via Cho La & Everest Base Camp side trek (6 days)
Everest Region, Nepal

View full itinerary: Gokyo Valley

Rating: |

Highlights: Gokyo, Gokyo Ri, Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar

Difficulty: strenuous

Take the scenic route to Everest Base Camp over the 5420 m (17,782 ft ) Cho La. The route over this glacial clad pass is tough but rewarding. Descending with spectacular views a Ama Dablam the route joins with the traditional trail following the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp. In addition to Everest Basecamp, you will climb to the dizzying height of 5643 m (18,513 ft) and view one of the most magnificent panoramas in the Himalayas atop Kala Patthar.

Weather Conditions in December

change start

December is probably the most underrated month to trek, one of the driest months of the year skies are often clear from sunrise to sunset. The trails and teahouses are less crowded than in November. At higher altitudes, temperatures drop as the winter season approaches so it is important to carry warm enough clothing and sleeping bags. When properly prepared December can be a great month to trek

At a glance
On average there are 1 day with precipitation in December. The highest point on the trek is Kala Patthar at 5643 m. During December, expect high temperatures of around -5.5°C (22°F) and lows down to -21.5°C (-7°F) at Kala Patthar.

via Cho La & Everest Base Camp Side trek
(Elevation Profile)

View Itinerary on Map

Itinerary (6 days)

Extra rest days and overnights can be added once the itinerary is created. However any side trips must be added in this step before the itinerary is created.

Tue Dec 5 (day 1)
Gokyo (4750 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about -0.1°C (32°F) and lows of about -16.1°C (3°F) in December. Overnight more info on Gokyo

Wed Dec 6 (day 2)
Gokyo Ri (5360 m) About 1-2 ascent from Gokyo Expect typical high termperatures of about -3.8°C (25°F) and lows of about -19.8°C (-4°F) in December. more info on Gokyo Ri
Dragnag (4800 m) About 2 hours from Gokyo Expect typical high termperatures of about -0.4°C (31°F) and lows of about -16.4°C (2°F) in December. Overnight more info on Dragnag

Thu Dec 7 (day 3)
Cho La Pass (5420 m) About 2-3 hours from Dragnag Expect typical high termperatures of about -4.1°C (25°F) and lows of about -20.1°C (-4°F) in December. The Cho La Pass connects the Everest Base Camp Valley with the Gokyo Valley. It is a glacier covered pass but for most of the year does not require crampons. However, if you are trekking in the winter months late December through early March you may want to bring (or rent some crampons). The east side of the pass is very steep and if there is packed snow and ice it may be very difficult to get your footing. more info on Cho La Pass
Dzongla (4800 m) About 2-3 hours from Cho La Expect typical high termperatures of about -0.4°C (31°F) and lows of about -16.4°C (2°F) in December. more info on Dzongla
Lobuche (4940 m) About 3-4 hours from Dzongla Expect typical high termperatures of about -1.2°C (30°F) and lows of about -17.2°C (1°F) in December. Overnight

Fri Dec 8 (day 4)
Gorak Shep (5164 m) About 2-3 hours from Lobuche Expect typical high termperatures of about -2.6°C (27°F) and lows of about -18.6°C (-1°F) in December. more info on Gorak Shep
Everest Base Camp (5380 m) About 3 hours from Gorak Shep Expect typical high termperatures of about -3.9°C (25°F) and lows of about -19.9°C (-4°F) in December. more info on Everest Base Camp
Gorak Shep (5164 m) About 3 hours from Everest Base Camp Expect typical high termperatures of about -2.6°C (27°F) and lows of about -18.6°C (-1°F) in December. Overnight more info on Gorak Shep

Sat Dec 9 (day 5)
Kala Patthar (5643 m) About 1-2 hours climb from Gorak Shep Expect typical high termperatures of about -5.5°C (22°F) and lows of about -21.5°C (-7°F) in December. more info on Kala Patthar
Lobuche (4940 m) About 2 hours from Gorak Shep Expect typical high termperatures of about -1.2°C (30°F) and lows of about -17.2°C (1°F) in December.
Phortse (3840 m) About 5-6 hours from Lobuche Expect typical high termperatures of about 5.4°C (42°F) and lows of about -10.6°C (13°F) in December. Overnight more info on Phortse

Sun Dec 10 (day 6)

via Cho La & Everest Base Camp side trek (6 days) Everest Region, Nepal

Highlights: Gokyo, Gokyo Ri, Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar

Weather Conditions in December

via Cho La & Everest Base Camp Side trek (Elevation Profile)

View Itinerary on Map

by Derek (United Kingdom) on Nov 20, 2018

via Cho La & Everest Base Camp side trek (6 days)
Everest Region, Nepal

via Cho La & Everest Base Camp Side trek
(Elevation Profile)