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Everest Base Camp Trek in December

Standing at 5,364m in freezing December winds travelling at 39km/h, I finally understood why Everest calls to adventurers. Sun in the sky no clouds in sight, but temperature is -9 degree Celsius. Wind blasting in the window like a bomb making Avalanche sound were breaking our body with sleepless night.

Aerial view of Lukla Airport (Tenzing-Hillary Airport) in Nepal – one of the world's most dangerous airports nestled in the Himalayas, with a short runway and mountain backdrop.

The world's dangerous airport- Lukla Airport

Our Experience to Everest Base Camp in December

We started our trek from 1st of December as it is off season our flight flew directly from Kathmandu to Lukla. After landing in Lukla we had our Breakfast at Buddha Hotel at Lukla and managed all the bags and meet with our Porter. As, I was the Guide of the Trek I had meet with the clients in Kathmandu and flew with them to Lukla. Then we hit the road as our flight was little delayed we started the trek at around 10:30 am . Trail was great and after making permit we were in trekking towards Thado Koshi for our Lunch. After lunch we reached Phakding around 5pm as we took our time for the walk towards Phakding. Then same normal day to Namche and It wasn't that special but we took a super zoom photo at the Hillary Bridge.

Adventurer waving on Hillary Bridge in Nepal – a high suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River on the Everest Base Camp trek route, surrounded by Himalayan scenery.

Super Zoom Image at Hillary Bridge walking towards Namche

Next morning, we began our Journey towards Tenzing Norgay View Point which also has a small cultural education museum. Then we hiked to famous Everest View Hotel and had our breakfast there it was nice as I was given a complementary Tea. Then we set off to our Hike towards Tengboche, it was a normal hiking day seeing the view of Ama dablam and Talking we were breaking our way into Tengboche. In Evening, we visited the famous Tengboche Gumba and I played football with the students in the Gumba. Fun Fact: The students studying there are come from far villages of Nepal and are not Local to that region at age of 4 and get to go home once every year.

Day 6, we set off towards Dingboche via Pangbohce the famous 4400 meter. The day was moderate but I was feeling that wind was getting stronger after the morning. We had lunch at Shomare and most of the hotels were open. Next day, we had breakfast and started our acclimatisations hike to Nagarjun / Nangkartshang. The wind was not starting and changing to a real problem. Our original plan was to hike the peak completely but wind didn't let us. We climbed till it was possible and made a group decision to hike down and not take risk. As, wind can create health problem as headache and fever, which is a no go in the mounatins.

Group of winter trekkers celebrating at Everest Base Camp (5,364m) in December – snow-covered ground, clear skies, and bundled-up hikers with the Himalayan peaks in the background.

Group Picture taken at the highest point we hiked in attempt to climb Nangkartshang Peak

Day 8, It started great we were walking through the high Himalayan meadow with Yaks along side us.

Adventurer taking a smiling selfie with a fluffy yak in the Himalayas – iconic high-altitude cattle with long hair and curved horns, Nepal trekking moment

The day was bright and sunny no cloud insight. We made our progress towards Thukla. We had to take our first wooden bridge but a new suspension bridge was in construction. Also, water was flowing in the river. We had our lunch at Thukla and after some rest we were ready for our first pass

during the Everest Base Camp Trek. We hiked the Thukla Pass and made it on to the top. Where we were able to see the memorabilia of Climbers who died during the climb of life to the top of the world. And now the weather had taken the turn on us. It was really windy now, and due to lack of vegetation it was really dusty. If you ever thought how it is like to walk with Arrakis we did it and it is dusty. At last, we made to Lobuche.

Trekking group celebrating at Thukla Pass (4,830m) in Nepal with majestic Ama Dablam peak in the background - Everest region Himalayan adventure

Crossing Thukla Pass with Ama Dablam in the background

Now comes the night it was fucking windy. It was blasting in my window like a bomb. I had never experienced something like that and I was scared and I am a Guide. It was sounding like Avalanche was taking place. But I made Avisauraus safe he was scared and slept for like 3 hour.

