The Ultimate Guide to Climbing Everest in Winter

Climbing Mount Everest in winter is always a challenge. You will not only face the low temperature, heavy snow and wild wind, but also the loneliness and fares of the great nature. It does not only call for courage to climb Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, in winter, but also needs good preparations. It is not sensible to start out the climbing trip with impulse. Mountaineers should know the basic weather conditions, the best route, necessary documents, diet, accommodation, packing list and some tips for the climbing in winter. Follow the instructions in this guidance, and you will be able to enjoy the majestic Mount Everest in winter.

Weather Condition in Winter

The winter of Mount Everest lasts from November to February. During these four months, the weather of this mountain is affected by the southward migration of the northern hemisphere jet stream to a great degree. This causes the heavy winds and low temperatures in Mount Everest. There is much snow during this season. This forbidden zone of life in winter has an average temperature of -45°C. The wind speed is also quite high.

These unfavorable weather conditions increase the difficulty to finish the climbing on Mount Everest. However, it does not scare people from climbing it in winter. Actually, the temperatures in the day are cozy and the sunny skies in winter can make mountaineers feel warm to some extent. To get through the freezing nights calls for good physical conditions and warm equipment.

Best Route for Climbing Everest in Winter

The routes to climb Mount Everest in winter are various. Here we would like to introduce two main good routes for you to choose. One is from Nepal and the other is from Tibet.

a) Mount Everest Climbing Expedition in Nepal

After you arrive in Kathmandu on the first day, you can begin to prepare for the climbing. After 1-2 days rest and preparations, you need to take a flight to reach Lukla and then you can start trekking to Namche Bazaar via Phakding. As for the altitude becoming higher and higher, you can acclimate the environment in Namche Bazaar on the 5th day. From Namche Bazaar to Dingboche, you can trek for almost 12 hours. Remember to have a good night rest in Tengboche before you trek to Dingboche. After the acclimatization day in Dingboche, continue your trekking trip again to reach Gorak Shep via Lobuche.

Mount Everest Climbing in Nepal

When the hard trekking comes to an end, you finally can pay a visit to Everest Base Camp. In the following days, you need to climb from EBC to the peak until you reach your destination. After that, you can go back to Lukla through the route of EBC – Pheriche - Namche Bazaar, and then you need to fly back to Kathmandu to complete your Mount Everest climbing trip.

b) Mount Everest Climbing Expedition via Northeast Ridge in Tibet

First, you need to get to Lhasa and stay in this city for two days, during which you can not only enjoy a classic Tibet tour in the holy city, but also adjust to the high altitude before you entering Mount Everest area. During the 2-day acclimation, you can visit some famous places in Lhasa, such as Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. Afterwards, you need to begin to prepare and brief for the climbing. From Lhasa to EBC, you need to pass Gyantse and then Shigatse, which calls for about 2 days.

It is necessary to have a rest at Everest Base Camp before climbing to the Advance Base Camp.

On the 6th day, you can have a good rest in EBC for the following climbing to Advance Base Camp and then the summit of Mount Everest. When you finally enjoy the best views in the peak, you can go back to Lhasa via EBC and Shigatse.

Both routes have their own advantages and disadvantages. You can finish your Mount Everest climbing dream from either side of it in winter. Our agency is glad to help you prepare for the climbing trip. If you have any need, please let us know. We are always at your service.

Required Travel Permits

If you decide to begin your mountain climbing trip from the north side of Mount Everest, you need to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit and Aliens' Travel Permit. As for going higher, the mountaineering permit is also required by the Chinese government for foreign tourists. The Chinese Visa is also a necessary permit for foreigners to visit Tibet and other provinces.

Starting from the Mount Everest climbing in Nepal calls for the Nepal Visa and the mountain permit issued by the Nepal government. As for getting to the South Base Camp, a trekking permit is also required in Nepal.

These documents are a bit troublesome if you apply by yourself. In addition, some documents can only be applied by travel agencies. It is not worth spending time going to different government departments to get these documents. Choose Chinatibettrain.com to help you and you will know the great feeling of getting twofold results with half the effort.

What to Eat and Where to Live during Mount Everest Winter Climbing

As winter is the low season for Mount Everest climbing in Tibet, tent hotels and restaurants will be closed. Thus, you only can live in the guesthouse of Rongbuk Monastery if you go to the camp of Mount Everest. The guesthouse there will offer you hot water and some basic food for you to have a good rest. The cost is lower than that of high seasons.

If you book our agency to arrange your climbing, there will no need for you to worry about the eating and living matters during this trip. We will surely take care of you in almost every aspect to ensure you have a wonderful climbing experience.

What to Pack for Climbing Everest in Winter

It is not a good idea to pack too much in your bag, for the heavy bag will destroy your Mount climbing experience. However, it is necessary to pack some climbing gear and personal living articles, such as down jackets, boots, gloves, sleeping bags, snow glasses, and etc. Check out your pack bag carefully before the climbing begins.

If you want to get an ideal packing list for climbing Everest in winter, you’d better depend on the suggestions of an experienced travel operator like us and obtain the gear they suggest as best.

Travel Tips

a) As for the temperatures in winter is quite low, you need to bring your warm and light clothes to prevent you from getting cold.
b) You’d better take some medicines to cope with the high altitude sickness. If necessary, you can also rent one oxygen cylinder.
c) To prevent from sunburn, we recommend you take your lip balm, sun cream and other necessary little things with you while climbing.
d) A pair of sun glasses plays an important role in avoiding the danger of snow blindness, which can prevent ultraviolet ray as well.