Need Advice-Everest Base Camp Trek in December

[hellfire88]

Hi guys, I am planning to attempt Everest Base Camp Trek in December (starting from Lulka). I know that Oct-Nov would be a much better time to do the trek but there is still school for me during this period, the earliest time I can go is at the start of december. I know this is not the best time to do the trek and was wondering if there are any others who have done this trek during this period of time, how it is like?

What are the essential items that I would need to bring? Will the weather conditions be possible for trekking to EBC?

What would be the best trekking route (in terms of taking scenic photographs)? I am planning in at least 16 days of trekking and ample days for acclimatization so having not enough time to complete the trek will not be an issue.

Thanks!

 

[ziploc]

Yes my friends who are teachers had done this during December last year. It is better if you pre-arrange with your local Nepal trek operator, as some teahouses will be closed. It is also better to do it in the early December due to the same reason, and also that the weather will not be as cold.

Essential items would of course be your winter clothing. Expect -20 deg C or lower at night at the higher altitude. A UV protected sun glasses is a must, as you'll get snow blindness otherwise. There will most likely be snow on the ground at higher altitude, so a pair of gortex hard trekking boots are highly recommended.

The route to EBC is quite standard (Lukla - Namche Baazar - TengBoche - Dingboche - Loboche - Gorak Shep - EBC), and you can either search for them on the web or discuss with your trek operator. 16 days are actually just barely sufficient due to the many acclimatization days you need to insert in between while ascending. Standard treks including flight time is 18 days without any "extra" added. Remember that you'll need to spend 2 nights in Kathmandu, 2 days Singapore to/from Kathmandu, 2 days Kathmandu to/from Lukla.

Let me know if you want a full gear list.

 

[ziploc]

Btw, if you have more time, you can consider crossing Chola pass and trek to Gokyo, after completing Everest BC. Chola and Gokyo offers magnificient sceneries and you can view Everest from a different angle at the top of Gokyo Ri.

Here is a sample Lukla-EBC-Gokyo itinerary I searched for you for your reference.

 

[hellfire88]

hi ziploc thanks for the advice!!! ok I will plan for at least 3 weeks in Nepal so I can do some sightseeing in Kathmandu.

some questions, any good nepal trek operator to recommend and the estimated cost? I'm planning to keep the budget as low as possible without compromising personal safety. I will be going alone if I cant find any friends to accompany me. This will be my first time trekking but I completed 3 full marathons before so physical fitness wise I should be ok I guess.

SAF gortex boots can? would appreciate if you can pass me the full gear list.

Appreciate your help. Thanks!

 

[ziploc]

I have not trekked in SAF gortex boots before but have friends who did, so I guess it's ok, but would recommend proper trekking boots if you have them (they are about $150+ to 200+ from local outdoor stores).

I'll post the full packing list here for the benefits of others.

Cheers.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

1. Personal Clothing
(*) Hiking pants, shorts, polyester T-shirts
(-) Sweater
(*) Underwear (can be disposable type)
(*) Thermal undergarment (mid weight, 2 sets, NON-COTTON e.g. polyester)
(-) Liner socks (2 sets)
(*) Trekking socks (2 sets)
(*R) Down jacket (light, compressible, with hood)

2. Outerwear (while trekking)
(*B) Top and bottom shell (with hood, windproof and waterproof, breathable)
(*) Mid weight fleece (top, bottom is optional)
(*B) Gloves, shell & fleece (waterproof breathable, can take rough handling)
(*B) Sun hat or cap
(-B) Balaclava or ski hat

3. Footwear
(*) Trekking boots (waterproof)
(-B) Gaiters (waterproof)

4. Climbing Gears
(*B) Trekking poles
(*) Sun glasses or ski goggles (100% UV protection)

5. Toiletries
(-) Toothbrush and toothpaste
(-) Shaving kit (for men)
(*) Sun block (SPF50 or above), skin lotion, lip protection
(*) Toilet paper
(-) Soap & shampoo (biodegradable)
(*) Face towel (quick dry) or wet wipes
(-) Powder
(-) Comb or brush
(-) Sewing / repair kit (needle & thread, buttons, safety pins)
(-) Manicure articles

