Mount Everest in winter is NOT a bitterly cold place that nobody wants to visit. In fact, it is a popular tourist destination that is open all year round in Tibet. Visiting the Everest Base Camp in Tibet during winter months is not as hazardous as you think and it actually brings you unexpected perks beyond your imagination.

Let’s explore what an unexpected winter tour to Mount Everest in Tibet has waiting for you!

#1: Enjoy the Warmth of a Winter Day with Sunshine around 4°C

The weather of Everest Base Camp in winter is not that unbearable. The average highest temperature at Everest Base Camp in Tibet is around 4°C while the average lowest temperature can go down to - 20°C at night. In the daytime, it is even warmer than in some other northern cities of China, like Beijing and Harbin.

Due to the high altitude and strong sunshine, Mount Everest is not too cold in winter after the sun rises. It is a truly pleasant experience to enjoy the stunning views of Mount Everest under the sunshine. However, it is necessary to pay attention to the strong winds in winter, especially in the mountain passes, so it’s important to dress warmly.

The weather of Everest Base Camp in winter is not too cold in winter after the sun rises.

#2: Appreciate More Majestic Views of Mount Everest in Winter

Difference from the sporadic interference of dense clouds hovering at the summit of Everest in summer, the visibility of Mount Everest in winter is far superior to other seasons. Due to the unique weather conditions, Mount Everest in winter presents itself in an unparalleled beautiful way. With less rainfall, winter is one of the best season to visit Mount Everest with clear views of the majestic mountain.

In winter, you'll have more chances to witness the flag clouds over the summit of Mount Everest.

On a sunny winter day, you will be more likely to appreciate the milk-white fleeting clouds that are shaped as banners over the peak of Mount Everest. This kind of cloud is called the banner cloud (or flag cloud) of Mt.Everest and has gained the title of ‘the highest wind indicator in the world’. Therefore, it can be a supreme pleasure to enjoy sunbathing at the foot of Mount Everest while appreciating the gorgeous view of banner clouds at the summit.

Appreicate the panoramic view of Mount Everest and the Himalayas at Gawula Pass.

Moreover, at the Gauwula Pass (5,210 meters) on the way to Everest Base Camp in Tibet, you can appreciate the incredible sights of Mount Everest as well as other rolling mountain peaks along the Himalayas on a clear sunny day in winter.

#3: Unlock the Lowest Travel Costs for Everest Tour in Winter

Winter in Tibet, from Nonmember to March, is the low tourism season, during which there are plenty of promotional discounts. You can enjoy the free entrance to the Qomolangma National Nature Reserve and some popular sites along the route from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp, like the Potala Palace, Yamdrok Lake, etc. Besides, you will spend less on hotels and flights to Tibet in the winter months.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour: Marvel at Mt.Everest Real Close from 4 Different Viewing Platforms

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD949 p.p

Enjoy the cheapest price of the Everest Base Camp in Winter.

#4: Admire the Sunrise over the Everest Summit without Having to Wake Up Early

At the northern side of Mount Everest, the time of sunrise in winter is typically around 8:30 AM or later, especially in December and January, due to the higher latitude and the time of year. Therefore, you can enjoy the sunrise at the world’s highest peak without having to get up early, which is something you cannot enjoy in other seasons.

When you go out for the sunrise, please dress warmly and wear a hat and gloves to protect yourself from the chilly wind, as the temperatures often dip below freezing before the sun rises. But once the sun comes up, it warms up quickly in the direct sunlight.

Inside Tips:
In winter, the only accommodation at Everest Base Camp is the guesthouse opposite Rongbuk Monastery. The rooms offer amazing views of Mount Everest, so you can enjoy the sunrise right from your window.

The renovated Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse offers breathtaking views of Mount Everest from its rooms.

#5: Experience Fewer Tourists and Less Crowding at Everest Base Camp in Tibet

As one of the top attractions in Tibet, the Everest Base Camp is always crowded with tourists, both at home and abroad. Even on the way to the base camp, there are lines of tourists waiting to take photos at the Gawula Pass or with the monuments at each scenic spot.

Visiting Tibet Everest Base Camp in winter offers a unique and peaceful experience. Unlike the peak tourist months, the winter months see far less crowding, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the region without the distractions of groups of crowds. With fewer tourists around, it’s easier to find a quiet spot to take photos or simply enjoy the majesty of the world’s highest peak in solitude.

