everest region in december

[Dan Skinner]

A friend and I are looking into the possibilities of doing a trek into the Everest region in the first two weeks in December. We are interested in trekking, not climbing. I am curious if the weather will be too much to make this feasible. We are both experienced with cold, but I am not at all interested putting myself at any risk from avalanche, stranding, etc. Thoughts?

[Daniel]

Dan,
I have been in the Everest Region twice and both in December. While getting quite cold up around Gokyo in early mornings (eg -5 C), it always gets warmer during the day. At around Namche Bazaar (3600m) it can be between 0-4 say at night and early morning, and going up to 10-12 during the day. The fact that it is the dry season makes it very good in terms of low humidity and excellent visibility, hence good views and pics.
Should you want to cross high passes (Cho la say) you would obviously rely on the advice from your guide, or the locals such as lodge owners etc.

We struck excellent sunny weather in both 96-97 and 1999-2000.
Polypropylene underwary, gore tex jacket, good pile jacket and a down jacket (from when you stop anwyere above 4000m) are probably a must. You can hire a down jacket in both KTD and Namche Bazaar or Lukla.

[Nancy]

I was up in the Everest Region in Dec 98, and while it was quite cold at the higher altitudes, it was fantastic weather. Just be careful that some of the lodges higher up in the mountains actually start closing down for the winter season when the cold and snowfall arrive, and their owners move down to Namche.