The Everest Base Camp Trek is a bucket-list adventure for many, offering a perfect mix of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion. Trekking to the base of the world's highest peak in December provides a unique and magical experience. Though it is a cold month, the clear skies, snow-dusted landscapes, and quieter trails make it an attractive choice for those seeking a peaceful yet thrilling journey.

Why Trek Everest Base Camp in December?

December in the Everest region comes with crisp, clear days and stunning views of the Himalayas. While the temperatures can drop significantly, especially at higher elevations, the trek is still manageable with the right gear and preparation. The trails are less crowded, which means you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Khumbu region and enjoy a more personal connection with the mountains and local culture.

Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary for December

Here's a suggested 12-day itinerary for the Everest Base Camp Trek in December:

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel, and prepare for the trek. Explore the city and get any last-minute gear.

Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,860m) and trek to Phakding (2,610m)
An early morning flight to Lukla takes you to the gateway of the Everest region. Begin your trek to the village of Phakding.

Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Cross several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and trek through pine forests to reach the bustling town of Namche Bazaar.

Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar
Take a day to acclimatize, explore the local markets, and hike up to the Everest View Hotel for panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and other peaks.

Day 5: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m)
Pass through rhododendron forests and arrive at the famous Tengboche Monastery, surrounded by spectacular mountains.

Day 6: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m)
Continue upwards as the landscape changes to alpine meadows. Dingboche offers great views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam.

Day 7: Acclimatization Day at Dingboche
Take another rest day to adjust to the altitude. A short hike to Nagarjun Hill is highly recommended for acclimatization and more stunning views.

Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940m)
As you move closer to Everest Base Camp, the trail becomes rockier. The trek passes through memorials dedicated to climbers who lost their lives attempting to summit Everest.

Day 9: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and return to Gorak Shep (5,170m)
This is the highlight of the trek. Reach Everest Base Camp, take in the spectacular views, and soak in the achievement before returning to Gorak Shep for the night.

Day 10: Trek from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545m) and descend to Pheriche (4,371m)
An early morning hike to Kala Patthar gives you the best panoramic views of Everest and the surrounding peaks. Afterward, descend to Pheriche.

Day 11: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Retrace your steps as you head back down towards Namche Bazaar.

Day 12: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Your last day of trekking brings you back to Lukla, where you’ll celebrate your successful journey.

Day 13: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
Fly back to Kathmandu and enjoy a well-deserved rest or explore the city’s many cultural sites.

Hiring a Guide and Porter for Everest Base Camp in December

To enhance your experience and ensure safety during the Everest Base Camp Trek in December, hiring a guide and porter is highly recommended. The cold conditions, snow, and icy paths can make the trek more challenging, and a knowledgeable guide will help you navigate these conditions safely. A guide can also enrich your experience by sharing insights into local culture, history, and the mountains.

Porter services are equally valuable, as they will carry your heavy loads, allowing you to focus on enjoying the trek. This becomes especially important in December, as the need for extra layers and gear increases.

Guide and Porter Hiring Costs:

• Guide: The cost of hiring a licensed and experienced guide ranges between $30 to $35 per day. This includes their accommodation, meals, and insurance.
• Porter: Hiring a porter usually costs between $20 to $25 per day, and they can carry up to 25 kg of luggage.

Most trekking companies, including Himalayan Adventure Intl Treks, provide both guide and porter services, ensuring you have a hassle-free experience.

Cost Breakdown for Everest Base Camp Trek in December

Here’s a rough estimate of the cost for the Everest Base Camp Trek in December:

• Permits: $50 (Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit)
• Accommodation: $5 to $10 per night (teahouse lodging)
• Meals: $25 to $30 per day
• Flights (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu): Around $180 to $200 per person (one-way)
• Guide: $30 to $35 per day
• Porter: $20 to $25 per day
• Gear rental (if needed): $1 to $10 per item per day

The total cost can range between $1,200 to $1,500 depending on your preferences, such as accommodation, meals, and whether you opt for a guide and porter.

Tips for Trekking Everest Base Camp in December

Pack Proper Winter Gear: Ensure you have high-quality thermal clothing, gloves, and down jackets. The temperatures can drop to -20°C or lower at night.

Start Early: Daylight hours are shorter in December, so start your trekking days early to make the most of the light.

Acclimatize Properly: Don’t rush your trek. Take your time to acclimatize to the high altitude to avoid altitude sickness.

Hydration and Nutrition: Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet to keep your energy levels high.

Stay Flexible: The weather can change quickly, especially in winter. Be prepared for potential delays, especially with flights in and out of Lukla.

Why Choose Himalayan Adventure Intl Treks?

At Himalayan Adventure Intl Treks, we offer experienced local guides, reliable porter services, and tailored itineraries to make your Everest Base Camp Trek in December a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Our team prioritizes your safety, comfort, and enjoyment, ensuring that you can trek with confidence, even in the winter months.

Ready to experience the beauty of Everest Base Camp in December? Contact us to book your trek and make this winter one to remember!