December is one of those months when the volume of trekkers on the Everest Base Camp trail starts decreasing, and the trails become quieter. Planning an Everest Base Camp Trek in December can be a great option if you seek peace and quiet while trekking. With the winter season making a comeback, the days get shorter and colder. The mountains are blanketed with fresh piles of snow and the entire landscape turns snowy in the upper reaches. If you can battle the cold, EBC can be a great place to celebrate a white Christmas and ring in the New Year.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp (EBC) in December offers breathtakingly clear, crisp skies and nearly empty trails, but brings extreme cold. Daytime temperatures range from 5°C to -5°C, dropping to -20°C (or lower) at the Base Camp.
Because December brings shorter daylight hours (about 9-10 hours), daily treks must start early to avoid hiking on icy trails in the dark. While tea houses remain open for most of the month, late December can see some higher-altitude lodging close or limit services for the winter.
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Trekking to Everest Base Camp in December 2026
Pros of Trekking Everest Base Camp in December
- Fewer people on the trail
- Easy to get accommodation
- Dry weather. No rainfall or humidity.
- Crystal clear view of mountains
- No need to go to Manthali Airport. Lukla flights operate from Kathmandu.
Cons of EBC Trek in Dec
- Extreme cold in the higher reaches
- Days get shorter
- Sometimes, trails get snowbound due to heavy snowfall
- Risk of avalanches
- Teahouses start closing down for the off-season
Is December a good time to Trek in Everest Base Camp?
Yes, December is a great time to trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) if you are prepared for extreme cold and want to avoid crowds. The post-monsoon weather offers exceptionally clear skies, low precipitation, and stunning mountain visibility. However, the off-season winter conditions mean bitter temperatures and potential snow on higher trails.
- Weather & Temperatures: Daytime temperatures at Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) hover around 7°C, but drop to -6°C at night. As you ascend towards Gorak Shep (5,164 m) and EBC, nighttime temperatures routinely drop below -15°C to -20°C.
- Crowds & Accommodation: December is the start of the winter off-season. Trails and teahouses (lodges) are highly peaceful, allowing for a solitary trekking experience. It is much easier to secure your preferred room, though some higher-elevation teahouses may close for the winter by late December.
- Preparation & Safety: Proper cold-weather gear (including a high-quality down jacket and insulated, sub-zero sleeping bag) is non-negotiable. Trekkers should also be prepared for potential flight delays at Lukla Airport due to winter winds or fog.
Lukla Flight during December
One of the advantages of trekking to Everest Base Camp in December is that flights to Lukla operate from Kathmandu, saving you the hassle of getting to Manthali Airport. The off-season starts in December, so congestion at the airport eases, enabling airlines to operate flights to Lukla from the domestic airport in Kathmandu. Because of low precipitation, instances of flights getting canceled due to bad weather also become less frequent.
Weather conditions of the EBC route during December
December on the EBC trek is cold but dry and offers clear, stunning views of the mountains. Daytime temperatures are manageable, averaging around 5 degrees Celsius to 10∘C at lower elevations, but nighttime temperatures are frigid, dropping to −15 degrees Celsius or colder at higher altitudes, requiring proper winter gear. While rainfall is minimal, there is a high chance of snow, especially at higher elevations and later in the month, which can make trails slippery and icy.
The weather remains generally dry, with abundant sunshine in the daytime. However, as soon as the sun sets, the temperature plummets and it gets chilly pretty soon. Especially in higher elevations, the temperature drops below freezing point at night.
In Lukla, the maximum average temperature remains at 12°C, while in Namche, it hovers a little below at 9°C. As you go higher, the mercury takes a nosedive, with Lobuche and Gorak Shep recording maximum temperatures as low as one and zero degrees—the minimum average temperature in Lukla hovers at 0°C and in Namche at -4°C. At Lobuche and Gorak Shep, one can expect the mercury to dip as low as -16°C.
