Surviving the Cold on the Mount Everest Expedition Trail
Winter Everest trekking offers clear skies and zero crowds, but the cold is brutal. Packing correctly makes the difference between misery and a magical experience near the Mount Everest summit.
You need a 4-season sleeping bag rated to at least -20°C (-4°F). Teahouse rooms are not heated. A good night's sleep is vital for energy on your Everest expedition route.
Bring a heavy down jacket, thermal base layers, and windproof pants. You will need to wear almost everything you own in the evenings. Hand and toe warmers are lifesavers at Everest Base Camp in January.
Trails can be icy. Micro-spikes (crampons for hiking boots) are essential for safety, especially on passes like Cho La if you are extending your Everest trekking route.
If you handle the cold, winter offers the most pristine views of the Mount Everest summit you will ever see.
