The magic of the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek, infused with the refreshing fragrance of scenic View, rolls in the spring season. The spring season in Nepal lies between March and May. A considerable number of tourists visit the spectacular area around Mount Everest each year because of its majestic scenery, breathtaking vistas of the mountains, and popularity. Everest Base Camp Trek can be a fantastic location for peace, excitement, and charm.
As the spring season (Basanta Ritu in Nepali) arrives, the EBC Trek can be called the Traveler’s Paradise! One might summarize the springtime trekking experience as an uphill hike under a clear sky, breathing clean air, and taking in nature’s treasures. Nature nurtures growing green grass and blooming flowers while one can soak in the once-in-a-lifetime experience that truly appreciates nature.
An invigorating experience is yet to be lived to be believed!
March or April—which is the best?
While the spring season offers the best time to visit the country, both March and April are suitable for every Mount Everest trekking tour.
You can discover numerous additional hiking paths to Everest Base Camp due to each month’s peculiar qualities. Let’s get into the specifics of the form to help you decide between March and April.
MARCH
Weather and temperatures
There are low levels of visibility. The maximum temperature in March is seven degrees Celsius during the day. At night, the temperature is minus twelve Celsius.
Overall, the weather is moderately warm.
Pros and cons of traveling in March
Pros
- Days are a little longer and warmer in March.
Less crowds in spring than in autumn
- The cold air starts to clear and progressively warm up.
- Dormant flowers and grass begin to grow.
- Lower numbers of cancelled flights
- Opportunity to spot rare wild flora and fauna of newly bloomed Sagarmatha National Park
- Spellbinding view of mountains in the clear sky and the golden sun on the top of white giants
- A vibrant opportunity to meet fellow trekkers from all over the world
- Exploring authentic major Nepali festivals of cultural and religious significance, including Holi, the festival of colors
Cons
- Until about mid-March, morning temperatures can fall below zero.
- Significant temperature differences between day and night
- A large influx of visitors
- Fewer porters than in autumn and other seasons
What should you expect?
- From Kalapatthar, magnificent views of stunning mountain landscapes—Pumori, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, etc.—can be seen.
- Rain is highly uncommon and rarely predicted.
- Witness the largest glacier in Nepal, the Khumbu Glacier.
- Indulgence in the cultural experience of the Sherpa Capital of Namche Bazaar
- Spiritual experience while in Tengboche’s sacred monastery
- Fascinating Rhododendron forests
APRIL
Weather and temperatures
In April, there is sufficient visibility around Everest Base Camp (EBC). While early March brings chill, the temperature in April gradually increases to warmer. On a day, the temperature is ten degrees celsius and minus five degrees on average at night.
Pros and cons of traveling in April
Pros
- ideal month for travel
- The complete transition of the valleys and hills into springtime is accompanied by pleasant weather, which provides the most unimpeded picturesque vistas.
- There are many more avid travelers on the trekking paths.
- Beautiful encounters with the primary livestock of the Himalayas, the yaks, along the trekking paths
- The hills and villages are vibrantly colored by rhododendron and wildflowers.
- Sagarmatha National Park offers the chance to see endangered plant and animal species.
- Snowfalls, rain, and precipitation are not a threat; only the extraordinary climate
- Many beautiful sights will endure forever.
- Possibility to converse and hike with experienced climbers and prospective climbers while on the adventure
- opportunity to explore alternative treks to Everest Base Camp
- Availability of teahouses even in the highest Himalayan area
- The hills and mountains welcome the perfect season for crop growth and harvesting.
- provides an opportunity to learn local agricultural practices.
- Trekkers can participate in local and ethnic festivities and jatras, including the Nepali New Year and Buddha Purnima, which explore the local lifestyle of the villagers.
Cons
- Nepal’s busiest hiking season
- Pre-monsoon month, so it could rain occasionally.
Plus, the Everest Base Camp Trek in May is also a good choice if you want to trek with the mountain climbers along the silent trails.
Why is the Everest Base Camp Trek in April instead of March?
- mild environment and agreeable overnight temperatures
- A scenic trip to Lukla ensures excellent color in the woodlands, mountains, and sky along the way.
- Acquaintance with the religious believers, scholars, and Buddhists in Tengboche Monastery
- Breathtaking panorama vistas of the Lhotse, Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu mountains
- opportunity to meet Himalayan kids as the school restarts, including the Edmund Hillary Foundation, which maintains schools.
- Many mountain crossings may be easily traversed, including the Renjo La pass, Kongma La pass, and Cho La pass.
Travel tips for the Everest Base Camp Trek in April and March?
- Although monsoon weeks are far from April and March, it’s better to carry raincoats to prevent a moderate amount of rainfall.
- Prebook the teahouses and hire good porters to avoid complications, as these months are comparatively crowded.
- April in particular can be the ideal time for Himalayan climbing; therefore, Island Peak and Mera Peak can be effective alternatives for the climbing experience.
- Apart from the classical Everest Base Camp route, alternative routes for exploration can be Gokyo Lakes Trek, Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek, Three Passes Trek, Tengboche Monastery Trek, Arun Valley to EBC Trek, etc.
- Although EBC trekking is the primary focus, it would be fantastic to celebrate Tibetan Buddhist and Hindu-inspired festivals in the Himalayan villages for better cultural insights into Nepal.
Will there be enough accommodations and restaurants open in March?
The trekker’s flow gets high by the middle of March. Pre-booking will be preferred for assurance of teahouses and reliable porters. At this time of year, lodging on the usual EBC route fills up rapidly. Alternatively, you might choose an offshoot of the EBC trip or another nearby trail.
Will I get altitude sickness in April?
Ascending too quickly prevents the body from having enough time to acclimate to lower oxygen levels and changes in air pressure. This causes altitude sickness. Favorable weather has no link to altitude sickness. Appropriate food and proper rest can prevent altitude sickness.
Things to pack in March and things to pack in April
- Backpacks
Backpacks should be filled with necessities considering the amount of body weight they carry. If a porter is available, then a duffel bag can be a good choice.
- Sleeping Gear
The majority of the tea houses may have poorly insulated rooms. For warmth, a sleeping bag is ideal. As March and April are busy seasons, earplugs can be best to avoid the crowd.
- Trekking Clothes
Simple and lighter trekking shirts, windcheaters, jackets, raincoats, etc. can be a general part of the trekking backpack.
- Headwear
A wide-brimmed hat can protect the face from the direct scorching sunlight in the Everest Base Camp. To beat the heat, a beanie, muffler, and neck gaiter can keep one from getting cold.
- Footwear
Comfortable and sustaining trekking shoes, hiking boots, and a few pairs of socks can go a long way.
- Gloves
Two types of gloves, inner gloves and outer insulated gloves, help protect the hand from frostbite.
- Trekking Equipment and Supplies
- Technology
Cameras, headlights, portable chargers, etc. are essential during the Everest Base Camp trek.
- Medications
Make sure to grab some cures for general headaches, common colds, and altitude sickness, along with some first aid kits and an oximeter.
- Toiletries and others
Daily hygiene products like toothpaste, towels, sunscreen, shampoo, toilet paper, multipurpose soap, sanitary pads, etc. aren’t readily available along the route. So, it is essential to be self-sufficient enough for the itinerary days.
- Documents
Essential documents like insurance copies, passports, permits, money (local currency), local SIM cards, registration, etc. are necessary.
