Best Time For Khumbu

[xanadu]

i would be interested in people's opinions on the relative pros/cons of trekking in the khumbu (khumjung/gokyo/ebc/chukung) during march v april v november v december in terms of number of trekkers, temperature, mountain views, and availability of lodging and anything else anyone thinks is pertinent

i have proper down gear for the cold to well below 0 degrees farenheit and i am willing to trade off cold temperatures for less crowded trekking but want to make sure the lodges will be open (e.g. gokyo) and that at least part of each day will be clear (i have trekked in the spring where the weather is clear in the morning but clouds over around noon and rain and snow don't bother me as long as the trails are still negotiable)

also, can anyone recommend a good companionable english-speaking porter/guide who has the appropriate gear, is familiar with the area, and can carry 10-15 kilos for me

thanks for your help

[Petrus]

Spring: Pro = nice warmesh weather, rhododendrons in full bloom, not so many trekkers (comp to early autumn), EBC full of expeditions. Con = the views not always perfect, cloudy afternoons.

Late Autumn: Pro = clear air and skies, almost no trekkers in December. Con = getting truly cold, not all lodges open, but enough.

[James]

I have found early/mid Nov to early/mid Dec to be a good time to trek in the khumbu. Comfortably warm sunny, cloud free days (a light fleece usually suffices while trekking in the sunshine) and cold nights with enough trekkers to keep the lodges interesting at night but no crowds on the trails. However, if you head out to see the sunrise from Kalapatar or if you take a walk at night to see the stars you will want a nice down jacket because it gets cold when the sun sets. The clear skies make for great photos.

Downsides, an empty Everest Base Camp and nothing in bloom.

[Oli]

I'm not sure if I prefer the pre or post monsoon season, there are pros and cons for each. In the spring the crowds have a higher ratio of climbing expeditions to trekkers. The months mentioned in the OP are all "in season" so there should the lodges should all be open. FWIW I'm planning my next trek to Gokyo in December.

It'll be great whenever you go :D