Everest Base Camp Trek in January

Altitude of Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek offers the great range of altitude. Kathmandu itself is located at an altitude of 1400m from Kathmandu you will take Lukla flight to reach Lukla at an altitude of 2800m. In doing so, you will gain altitude of 2800m in just about 30 minutes.
Everest Base Camp is located at an altitude of 5300m whereas, the best vantage point. Kalapatthar for views of Everest is located at 5644m.

Here are some details about the destinations and their elevations above sea level.

Everest Base Camp Weather in January

Weather in the mountains is so unpredictable. Thus, you need to be ready for each and every challenges that mountain puts forward. However, usually in winter season there is frequent snowfall with huge temperature differences between day and night. In winters, there is frequent snowfall, trekking poles is must for the completion of the trek.

Comparatively, days in January are warmer (8 – 12 °C) than the nights -5 to 12 degree Celsius). However, with good mattresses and sleeping bags, you will feel warm even in the extreme nighttime. If you can manage to adapt the night, then trekking in day time is not an issue for you.

Here are details about major destinations and their average temperature during your Everest Base Camp Trek.

Gearing Up for January

The comfortableness of Everest Base Camp Trek in January is determined by the means of gears. Thus, you should make sure you have each and everything needed for the trek.

Here is the list of items you must not forget while doing Everest Base Camp Trek in January.

• Windproof and waterproof down jackets to be safe from extreme cold.
• Inner T-shirts along with full-sleeve shirts.
• Wind and water insulating trousers that will keep you warm even if the temperature goes below freezing point.
• Toiletries and first-aid box in case of emergency.
• Lip balms, sunscreen creams, winter gloves and hats and a pair of woolen socks are important accessories needed during trek.
• Make sure you have comfortable and capacious backpack during the trek.
• Your trekking shoes must resist snow and water, so that your climbing will be comfortable even in extreme snowfall.

Advantage of trekking in January

Tough, January is off season; there are lots of benefits of trekking in January.
In January, you will get easy access to flight tickets, lodging and fooding.
In January, there is less possibility of flight delay and cancel.
The numbers of people trying to go to Everest Base Camp is few. Thus, you will be able to stop at wonderful site and take beautiful pictures of different landscapes.
Since, there won’t be many tourists, you can demand for discount in prices they charge for their services. However, this doesn’t mean that you can bargain for everything.

Safety Tips

January treks are comparatively difficult, so there are various things that you need to consider in order having an amazing Everest Base Camp Trekking.

Diet

Usually, our body burns more calories in cold environment. Thus, you must intake food rich carbohydrates and proteins. If you are able to keep your food intake high then you can get rid of cold as well as other altitude concerns.
While trekking in high altitude, your body must be kept hydrated. Water is the key to overcome the threat of altitude sickness. In addition, avoid alcoholic beverages as alcohol plays a significant role in making your body dry and dehydrated.

Connection

Make sure you are always in contact with your family/friends and let them know about your locations, throughout the trek. On the other hand, if you are trekking in group, always walk with them. They will prove to be great supports in an emergency condition.

Explore the Options

If the cold weather of January bothers you, you can try out other trekking options. There are variety of travel options for people who show desire to trek in Nepal. For example, instead of tedious Everest Base Camp, you can undertake Helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp. This way, you will save a lot of time of your well as you don’t have to go through extensive trek.

Other treks in Everest Region in January.

In Everest region, Everest Base Camp Trek is not a mandatory trek. There are lots of treks available in Everest Region, you can consider doing: Everest Panorama Trek.
This trek is great alternative for those who lack time for completion of Classic Everest Base Camp. This trek will last about 11 days and provides you almost each and every trekking experience as Classic Everest Base Camp Trek.
This trek will take you to famous trekking destinations: Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazzar and Tengboche as well. You will be accompanied by significant views of mountains such as Mt. Lhoste, Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Thamserku including Mt. Everest. Moreover, this trek gives you a glimpse into the culture and tradition of the locals.

Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek

If you are not short of time and have will enjoy the mysterious mountain for longer span of time, then Everest Base Camp Trek Gokyo Chola Passs Trek is perfect fit for you. This 19 days long trek will give you plenty of time to enjoy the culture and lifestyle of the locals in the Everest region.
With Everest Base Camp, you will trek two more wonderful locations: Gokyo Ri and Chola Pass on this trek. In addition, the impressive views of Khumbu glaciers and icefall are others things offered by this wonderful trek.

Conclusion

Trekking in January is not difficult as people generally describe it. Yes January trek is full of challenges but not impossible.
If you consider few adjustments during your January trek, then your trekking will be lot more easily as well as rewarding. Perhaps, you must spend some extra hours for acclimatization.

All in all, Everest Base Camp Trek is certainly possible in month of January. In fact, the trekking is better than any other seasons. Thus, we recommend trying our January Everest Base Camp Trek and Everest Gokyo Lake Trek.