Temperatures and weather of EBC Trek during Day and Night
- Daytime: Expect sunny and clear skies during the day, with temperatures ranging from around 5°C to 10°C at lower elevations, but turning much colder, even below freezing, at higher altitudes.
- Nighttime: Temperatures drop sharply, especially at higher elevations, with lows that can reach between -15°C and -25°C.
- Precipitation: December is generally very dry with minimal rainfall, though snowfall is common, particularly in higher regions and as the month progresses.
- Winds: Brisk winds are typical, especially during mornings and evenings, adding to the overall chill.
What to pack for your EBC trek in December?
Since it's going to be pretty cold, you need to pack a lot of warm clothes and inner layers. Carry a sleeping bag that will keep you warm and toasty on freezing nights. Here's a tentative list of what you should carry during your trek.
- A large duffel bag or rucksack
- A light daypack
- Hiking boots with good grip
- Inner layers to provide insulation
- Buff or woolen scarf
- Beanie or fur-lined winter cap
- Winter gloves
- Down jacket
- 4-season sleeping bag
- Woolen socks
- Down booties
- Trekking pants and T-shirts
- Flip flop to wear in the bathroom while showering
- Toiletries - moisturizing cream, sunscreen lotion, lip balm, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, wet wipes, tissue, toilet paper roll, hand sanitizer, etc.
- Gadgets and accessories – sunglasses, head torch, batteries, power bank, etc.
- Trekking poles
- Gaiters and microspikes
- Local currency to last you for the entire trip
- Medicines(Diamox, paracetamol, painkiller, anti-diarrhea pills, antibiotic, throat lozenges, band aid strips, etc)
- Snacks
Check out the details for the equipment packing list for treking in Nepal for December, here.
Safety for Everest Trek during December
If you are planning an Everest Base Camp Trek in December, then you should be prepared for extreme cold. There is a danger of snowfall and avalanches and the trails getting blocked. To battle the cold weather, you should pack warm clothes that will keep your body properly insulated. Since teahouses and lodges along the trail don't have central heating, you will be sleeping in rooms as cold as ice. Layer your sleeping bag with the blankets provided by the teahouse to keep yourself warm.
Altitude sickness is always a concern during a high-altitude trek like an Everest Base Camp trek. You should take utmost care to keep the symptoms at bay by drinking water and fluids regularly. Dehydration invites AMS. Therefore, you should keep yourself hydrated. Drinking ginger tea and taking Sherpa garlic soup helps a lot. Try to have enough sleep and abstain from drinking alcohol and smoking.
December is a cold month, and the temperatures dip below freezing point in the higher reaches. You may have to walk on snow and ice to reach your destination. Sometimes, the trail gets snowbound, and you may have to turn back. Keep yourself mentally prepared and respect the forces of nature. Do not try to persist and go ahead in inclement weather or when you are feeling unwell. You should be sensible enough to know when to give up. The mountains can be a death zone if you don't take the necessary precautions.
Travel Insurance
Having travel insurance that covers rescue and evacuation above 5000 meters is a must for this trek. Please read the coverage plan of the insurance before buying it. Most travel insurance does not cover high-altitude rescue and evacuation. Therefore, you should check the fine print properly before buying your insurance.
Alternate Routes
You can skip the Lukla flight and take the classic route to Everest Base Camp via Salleri or Jiri. The route from Jiri was used by early Mount Everest expedition groups. Though this will add a couple of days to your itinerary, the experience of walking through the lush lower hills of Solu Khumbu is rewarding enough. As Solu has a mixed population of Rai, Sherpa, Chettri, and Tamang communities, you will get to experience a diverse culture. You can also fly into Phaplu and head to EBC via Nunthala, Bupsa, and Cheplung.
You can also try exploring some of the rarely explored Sherpa villages in the region, like Phortse, Thame, Thamo, Pangboche, and Kongde. The villages of Thame and Thamo are home to several Everest Sherpa legends like Ang Rita Sherpa, Apa Sherpa, and Kami Rita Sherpa, whose daring feats have been recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records. The hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp from Pangboche also serves as a great detour.
