Winter trek in the Everest region is a brave idea to enjoy trekking in the high altitude during the season with freezing temperatures. The winter season offers a quieter trekking experience in between the serene landscapes.
The special thing about the winter season is that you will get to see the snowfall and play with the snow. During this season, the lakes are frozen and landscapes are covered with snow. Moreover, the paths that you will walk on are also covered with snow.
Winter is neither a peak trekking season nor a good time to trek. The temperatures are extremely freezing. But, some adventure lovers dare to do Everest region trekking even in this season.
A three-pass trek is impossible in the winter season but you can dare to go to the other treks such as everest base camp trek, Gokyo Lakes Trek, and Everest Panorama Trek. These are the best winter treks in the Everest region.
But, while going for the Everest region trek in winter, you have to be very cautious. Proper preparations and strategic planning are a must. If it seems to be difficult for you, there are other easier options to enjoy the beautiful Himalayan peaks like Everest Helicopter tours.
So, if you are an adventure lover and nature enthusiast, the winter season may be the best season to enjoy the quieter trekking experience in freezing temperatures. Keep reading the blog till the end to discover more about Winter Treks in the everest region.
Advantages of Winter Treks in the Everest Region
Despite the off-season, the winter-season trek in the Everest region presents many unique opportunities and advantages. Some of the advantages are listed below.
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Less crowded trails and teahouses
The winter season is an off-season. Due to this, fewer tourists come for trekking to the Everest region. This gives you the experience of walking on the less crowded trails. Also, the teahouses will not be full during this season.
It will also allow you to enjoy peaceful trekking on the trails. This is the perfect opportunity to make a deeper connection with nature.
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Clear mountain vistas
The winter skies after rainfall provide clear and beautiful views of Mt. Everest. Also, you will get to see the jaw-dropping panoramas.
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Snowfall and frozen waterfalls
Only in the winter season, you will get to see the frozen lakes and snowfall. After the end of the winter, the snowfall stops. So, this is the best time to experience it.
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Affordable
As the winter season is the off-season, you will get the accommodations and services at lower prices.
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Photographic opportunities
This is the best time to do photography in the mountain regions. Due to the fewer crowds, you will have the freedom to click clear and clean pictures.
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Cultural interactions
The off-season gives you time to interact with locals, understand their culture and traditions, and take a look at their way of life.
Preparing for a Winter Trek
While preparing for the winter trek, you have to take care of many things like packing, altitude sickness prevention, clothing layering, weather forecasts, and so on. These are the factors that contribute to your safety and help in facing challenges during the winter treks in the Everest region.
1. Packing essentials for cold weather conditions
Packing essentials for the cold weather conditions is necessary. Including unnecessary items while packing increases the weight of the baggage and also occupies unnecessary space in it. So, plan all the items that are needed and appropriate for the winter season.
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Appropriate Clothing
Winter is the time when the temperatures go below 0 degrees Celsius. So, you have to pack clothes that are adaptive to the climatic changes. The layered clothes are best Climate-Adaptive. The layering clothes include Base Layers, Insulating Mid-Layers, and Outer Layer.
The base layer clothes are those moisture-wicking clothes that keep your body heat preserved. Don’t use the cotton base layer as it retains moisture resulting in rapid loss of body heat. Some of the best base-layered clothes include thermals and t-shirts. Also, look at clothes that are lightweight and breathable, quick-drying, and fit but not restrictive.
The next comes the mid-layers. The middle layers are added for insulating purposes. It acts as an insulator and provides warmth without putting much weight on the body. Some of the best examples of mid-layered clothes are Fleece or down jackets.
The outer layer consists of high-quality, waterproof, and windproof jackets. These are the best clothes that protect from the harsh weather conditions. Some of the other clothes include trekking trousers and shorts, insulated footwear, hats, gloves, synthetic socks, neck gaiter, and sleeping wear.
- Medications
Include a basic first aid kit in your backpack for emergencies. It is important for winter trekking in the Everest region. Add basic medications like Afrin (Nasal Decongestant), blister treatment, pain relievers, hydration and electrolyte supplements, and so on.
- Other gears and accessories
The other gear and accessories include trekking poles, Gaiters, Water Purification, headlamps and Extra Batteries, Toiletries, Personal Hygiene Items, Sun Protection, sunglasses with UV protection, lip balm, and so on. These are the important accessories that are most needed while trekking to the Everest region during the winter season.
2. Understanding the challenges of winter trekking in the Himalayas
Trekking in the Himalayas during the winter season comes with various challenges. The challenges include physical and mental challenges, limited facilities and infrastructure, landslides and rockfalls, and so on. So, you have to be ready for those challenges.
The first thing that you may face while trekking to the Everest region is unpredictable weather conditions. During the winter season, the Everest region temperatures go below -20°C. All the trails are covered with snow and ice. And the temperature fluctuations are higher during these times.
During trekking, you may face physical challenges while climbing the high altitudes and steep terrain. Also, you may encounter problems like sleeping difficulties, feeling restless, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and so on. So, acclimatize properly and be physically fit before going on the trekking journey in the Everest region in the winter season.
