Are you planning to walk the expedition foot’s steps of Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary?
If so, Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC) is the right option for you.
That said, it is the most famous trek in the world, and more than 45,000 trekkers come to Nepal every year to experience its beauty and thrills. However, to experience the best of the Everest base camp trek, you must time it right.
Wondering what’s the best time to do Everest Base Camp Trek? Don’t worry!
In this blog, I will provide complete details of the Everest Base Camp trek including weather patterns, changing landscape, type of terrain, and common challenges faced by trekkers in particular season.
Knowing these details will help you make an informed decision on the best time to do Everest Base Camp Trek.
Overview of the Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek, located in Sagarmatha National Park, is not the usual trek. It is a legendary trek that is part of every trekker’s bucket list.
This legendary trek offers the adrenaline-pumping experience of walking on suspension bridges, high-placed ridges, and challenging trails. It pushes your physical and mental limits to the extent you can’t imagine.
Furthermore, it is a transformative experience to walk on the EBC trail, which also offers you sublime views of majestic Himalayan peaks like Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Nuptse, and Thamserka.
The trek starts from the bustling town of Lukla and takes you through the lush green forests, rocky valleys, and numerous Sherpa villages. On the way, you stay one day at the famous Namche Bazaar, hault in beautiful teahouses every day, come across various Tibetan-style monasteries and get a glimpse of the tallest peaks in the world.
During the summer months, you can also experience Everest base camp in action. It is full of numerous tents with mountaineers hustling all over. Everybody is gearing up for that clear weather window to summit the tallest mountain on the earth: Mt. Everest. Moreover, you also get to see the Kubhu glaciers in action throughout the day.
Jam-packed with such action and scenic landscape, Everest Base Camp Trek truly offers rewards beyond your imagination.
However, gaining these rewards is not easy. The unannounced weather changes, back-breaking trekking hours, extreme temperatures, rocky trails, and quick altitude gain make this trek challenging.
The most common challenge faced by trekkers is AMS (Acute mountain sickness) or altitude sickness. It is due to the sudden altitude gain, which can reach up to 18,200 ft (5547.36 m).
Nonetheless, if you prepare well and choose the best time to do Everest Base Camp Trek, you can overcome all challenges with ease.
Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Knowing the itinerary of the trek help you time it better. So, here is the itinerary of classic route of Everest Base Camp Trek.
DAY 0: Reach Kathmandu and then Fly to Lukla
DAY 1: Trek from Lukla to Phakding
DAY 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
DAY 3: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
DAY 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
DAY 5: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
DAY 6: Acclimatization day at Dingboche
DAY 7: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
DAY 8: Trek from Labouche to Gorakshep (Excursion to EBC)
DAY 9: Climb Kala Pathar. Trek from Gorakshep to Pheriche
DAY 10: Trek from Pheriche to Tengboche
DAY 10: Trek from Pheriche to Tengboche
DAY 11: Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar
DAY 12: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
DAY 13: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
Choosing the Best Time to Do Everest Base Camp Trek
As you are now familiar with the topography and itinerary of the Everest Base Camp Trek, let’s now focus on the different seasons.
That said, spring and autumn months have pleasant weather and offer you the opportunity to do Everest Base Camp Trek. On the contrary, the monsoon season is full of heavy rainfalls and landslides, and the winter season leaves you battling with bone-chilling temperatures.
Therefore, to figure out which month to prefer for the Everest Basecamp trek, let’s discuss the most sought-after spring and autumn seasons in detail.
Spring Season: March to May
The spring season which extends from March to May, comes with warm weather, clear skies, and greenery on the trail.
March
At the start of March, colder days fade, and warmer days come in. The visibility during the days also starts increasing with a max temperature going as high as 7°C (44.6°F). Meanwhile, the nights are still colder, with minimum temperature dropping to -12°C ( 10.4°F)
During the first two weeks of March, you encounter patches of snow on the trail, which completely fades by the end of the month. Further, as March moves towards the end, you see lots of flowers and Rhododendrons blooming everywhere, and the number of trekkers steadily increases.
April
Compared to March, April starts with a reasonably crowded trail due to the climbing season of Mt. Everest. Additionally, the trails fully bloom with Red and Pink Rhododendrons, and you are treated with spring flowers everywhere.
The days during April have the best visibility compared to other months, and the temperature usually ranges between -5°C (23°F) and 10°C (50°F).
Lastly, the most exciting part of trekking in April is witnessing the Everest Base Camp in action. You will come across numerous mountaineers and support staff hustling on the trail, at the base camp, in the upper regions of Kumbhu Ice Fall and in the upper camps on the Everest trail.
Such pleasant weather, clearer skies, and excitement of base camp make April popular for trekking.
May
As it is the best time to climb Everest, the trails are significantly crowded.
Nevertheless, the days are clearer, with the daytime temperature reaching 15°C (59°F) and the nighttime temperature dropping close to 0°C (32°F).
Towards the mid-May, the monsoon starts to set in with drizzling rain and clouds. This affects the trekking hours and delays flights to Lakula.
Pros Of Trekking in the Spring Season
- High visibility throughout the day.
- Warmer days and suitable night temperatures.
- Trails are full of colourful flowers, including Rhododendrons.
- Above average sunny days.
- Witness the buzz of a fully operational Everest Base Camp.
- It hardly rains.
Cons of Trekking in the Spring Season
- Crowded trails.