6. Personal Items
(*) Passport, airline tickets, travel documents
(*) Duffle bag, or haversack (>70 litre, waterproof cover, small lock)
(*) Day pack (~30 litre, waterproof cover)
(*) Water bottles (two x 1 litre, hydration pack highly recommended)
(*) Headlamp or torchlight (with spare batteries and bulb)
(-) Swiss knife
(*RB) Sleeping bag (all season, rating -10°c, overbag optional)
(*) Air mattress (therma-rest) or foam mattress (provided by trek operator)
(*) Trash bags and ziploc bags (a few, various sizes, for waterproofing)
(*) Personal first aid kit:

Deep heat, aspirin / Panadol, cold medicine (non drowsy), diarrhea
medicine (Lomotil, Flagyll for Giardiasis), insect repellent, antiseptic
cream, Diamox (acetazolamide), mole skin/blister kit, water purification
tablets, antibiotic, gastritis (Mylanta), plasters​

(*) Travel insurance policy
(*) Local currencies (can change with S$ at Kathmandu)

7. Misc. Optional Items
(*) Mess tin, fork and spoon, plastic mug (provided by operator)
(-) Camera (films, memory card, spare camera batteries)
(-) Health document and passport size photographs
(-) Notepad & pen
(-) Reading material
(-) Matches or lighter, light stick
(-) Spare eyeglasses
(-) Travel pillow
(-) Disposable raincoat
(-) Nose shield
(-) Thermal flask
(-) Wide necked bottle
(-) Whistle
(-) Candles
(-) Hand warmer
(-) Water purifying kit
(-) Multi-vitamin supplements
(-) GPS, map and compass
(-) Altimeter and thermometer
(-) Energy foods/snacks: Raisin, meat floss, muesli, coffee/milo 3-in-1

* Essential items
- Optional items
R Rental available
B Can be bought in Kathmandu

 

[ziploc]

As for trek operator, you can write to Assim Tamang. He was our guide for a few of our Nepal high altitude treks before. Not sure if he is still doing it, if not you can ask him to recommend you an operator.

assim tamang <tamangassim@hotmail.com>

 

[pentlynk]

As for trek operator, you can write to Assim Tamang. He was our guide for a few of our Nepal high altitude treks before. Not sure if he is still doing it, if not you can ask him to recommend you an operator.

assim tamang <tamangassim@hotmail.com>

Thanks ziploc.Went beyond call of duty on this one. Just wished I was less kuniang now. Good luck to TS

 

[bruggink]

I had previously arranged my Nepal-Tibet trip with a travel operator called Eco Adventures. They do specialize in hiking/trekking trips to various exotic countries. May be you can pop by to check out what kindda services can they offer you. Hope this helps and enjoy your trip!

 

[hellfire88]

As for trek operator, you can write to Assim Tamang. He was our guide for a few of our Nepal high altitude treks before. Not sure if he is still doing it, if not you can ask him to recommend you an operator.

assim tamang <tamangassim@hotmail.com>

thanks for the info! especially the full trekking list!!! appreciate the help a lot!!!

@bruggink i will check ecoadventures out also. thanks!

 

[ziploc]

Please also note that you need to bring 4 passport size color photos, 2 for applying visa at the custom after reaching Kathmandu (or you can do it in Singapore at the consulate), and 2 for applying the trekking permit.

 

[hellfire88]

Please also note that you need to bring 4 passport size color photos, 2 for applying visa at the custom after reaching Kathmandu (or you can do it in Singapore at the consulate), and 2 for applying the trekking permit.

thanks once again. all these are valuable information! would be a pain in the ass if i reach there without bringing the photos.