During the winter season, there is the risk of landslides and rockfall. This is caused by the heavy rainfall and snowmelt. So, also be prepared for that.
3. Acclimatization and physical fitness
Winter season trekking in the Everest region is a risky thing and trekkers are prone to altitude-related problems. So, in this type of situation, acclimatization and fitness is a must. You can’t ignore it.
So basically, acclimatization helps your body to adapt to the decreasing availability of oxygen at high altitudes. It also allows you to enjoy your journey and improves your overall trekking performance.
The acclimatization strategy follows one principle, “climb high, sleep low”. It includes climbing to higher altitudes and descents and sleeping at lower altitudes when time to rest. The other acclimatization strategies include ascending slowly, resting while climbing, hydration, and so on.
When going for a winter trek, physical fitness is also important and acclimatization is important for your health. Make a training plan that includes cardiovascular exercises and strength-increasing exercises. Also, practice hiking by carrying a backpack to familiarize yourself with the trek and trekking gear.
Also, consult with your health care professional before going for the trek in the Everest region. This is very important when trekking in higher altitudes during the winter season.
Popular Winter Trekking Routes in the Everest Region
There are various trekking routes in the Everest region. But not every route is suitable for winter trekking. So you have to be very careful when planning for your next adventure in the winter season. Some of the common winter season treks are the Everest Base Camp Trek, gokyo lakes trek, everest panorama trek (Everest View Trek), and so on.
Highlights of the Everest region trekking trails
- Khumbu glacier and Khumbu icefall
- Natural flora and fauna
- Sherpa villages like namche bazaar, Phakding, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Pheriche
- Warm sherpa hospitality, delicious meals, and cultural immersion
- Tengboche Monastery
- Mani Walls and Chortens
- Stunning views of the snowcapped landscapes
- Suspension bridges, waterfalls, and prayer flags
1. Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest base camp trek is a great trekking trail to go. It is challenging as well as rewarding and takes you to the base of Mt. Everest. You will get to see the stunning mountain views and lush green vegetation along with cultural immersion.
The base camp of the Everest trek itinerary starts from the flight to Lukla. The journey continues with trekking passing popular villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche. From Lobuche, you will trek to the final destination, Everest Base Camp.
From the Everest base camp, you will get to see the Khumbu Icefall and stunning snowcapped peaks of the Everest region. After that, you will return to Lukla following a similar path.
Challenges
Trekking in the winter season is different and unique than in the normal season. During the winter season, the trails are covered with snow. There is a high risk of avalanche and altitude sickness.
Moreover, the winter days are shorter than the other seasons and the temperatures can go below -19 degrees Celsius at night. The daytime temperatures range between 4 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Suggestions
- Carry gear like ice cleats, microspikes, and crampons.
- Hire a guide for a safe trek
- Carry headlights and extra batteries
- Check the weather forecast before starting your trek
- Start early in the morning
- Acclimatize properly
2. Gokyo Lakes Trek
Gokyo Lake trek is the other popular trekking route in the Everest region which leads to the beautiful lake Gokyo and the peak, Gokyo Ri. This trek is a beautiful way to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and unique cultural experiences.
The trek starts with the flight to Lukla town. And then, you will trek to popular destinations like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Dole, Machhermo, and Gokyo. The trek ends upon reaching the Gokyo Ri. From there you will get to see the beautiful surrounding peaks.
The highest altitude of this trek is less than the classic EBC trek. So, the gokyo lake trek becomes a great alternative to the Everest base camp trek during the winter season. During the journey, you will get to see the stunning views of peaks like Everest, Makalu, Gokyo Ri, Lhotse, and many more. Also, you will get an opportunity to explore the Gokyo Valley and its lakes.
Challenges and suggestions
Trekking to the Gokyo lakes can be challenging during the winter season. The winter season adds an extra layer to the challenges and difficulties of the regular season. So, acclimatization is necessary.
The temperature drops below -10 degrees Celsius. So prepare well, pack wisely, and acclimatize to prevent cold and altitude-related issues. Also, there is potential snowfall and ice on the trails. So, hire a guide for safe trekking.
3. Everest panorama trek
This trek is easier than the classic Everest base camp trek and is considered the best trek to go during the winter season. You can try this trek as it gives the best exploration of the region without doing a hard trek like the EBC trek.
The trek starts with a scenic flight to the lukla airport. Then you will trek to Tengboche passing the beautiful villages like Phakding, Namche bazaar, and Khumjung. From Tengboche, you will get a beautiful opportunity to witness stunning peaks like Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and other surrounding peaks.
The other viewpoint to witness these peaks is Hotel Everest View. you can also visit the famous Tengboche Monastery. This monastery holds cultural values. If you are lucky, you will get to see the cultural activities in the monastery.
Overall, this trek is easier. You don’t have to pro at climbing or any other tough activities. By just walking 300-400 per day, you can easily manage the overall trek challenges. The trail follows the same route as the EBC trek to Namche Bazaar so, the overall weather conditions are the same as Everest Base Camp Trek.
