December along the trail
| Place | Elevation | Avg high | Avg low |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lukla | 2,860 m | +9 °C | 0 °C |
| Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m | +7 °C | −2 °C |
| Dingboche | 4,410 m | 0 °C | −9 °C |
| Gorak Shep | 5,164 m | −5 °C | −14 °C |
Modelled 10-year averages (ERA5 / ERA5-Land via Open-Meteo), checked against the Pyramid research station in the Khumbu, 2016-2025 (within about 1–2 °C of the station's measurements). Temperatures only: the model's rainfall is too coarse to trust in rain-shadow valleys such as Manang, so we leave it out. Mountain valleys and ridges vary more than these grid-model averages show.
The trade-off
December is cold, clear and quiet. You’ll share the trail with far fewer people than in October, and the skies are usually dry. The price is the cold: nights at Gorak Shep are among the coldest of the trekking year.
Who it suits
Experienced, well-equipped trekkers who prefer quiet trails and don’t mind cold mornings. Bring a sleeping bag rated to about −20 °C and serious down layers.
What to watch
- Some higher lodges may close for the winter. Ask us
- Short days: start early and finish before the afternoon cold sets in.
- Snow is possible, which can slow you down or delay flights.