Now it's the Big Day, the Base Camp day. We started at 7 am in the morning after consuming our Breakfast and it was windy from the morning. It was strong just like Kanye West Twitter rant and we hadn't got good rest the night prior. I was not in my best space and neither was my team but we ain't losers so we walked like nothing had happened and we made it to Gorakshep. Then we continued in the wind travelling at 39km/h. It was sunny day but the temperature was -9 degree. Look at the video Below:

Again, we ain't Losers and we made it Everest Base Camp. Yeah, baby with a guide like me everything is possible, but the wind was really strong so we had to put the Kalapatthar Hike to the deathbed.

Everest Base Camp trek in December - snow-covered trails and icy landscapes at 5,364m with clear views of Mount Everest in December

Team Nepal Tour and Trek In Everest Base Camp

Clients were sick and again if you are thinking to do this trek in December that is the thing to consider it is hard to walk and wind is going to break your body and make you sick. It is what is it . But we made it and we came back. But it was really cold and I told you that water was flowing in river well not any more. It was frozen and ice cold.

We also decided to go to Khumjung and it was a awesome experience. Yeti is real guys I saw it okay. Here is the proof that yeti is real a scalp of yeti :

Yeti skull

YETI IS REAL PRAVVVVV

Anyway the trek was awesome and everyone was happy. We made it back to Kathmandu without a scratch.

Key Highlights Of Trekking to Everest Base Camp in December

December low crowd

The simple answer is Yes, The crowd in the Route in December was pretty low as most of the people trek through Late September to Late November. Also due to Holiday season in abroad makes the timing great if you are seeking a low crowd experience. But, it isn't quite we were around 100 people who were walking everyday together. So, enjoying nature without people around you is your thing then you should take a flight to Lukla in December for better or worse.

Is it Physically demanding ?

It is little more challenging than the usual Everest Base Camp Trek done during the regular season. The Cold is real and especially at night we all felt it. The temperature was dropping like the crevasse of Khumbu Ice fall to -12 to -15 degree Celsius. After, Dingboche the wind will get you in these region so be ready for some dust and walking along or against the wind.

Views During Everest Base Camp Trek ?

The views during Everest Base Camp Trek are really good. Less cloud and clear blue sky makes it a very heart-full experience with panoramic views of Mountains surrounding you. You won't be complaining about the views you see if you are doing Everest Base Camp Trek in December.

Panoramic Himalayan view from Tenzing Hillary Viewpoint in Nepal – Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam peaks under a clear blue sky, showcasing the world's highest mountains.

View from Namche Bazar from Tenzing View Point with Everest, Lhotse, Ama-dablam and Nuptse in sight

Pros of doing Everest Base Camp Trek in December

  • Fewer Crowds
    • Trails and teahouses are quieter, offering a more serene experience.
    • No competition for the best photo spots or lodges.
  • Stunning Winter Scenery
    • Snow-covered landscapes, icy rivers, and frost-laden prayer flags create magical views.
    • Crisp, clear skies improve visibility of Everest and surrounding peaks.
  • Better Flight Availability (Kathmandu → Lukla)
    • Fewer trekkers mean easier bookings and less risk of Lukla flight delays (though weather-dependent).
  • Unique Cultural Experience
    • Meet resilient Sherpa communities preparing for winter; observe local life without the tourist rush.
  • Lower Costs
    • Off-season discounts on teahouses, guides, and gear rentals (some lodges may be close like in lower Pangboche).

Cons of doing Everest Base Camp Trek in December

  • Extreme Cold
    • Temperatures drop to -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F) at night; frostbite risk is real.
    • Water bottles and hydration bladders freeze easily.
  • Shorter Daylight Hours
    • Only ~8 hours of daylight (sunrise ~6:30 AM, sunset ~4:30 PM)—trekking pace must adjust.
  • Limited Teahouse Availability
    • Some lodges close for winter; remaining ones may lack heating (dining rooms are the only warm spaces).
  • Icy, Slippery Trails
    • Requires microspikes/crampons, especially after Namche. Risk of falls on steep sections (e.g., Lobuche).
  • Altitude Sickness Aggravated by Cold
    • Cold air can make breathing harder, and symptoms of AMS (headaches, nausea) may feel worse.

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