There are helicopter tours available that allow you to fly over EBC and Kala Patthar. Heli treks offer you the option of flying into Namche from Kathmandu and starting your trek from there. You can also book a heli return flight from Gorak Shep after trekking to Everest Base Camp. This way, you can break the monotony of the return trek.
December Festivals 2026
Udhauli Parva – Udhauli Parva is a festival observed by the Kirat community in the eastern foothills of Nepal to mark the winter migration of birds, animals, and humans to the warmer valleys and plains. This community festival involves congregating in open fields and meadows to worship Mother Nature and their ancestors. Participants perform the 'sakela,' a dance where they form a circle, sing, and dance together, carrying leaves and branches.
Tamu Losar – Tamu Losar is the New Year festival celebrated by the Gurung ethnic community residing in the Annapurna hills of Nepal. This festival is a time for families and friends to gather, share a grand feast, and enjoy singing and dancing in vibrant traditional attire. In villages, women perform traditional dances such as 'Ghatu' and 'Kaura,' showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Gurung people. Tamu Losar, the New Year festival of the Gurung community in Nepal, is celebrated annually on December 30th.
Christmas - Christmas is celebrated on December 25 in Nepal, as it is globally. Though Nepal's population is predominantly Hindu, a small Christian community celebrates Christmas, especially in urban centers like Kathmandu and Pokhara. In the tourist hubs of Thamel (Kathmandu) and Lakeside (Pokhara), streets are adorned with colorful lights and Christmas trees, adding a festive atmosphere. In Thamel, street performances and live music events create a lively ambiance, while clubs and restaurants host Christmas-themed parties, drawing both locals and tourists to join in the celebrations.
Conclusion
December can be a great month to take to the Everest trails, provided you can withstand the cold and are dressed appropriately for the weather. The early part of the month is quite pleasant and not extremely cold. The days remain sunny while the mercury dips below zero as night falls. It gets pretty cold as the month progresses and the volume of trekkers falls drastically by the end of the month. If you are a solitary soul and enjoy walking on secluded trails, December could be the best month for you. What could be more memorable than walking on empty trails and celebrating a white Christmas at Everest Base Camp in 2026?
If you want to make your Everest Base Camp trek a once-in-a-lifetime experience, December could be the month to hit the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Everest Base Camp Trek in December
Is December a good time to trek to Everest Base Camp?
Yes, December is one of the best months to trek to Everest Base Camp if you prefer peaceful trails, clear mountain views, and don't mind cold weather. The post-monsoon haze has disappeared, leaving crisp skies and excellent visibility of peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse. Since December marks the beginning of the winter season, the trail is much quieter than October and November, making it ideal for trekkers seeking a more peaceful Himalayan experience.
However, December also brings freezing temperatures, especially above Dingboche, where nights often fall well below 0°C. Good physical fitness, proper winter clothing, and a flexible itinerary are essential. If you're prepared for the cold, December offers one of the most rewarding Everest Base Camp trekking experiences with stunning scenery and fewer crowds.
What is the weather like on the Everest Base Camp Trek in December?
December brings dry weather, stable conditions, and some of the clearest mountain views of the year. Days are generally sunny and comfortable for trekking, while mornings and nights become increasingly cold as you gain altitude.
Average daytime temperatures range from around 10–12°C in Lukla to around 0–3°C near Gorak Shep. Nighttime temperatures can drop to between -10°C and -16°C at higher elevations, with even colder conditions during cold waves. Snowfall is possible, particularly in the second half of the month, although heavy snow that blocks the trail is relatively uncommon in early December.
Overall, December offers excellent trekking conditions for well-prepared hikers who are comfortable with winter temperatures.
How cold does it get during the Everest Base Camp Trek in December?
Cold weather is the biggest challenge of trekking to Everest Base Camp in December. While daytime hiking is usually pleasant under sunny skies, temperatures drop sharply after sunset.
