by sef » Tue 24 Sep, 2013 7:20 am
I've only hiked there in summer, but have been elsewhere in the Himalaya through winter -- hope this helps some...
It's cold (which you know), on the EBC highway you shouldn't have problems finding teahouses open. Be sure to ask whether anyone is up in some of the less trafficked high developments (on the way up Cho La and on the other side of Rhenjo La come to mind), if there are a few of you they might open them anyway. Ask many people and ask often. You'll probably get told it's impassable and terrible and nobody's gone over for months, adjust that around where you fit against the general standard of trekker up there and make a decision.
My guess would be if you beat the snows, you'll be fine, otherwise you'll be limited where they push yaks i.e. the Gokyo and EBC/Chhukung valleys. Khongma La may need an ice axe, it's steep and a little exposed. There are some small crevasses on Cho La that may get covered, so be wary. My weak suspicion is that you *should* be okay through January.
You can always buy most gear in Kathmandu or even Namche, if it were me I'd go thermals/shirt/shorts/windpants/buff for hiking in the day (don't underestimate how badly the cold air will cut up your lungs), a synthetic warm jacket, beanie cut to the ears and a big puffy down jacket for use as needed. Your sleeping bag will need to have a lot of minuses on it. Water's going to be an issue up high (everything freezes), so bring a Nalgene or something similar that can take boiling water. Bivvying or camping is downright miserable.
Have fun mate!