Khumbu trek in Dec-Jan

[Pesty]

I am considering a trek out to Gokyo-KalaPatar-Chukung in December. I have done itbefore in March , all together about 21 days It was cold then and quite a bit of snow, certainly could not go beyond Gokyo eg Nameless Fangs etc.

I am wonderig if anyone has direct experience of the Khumbu in Dec early Jan. If I start around the 20 -25 Dec I can do Gokyp or Lobuche. But is it too cold then? Will there be lots of snow? Is it practical to trek into early Jan so I could do Chukung as well.

Would like to hear of any experiences.

Stephen

[Unregistered]

We have done last December-January, starting 29 December and arriving to Kala Patar on January 5, 2005, with no snow at all. It was cold, but not extremely cold. All you need is a very good sleeping bag. No prblem with lodges. We met few people and the views were very good. You can do it and enjoy the Khumbu solitude.
Luis

[yakshaver]

I have been twice trekking in Khumbu in late December. Appart from the bitter cold, -20 at Gokyo during the night, for example, it was awesome. The best visibility ever. Still, you need very warm clothing and sleeping bag. Chose the lodges who heat their lounge well. It makes a great difference. If it's cold in the lounge, go eslewhere.

[Pesty]

I can imagine there will be variation in temp. Minus 20 is certainly a challenge for an Aussie from Perth more use to high 30s!!!
I might have to upgrade my sleeping bag. (and use a liner)

Still it looks like it might be a goer.

Thanks for your input.

Stephen

[yakshaver]

It's minus 20 at Gokyo, or EBC for that matter, during the night and early morning. It gets warmer during the day. And it is certainly warmer at lower altitudes. But you need to be prepared for cold, as most of your trek will be above Namche (3500m). You also need a UV lens on your camera, if you want good photos. Else the strenght of the light will make your pics overexposed. The views, as I said, will be the best you can ever get.
Good idea to have a very warm sleeping bag, and a down jacket will not go astray. Good sunnies, and a sun hat would aslo be a must. You'll often have the sun hat on top of your beanie, once you are up around 4000m.

[Unregistered]

It's minus 20 at Gokyo, or EBC for that matter, during the night and early morning. It gets warmer during the day. And it is certainly warmer at lower altitudes. But you need to be prepared for cold, as most of your trek will be above Namche (3500m). You also need a UV lens on your camera, if you want good photos. Else the strenght of the light will make your pics overexposed. The views, as I said, will be the best you can ever get.
Good idea to have a very warm sleeping bag, and a down jacket will not go astray. Good sunnies, and a sun hat would aslo be a must. You'll often have the sun hat on top of your beanie, once you are up around 4000m.


Thank you for the consideration Pa Pa / grand pooba.