Typical nighttime temperatures are around:
- Lukla: 0°C to 2°C
- Namche Bazaar: -4°C to -6°C
- Dingboche: -8°C to -12°C
- Lobuche and Gorak Shep: -12°C to -16°C or lower
Inside teahouses, bedrooms are generally unheated, so a high-quality four-season sleeping bag rated to at least -20°C is highly recommended. Dressing in layers, staying hydrated, and carrying insulated clothing will help you stay warm and comfortable throughout the trek.
What should I pack for the Everest Base Camp Trek in December?
Packing properly is essential for a successful December trek. Your clothing should focus on warmth, layering, and protection from cold winds.
Key essentials include thermal base layers, an insulated down jacket, a waterproof outer shell, warm trekking pants, insulated gloves, a wool or fleece hat, neck gaiter, warm hiking socks, and waterproof trekking boots. A four-season sleeping bag rated to around -20°C is one of the most important items because teahouse rooms are not heated.
You should also carry sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, trekking poles, a reusable water bottle, headlamp, power bank, and personal medications. Packing smart helps you stay comfortable without carrying unnecessary weight.
You can learn more about a comprehensive packing checklist in our detailed blog: Packing Checklist for Everest Base Camp Trek.
Are Lukla flights reliable in December?
Yes. December is generally one of the more reliable months for flights to Lukla because the weather is usually dry with good visibility. Compared with the monsoon season, weather-related delays are less common.
During December, most Lukla flights operate directly between Kathmandu and Lukla, avoiding the seasonal diversion through Manthali Airport that often occurs during the busy spring and autumn trekking seasons. Even so, mountain weather can change quickly, and delays or cancellations are always possible.
It's wise to include one or two extra buffer days in your itinerary in case flights are affected by weather.
Is the Everest Base Camp Trek safe in December?
Yes, the Everest Base Camp Trek is generally safe in December for trekkers who are properly prepared. Stable weather and quieter trails make it an enjoyable time to visit, but winter conditions require extra caution.
Safety should always be the main concern for any trek in Nepal, including the Everest Base Camp Trek. You can learn here about safety and Acclimatization during the EBC trek.
The main risks include freezing temperatures, icy trails, altitude sickness, and occasional snowfall at higher elevations. Following a gradual itinerary with proper acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche significantly reduces the risk of altitude sickness. Wearing appropriate winter gear and trekking with an experienced guide further improves safety.
Always monitor your health, stay hydrated, and be willing to descend if symptoms of altitude sickness become severe. With sensible planning and preparation, December remains a safe and rewarding time to reach Everest Base Camp.
Are teahouses open on the Everest Base Camp Trek in December?
Yes. Most teahouses along the Everest Base Camp route remain open throughout December, especially in popular villages such as Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep.
Explore on accomodation iin Everest Base Camp trek in our tailored blog.
Since December is outside the peak trekking season, you'll usually have more accommodation choices and won't need to book teahouses far in advance. However, some smaller lodges may close later in the month if visitor numbers are low.
Facilities are generally the same as during other seasons, although menus may be slightly smaller, and rooms remain unheated. Booking through a local trekking company or guide helps ensure accommodation is available throughout your journey.
Can beginners trek to Everest Base Camp in December?
Yes, beginners can complete the Everest Base Camp Trek in December, provided they have good physical fitness, prepare thoroughly, and follow a well-planned itinerary. Previous high-altitude trekking experience is helpful but not essential.
You can explore EBC and Beginner Trekker in our detailed blog.
The biggest challenges are the cold temperatures and high altitude rather than technical climbing. Taking enough acclimatization days, maintaining a slow walking pace, eating well, and staying hydrated are the keys to a successful trek.
Many first-time trekkers reach Everest Base Camp in December each year with the support of experienced guides and proper preparation. If you're looking for fewer crowds and spectacular winter mountain scenery, December can be an excellent time for your first Everest Base Camp adventure.
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