- Bit of heat haze in late April and May
- Accommodations are usually full.
- Long waiting hours for boarding flight to Lakula.
- Flight delays due to bad weather and clouds, especially in the second part of May.
Autumn Season ( Fall Season): September to November
The autumn season, starting in September, welcomes you with a clear sky, comfortable temperature, and lush green landscapes after three months of continuous rainfall.
September
Although September starts with the regular monsoon rain, it dissipates by the last week, leaving the skies clearer with dry days. In addition, you start encountering the crowds on the trail.
The nights in the last week of September are colder than those in the summer months, and the temperature varies between 0°C (32°F) and 15°C (59°F).
October
October is a great time for trekking. Hence, you will find many trekkers on the trail. Especially, October 1- 20 offers a submitting window for Mt.Everest, and there is a chance you may also encounter climbers on trial and at the base camp.
In October, the temperature ranges between -5 °C (23°F) and 12°C (53.6°F), with pleasantly warm days and slightly colder nights. Due to these weather patterns, it rarely rains in October. Even if it does, the skies clear quickly without affecting your trek.
Furthermore, the whole landscape is lush green, and it’s festival time in Nepal. You can enjoy the cultural celebration of the Dashain festival, which continues for 15 days. It is one of the major festivals in Nepal.
Anothe great thing about trekking in october is the accessibility to other trekking routes such as Gokyo Ri Everest Base Camp Trek.
With great visibility, stable temperatures and so much to offer, October is considered the best time to do Everest Base Camp Trek by many trekkers and experts.
Early November
Early November marks the end of the autumn season in Nepal. The skies are still clear with warm days, but nights get colder. You can trek comfortably during these days while preparing for colder nights.
Moreover, the crowds in early November also start decreasing, and you may also have some snowfall.
Pros Of Trekking in the Autumn Season
- Pleasant daytime temperature and stable weather.
- Clear skies with great visibility.
- There is less crowd on the trail compared to the spring season.
- It hardly rains in the autumn season.
- Access to other routes – Gokyo Ri Everest Base Camp Trek.
- Expose to numerous traditional festivals, including Dashain.
- Fewer flight delays.
- A clear view of surrounding peaks.
Cons of Trekking in the Autumn Season
- There is a low chance of witnessing the Everest Base Camp in action.
- High chances of accommodations being full.
- Might face long waiting hours to board a flight to Lakula.
How to Select Best Time For Everest Base Camp Trek
Considering all the months and pros and cons discussed above, the best time to do the Everest base camp trek is the months of April and October. However, depending on your preferences, you need to choose among these two.
To do so, you must consider the following factors:
1. Weather
April is the perfect option if you like to trek on warm days with clear skies. On the other hand, if you want to avoid heat haze and prefer cooler temperatures, October month is ideal for you.
2. Crowd on the trail
April has more crowds than October. So, choose accordingly.
3. Base Camp in action
If you want to see base camp in action, April is the month.
4. Rain
Although April and October hardly receive any rainfall, October has clearer skies.
5. Flight from Lakula
April is the climbing season for Mt Everest. Hence, you may encounter long delays in your flight to Lakula. Whereas in October the delays are less.
6. Availability of teahouses
Again, due to the huge crowd in April, teahouses are packed. On the contrary, in October, teahouses are more open to welcoming visitors.
7. Access to other routes
All the other routes, including the Gokyo Ri Everest Base Camp Trek route, are open in October. So, if you want to try an alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp Trek Route, October is the best month to do one.
8. Festivals
If you want to witness Nepal’s traditional culture, trek in October. Numerous festivals are celebrated in Nepal, including Dashain.
Analysing these factors and matching them to your preferences will surely help you choose the best time to do Everest Base Camp Trek.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which month is best for the Everest Base Camp Trek?
April and October are the best months for the Everest Base Camp Trek due to the pleasant temperatures, clear skies, sunny days, and high visibility.
When should I book the Everest Base Camp Trek?
You should book the Everest Base Camp Trek at least six months in advance to give you enough time to prepare for this challenging trek.
How many days are required for Everest Base Camp Trek?
You need at least 13 days to do Everest Base Camp Trek.
Can a beginner do the Everest Base Camp Trek?
No. The Everest Base Camp trek is difficult due to the harsh temperatures and high altitude. You must have prior high-altitude trek experience while being physically and mentally fit.
How much does the Everest Base Camp Trek cost?
If calculated from Kathmandu onwards, the Everest base camp trek will usually cost between INR 60,000 and 70,000.
How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Everest Base Camp Trek is a difficult trek that requires experience, high mental and physical fitness, and expert help. Due to exposure to high altitudes and long trekking days, altitude sickness is the major issue during this trek.
Is Everest Base Camp Trek better in May or October?
October is better for the Everest Base Camp Trek because it has a clear sky, no rainfall, better visibility, less crowd on the trail, cultural exposure, and clear views of the surrounding mighty Himalayan peaks.
Long Story Short
The Everest Base Camp Trek can be a life-changing experience. However, you must time your trek correctly to ensure you complete it successfully.
That said, consider all the factors discussed above and match them with your personnel preference to choose the best time to do Everest Base Camp Trek.
Once you have decided on the Everest Base Camp Trek dates, start preparing without wasting any time.
Additionally, if you have any questions or experience to share about Everest Base Camp Trek, comment below.
