everest is also home to both leopards and snow leopards and allegedly the fearsome yeti.
Naturally Everest Region is so beautiful but equally, it is fragile as well. Increasing population density and numbers of trekkers threaten the very beauty of this area. We at Silver Himalaya Adventures are extremely conscious about protecting its beautiful natural environment and preserving the fascinating local culture. We are doing our level best to minimize our impact as much as possible. Our all trekking guides and porters are well trained and motivated to following guidelines for responsible tourism and eco-friendly tourism. In trekking, they also advise you do’s and don’ts to minimize your impact on the local environment.
In addition to your Trekking trip, you can join in various side Trips in Nepal like a cultural tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Jungle Safari in National Park, White Water Rafting in Himalayan Rivers, Golfing, Adventure activities like Bungee Jumping, Altra Light Flight, Paragliding, Jeep flyer etc. You also can extend your trip to neighboring Himalayan Countries: Bhutan, Tibet, Sikkim (India) which seems more appealing to you. On your request, we will give you the detail of the side trips.
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