Everest Base Camp Trek in November and December

Everest Base Camp Trek in November and December

• December 26, 2022
• Ram Kumar Adhikari

Everest Base Camp Trek in November and December: The month of November marks the end of the most popular season for trekking in Nepal, the autumn season. With the temperature slowly decreasing, the Everest region welcomes the winter upon itself. Although the most favorable time for trekking is passing by, the early winter months aren’t so bad either. With moderate climatic conditions and the lowest rainfall possibilities, November and December are more than suitable to trek to the Everest Base Camp. 

Is Everest Base Camp Trek doable in November and December?

This question has been troubling travelers for ages and the answer is yes, though the fact that these months occur at the beginning of winter may intimidate people, the Everest Base Camp Trek is definitely doable in both these months. The winter brings decreasing temperatures which spread considerable cold throughout the Himalayan region of the country. Likewise, the Khumbu region gets colder during these days. Besides the cold, the weather is quite pleasant for trekking and the horizon is clear providing great visibility. Due to this, the seasonal transition month of November gets a heavy number of trekkers. As December approaches, the trekking crowd gets smaller. For trekkers who prefer to wander amidst lower traffic, December is the perfect month to head out.

Everest Base Camp Weather in November and December One of the major aspects of planning a trek is the weather. It is certain that no one wants to go for a long journey on foot if the weather is not favorable. Most people assume that it is not the best idea to go trekking to the Everest Base Camp in winter. However, looking deeper into the region, it can be seen that winter can actually be a great option to go for this trek! As November marks the beginning of winter, it does bring a drop in the temperature. The temperature varies with the altitude and locales in higher altitudes experience a greater temperature drop. Despite the cold, the weather is stable and dry with the lowest chance of rainfall. Even the cold can be adapted to easily by adding a couple of layers of warm clothing. Travelers can experience misty mornings and occasional snowy days during December. But the views after the snowfall are truly amazing. The days are comparatively shorter and warmer than the nights, which are long and experience a temperature drop of around -20 to -30 degrees Celsius.

Major Attractions of the Everest Base Camp trek in November and December 

The Everest Base Camp Trek is an exciting journey that takes its course through the amazing Khumbu region. One can witness the natural and cultural beauty this land holds from this trek. One of the major attractions of this trek during these months is the scenery of the landscapes. Since the weather during these months is dry and there is barely any rainfall, the skies are clear. Thus, trekkers get to have the best viewing experience. Clear skies also mean that one can witness a magnificent view of the sunrise and sunset over the glorious Himalayas in the Everest region. Besides this, the trails are easier to walk on and there are lower chances of losing trekking time due to rain. While some may enjoy the company of many other trekkers, there are plenty who like to trek in the emptier surroundings. November is for those who enjoy the company and December is for those who want to walk the trails enjoying the serene environment.

FAQs about the Everest Base Camp trek in November and December

Will the Guest Houses/lodges/ restaurants in the Everest Region be open in November and December?

Absolutely, If not all, most of the lodges, guest houses, and restaurants are open all year long. Since winter only starts from the end days of November, the early period of the month still gets a high number of trekkers. This means there will be accommodation and restaurant services readily available in almost every part of the route. Due to the high number of customers, most guesthouses and lodges have a high probability of being fully occupied. In such cases, trekkers can also share rooms with one another. During December, the number of trekkers decreases and the rooms are vacant. As a result, lodges will have plenty of rooms. In addition, they will be able to provide extra blankets that are not in use. This can be very helpful in order to fight cold winter nights.

What is the packing list for the Everest Base Camp trek in November and December?

Apart from the basic list of items, there are a few things that should be added in order to have a safe and better trekking experience. Like any other trek, it is best to keep only the most essential items in the bag maintaining the load so that walking is easier. The early half of November may not require any addition to the basic list; however, when winter kicks in, you might want to add a few extra gears to your backpack. To stay warm, it is highly recommended that you are equipped with all the different layers of clothing from the base insulation to the outer covers. Gloves, scarves, hats, and balaclavas can be very handy to keep your body parts warm. For December, a snow-proof jacket, as well as trousers, are extremely necessary as there are chances of snowfall occurring during this month. Last but not least, accessories like trekking poles and hiking sunglasses can come in handy as well.

Do I need travel insurance while trekking in Everest base camp in November and December?

It is always good to have travel insurance no matter where you go or when you go. Getting travel insurance can help in covering costs in emergency situations such as rescue operations, health issues, flight delays, and travel theft. Services such as emergency rescue operations are very expensive in the Himalayas. Having properly equipped travel insurance will help you cover costs for such unexpected problems. A key thing to remember while getting travel insurance is that most insurance providers are specific with the altitude their policy covers. Make sure your travel insurance policy covers at least 5,545 meters of altitude for the EBC trek.

Should I consult a Trekking company before I go?

It is highly recommended that you consult a trekking company to go for almost all treks in Nepal. Trekking companies provide excellent services to make every part of your trip more convenient and hassle-free for you. From booking rooms to preparing meals, these companies will make sure you have everything ready right when you need it. Local travel companies also provide licensed and experienced guides and porters who are extremely familiar with the trekking routes. They will also be helpful when you need to query on any aspect of the trek. As much as they will help you with the trek, the guides and porters will also be your companions throughout the journey.

Other Treks in the Everest Region in November and December

Everest View Trek

Not everyone has the time and resources or the required strength to take on the Everest Base Camp Trek. For those people, the Everest View trek is the best option to enjoy the gigantic massifs. With less effort and lesser input, you get an opportunity to cherish the views of Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Nuptse (7861m); and Ama Dablam (6856m)among others. You will also be witnessing the cultural beauty of the Khumbu region that is held in the local Sherpa communities. Trekking through the Sagarmatha National park, you head to Tengboche via Namche Bazaar and Sanasa.

Gokyo Valley Trek

The Gokyo valley trek is one of the most popular treks that offers magnificent views of the mountain peaks including Mt. Everest (8848m). With insight into the traditional lifestyles of the Sherpas, the trek takes you to the serene setting of the Gokyo Lakes. The Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest in Nepal, is also the major attraction for this trek. From Gokyo Ri (5360m) which stands above the tranquil lake of Gokyo, you will witness fantastic views of the Himalayas like Everest (8848m), and Lhotse (8516m), Cho Oyu (8188m), and Makalu (8463m).

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

The Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour is an amazing opportunity to explore the remarkable Khumbu region in just one day! It provides the combined experience of the beautiful aspects of the region and the thrill of the helicopter ride. The exceptional aerial views of the lush alpine forests and the snowcapped mountains are breathtaking. You will step foot in one of the best locations to capture the finest pictures of Mt. Everest (8848m), Kalapatthar. Moreover, you also explore the Everest Base Camp and savor the sights of the Himalayas before returning to Kathmandu.

Many people might rush to think that the Everest Base Camp trek in November or December is a bad idea. But if you do a little research into it, these two months can be the best months to step outside and explore the Khumbu region. Like any other journey, with proper preparation, the EBC in November or December can give you pleasant life-lasting memories. The mighty Himalayas and the humble Sherpas await your arrival on the Everest Base Camp Trek.