 

[limwhow]

Wah... very good information.
Thank you, ziploc!

 

[ziploc]

thanks once again. all these are valuable information! would be a pain in the ass if i reach there without bringing the photos.

Wah... very good information.
Thank you, ziploc!

You're most welcome.

Now some pics to whet your appitite. ;p

Gorak Shep - the last tea house before EBC

Chola Pass 1

Chola Pass 2

 

[ziploc]

Two more:

Gokyo 1

Gokyo 2

 

[hellfire88]

ziploc thanks a lot man, your info has help me a lot. btw i managed to get in touch with assim. should i just arrange just guide and porter from him or go for the full board package? will it be easy to arrange food and lodging doing the trek and getting the air ticket KTM/Lukla/KTM? most importantly will it be much cheaper to DIY?

 

[ziploc]

ziploc thanks a lot man, your info has help me a lot. btw i managed to get in touch with assim. should i just arrange just guide and porter from him or go for the full board package? will it be easy to arrange food and lodging doing the trek and getting the air ticket KTM/Lukla/KTM? most importantly will it be much cheaper to DIY?

It's actually not worth the efforts to DIY (especially in Dec when some tea houses might be closed) and I would strongly recommend you to take the full package and have him arrange the food, lodging (both during the trek and in Kathmandu) and air ticket to/from Lukla. Further more they have discount from the hotels and tea houses as a trek operator, and his price is quite reasonable. Btw, Assim is a very good guide with lots of high altitude experience. Depending on his schedule, it would be fortunate if he can go with you. If not, he will assign someone to take care of you and that's ok as well as you're just doing a tea house trek.

 

[askaboutlife]

I DIY'ed my tea-house trek from Bhandar to EBC and Gokyo in March/April this year, 22 days, no porter and no guide.
My total expense (lodging, food, water, bus transport from Kathmandu to Bhandar, air ticket from Lukla to Kathmandu and some shopping) about SGD 1200.

FYI, a porter-guide (who speaks English and knows a little bit about the geography/history of the places) will cost probably about USD 15 per day.

It's actually not worth the efforts to DIY (especially in Dec when some tea houses might be closed) and I would strongly recommend you to take the full package and have him arrange the food, lodging (both during the trek and in Kathmandu) and air ticket to/from Lukla. Further more they have discount from the hotels and tea houses as a trek operator, and his price is quite reasonable. Btw, Assim is a very good guide with lots of high altitude experience. Depending on his schedule, it would be fortunate if he can go with you. If not, he will assign someone to take care of you and that's ok as well as you're just doing a tea house trek.

 

[kitkat2]

It's actually not worth the efforts to DIY (especially in Dec when some tea houses might be closed) and I would strongly recommend you to take the full package and have him arrange the food, lodging (both during the trek and in Kathmandu) and air ticket to/from Lukla. Further more they have discount from the hotels and tea houses as a trek operator, and his price is quite reasonable. Btw, Assim is a very good guide with lots of high altitude experience. Depending on his schedule, it would be fortunate if he can go with you. If not, he will assign someone to take care of you and that's ok as well as you're just doing a tea house trek.

went to khumbu in dec 2007. sky was clear and weather was warmer than usual thanks to global warming. most teahouses will remain open in december. in fact, many places will be full during the christmas to new year week due to large number of trekkers from europe and japan, so plan accordingly.

kit

 

[hellfire88]

hi all appreciate the advice that was shared over here which made my trip an enjoyable and fruitful one. i know i dont really much stuff most of the time in the forums but if anyone has any questions on travelling to nepal i will be glad to contribute in any way that i can. my reply might take a while but i will reply to the best of my knowledge.

some photos that during this trip is shared over here: http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/land-city-scapes-travel/1029190-alone-nepal-17-days.html

 

[Dfive]

Nepal is an awesome place, once you go you will go back !!
( me = 5 x Extended trips all exceeding 28 days ( longest trip was 55 days !! ) )