7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour: Traverse from the North Side to the South Side of Mt.Everest for the Best of the Himalayas

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from USD989 p.p

The Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour, which includes a visit to Everest Base Camp, is also available in winter.

#6: Diverse Celebration Activities in Winter Mount Everest

In winter, Tibetan nomads living at the bottom of Mt. Everest would have a less busy life. It’s a season of leisure and celebration and also the season of Tibetan New Year, the most important festival on the Tibetan calendar. You may get an opportunity to experience the lively festival with local Tibetans during your journey to Mount Everest. This could be a special travel experience for your winter tour in Tibet.

Children are dancing to celebrate Tibetan New Year.

What Travel Documents Are Required for Visiting Mount Everest in Winter?

The basic travel documents required for the Mount Everest tour in Tibet include your Chinese Visa, the Tibet Travel Permit, and the Alien’s Travel Permit.

The Chinese Visa needs to be obtained in advance through the Chinese Embassy in your hometown or the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu (Only if traveling to Tibet from Nepal). With a Chinese Visa and a valid passport, you can apply for the Tibet Travel Permit after you book your Everest Base Camp tour in Tibet. Generally, the process takes around 8 to 9 working days. After the Travel Permit is issued, we will deliver it to your hand in time, ensuring you board the train of flight to Tibet.

A Sample of the Latest Tibet Travel Permit for Mount Everest Tour in Tibet.

The Alien’s Travel Permit will be applied for once you arrive in Tibet, so there is no need to worry about it. Both the Tibet Travel Permit and the Alien’s Travel Permit are included in our Everest Base Camp tour packages. We will take care of the application for you, and you just need to sit back and enjoy your journey. Just feel free to share your travel ideas with us, and we will take care of the rest for you.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour: Marvel at Mt.Everest Real Close from 4 Different Viewing Platforms

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD949 p.p

Get a guaranteed Tibet Travel Permit when you book our Everest Base Camp tour!

What to Pack for a Mount Everest Tour in Winter?

For a winter tour to Mount Everest in Tibet, you’ll need clothing for freezing temperatures and strong winds at such high altitudes. Thermal-based layers and insulated jackets (down or synthetic) are essential. A waterproof, windproof jacket and pants are also important to protect you from snow and biting winds. A fleece or wool sweater can provide additional warmth.

Additionally, pack both lightweight gloves and a warm hat for extra protection against wind and cold. It’s also a good idea to bring wool or thermal socks to keep your feet warm and dry.

In general, wearing layers of windproof, warm clothing that is easy to put on and take off is the most recommended option. This allows you to move freely during the warm daytime and stay warm in the lower temperatures in the early morning and evenings.

It is essential to keep warm when you visit Mount Everest Base Camp in winter.

Inside Tips:
It’s also important to pack light as you need to carry all your luggage to Everest. A suitcase may be a bit inconvenient. It is suggested to bring a large backpack and a small carry-on bag.

More Insider Tips for Mount Everest Tours in Winter

The featured tent hotels at Everest Base Camp will be closed from late October to early April. When you visit Mount Everest in winter, you can only stay in the Rongbuk Guesthouse at the base camp or other local hotels and guesthouses in Zhaxizong Township at the foot of Mount Everest.

Staying hydrated is important for visiting Mount Everest in winter. As the winter is cold and dry in the Tibetan Plateau, you need to drink plenty of water every day and use moisturizing cream and body lotion to protect your skin.

Drink plenty of water when travel to Tibet Everest Base Camp in winter.

The road condition from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp is quite good. However, the drive can be long, especially the stretch from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp. Please be prepared for long rides and take motion sickness medicine in advance if you are prone to motion sickness.

The well-paved road to Mount Everest in Tibet offers good conditions for long drives.

Keeping high energy levels is essential for a winter tour in Tibet. You can pack some high-calorie snacks and energy bars. Additionally, you can try traditional Tibetan butter tea and sweet tea, which are popular drinks that provide locals with high energy.

Conclusion

Mount Everest can be visited in winter and the Everest tours during the low seasons are at the cheapest price of the year. If you visit Everest Base Camp in winter, you will not only enjoy a lower tour cost, but also appreciate the majestic Mount Everest and the Himalayas on clear winter days with fewer crowds.

You don’t need to worry about the weather as it is even warmer than most northern cities in the mainland of China when the sun rises in the daytime. Moreover, our all-included Everest Base Camp tour packages cover all necessary local travel documents to Mount Everest in Tibet providing a truly hassle-free journey to witness the world’s highest peak.