What is the best time for the Everest Base Camp Trek? This is an obvious question that everyone thinks before planning a trek to the top of the world. The best season for the EBC trek depends on individual interest.
However, if you are wondering about the times of the highest number of tourists, then it’s the spring and autumn seasons. Pre-monsoon (Spring) and post-monsoon (Autumn) are the best trekking season in High Himalayas. Many people like to visit this season, not only for the Everest region, but also for other trekking region of Nepal.
People in the modern time have a strong desire to see Mt. Everest, the world’s highest peak. It becomes a once in a lifetime for everyone that brings fantasy to everybody’s life. In fact, it is a difficult trek in the contest of height. But adventurer and mountains lovers love to hike in Everest Base Camp.
In Everest Base Camp Trek’s best season, you’ll see a wide range of flora and fauna. If you’re lucky, you could even see a variety of Himalayan wild creatures, such as the snow leopard and Himalayan tahr. Yaks are the most prevalent domesticated animals in the Everest region, and it will be common to see yak caravans as we go higher in altitude.
The Major Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek
The major highlights of the Everest trek are base camp and the Khumbu Glacier and Moraine. Kalapatthar is another highlight of the EBC trek, situated at an altitude of 5550 meters above sea level. This is also a good vantage point to see a close-up view of Mt. Everest. Although Sherpa culture, mountain people, the high Himalayas, and rivers are also the other attractions of the Everest trek.
Gokyo lake or Gokyo valley or Gokyo Ri trek is another separate attraction area of Everest region. This is great place to visit if you want to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
In the Everest base camp trekking season, the trekkers will have opportunities to learn about the Sherpa’s lifestyle and culture. Hence, Sherpa are well known for their courage and mountaineering skills. Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, who was the first Sherpa to reach the top of Everest, was also from the Sherpa community. You will also get a chance to learn about Tengboche monastery, which is the main attraction of the Khumbu region.
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Everest Base Camp Trekking Season
There are four different seasons, each of which has its own significance. It depends on the opinion of people when they prefer to trek to Everest base camp. Although, hiking to EBC can be done any time of the year. Just you need adequate preparations that energize your interest and purpose of trekking. If you have keen interest on flora and fauna then recommend to visit in monsoon and winter season.
The other two, autumn and spring, seasons are no doubt the best Everest base camp trek seasons. Many people love walking in this time period. But, get busy route. Now, I would like to give you some description about different four seasons which are as follows:
EBC Trek in Spring (Mar-April-May)
This is actually called the pre-monsoon season and is also known as the flowering period season or time. The spring in Nepal is filled with breathtaking natural beauty, and the weather is similarly pleasant. All of the Himalayan trekking trails are lined by blossoming rhododendron flowers and make the jungle enticing. Many wild flowers can also be observed blossoming.
In this spring season that weather will be pleasant and more favorable, which makes hike informal and happy. Even in high altitude, during the day time a weather will remain neutral with moderate temperature & clear sky. But it will be cold after the sun sets. Keep in mind, while trekking in Nepal, you need to prepare for the cold anytime of the year.
EBC Trek in Monsoon (June-July-August)
This is the time of annual precipitation (highest rainfall) in the country. Almost every part of Nepal experiences continuous rainfall, which may disrupt your journey into Everest base camp. Even at this time, flights into and out of Lukla may get delayed or cancelled for a few days. Because all flights depend on clear weather, You need to already plan for some layover days in case of flight delays or cancellation.
During the monsoon season, Nature enthusiasts and plants researcher can take a great benefit. But landslides may provide a challenge to your trek route. Thus, with great strength you can accomplish your trek to EBC.
EBC Trek in Autumn (September-October-November)
This is post-monsoon season and most visited time period of the year. Autumn is the best trekking season for Everest Base Camp and other best treks in Nepal. This is the time to see the Hindus grandest festival celebration in Nepal, Dashian & Tihar. In this time period, temperature will be mild and pleasant with clear blue-sky.
Autumn is the most popular hiking or trekking season in Nepal, from the Himalayas to the valley with lovely weather. In a clear sky, this season provides the greatest views of mountain scenery. This is the most popular season for hikers all around the world as well as the most visited season in Nepal.
EBC Trek in Winter (December-January-February)
Obviously the season is bitterly cold. In higher mountains region, it will be snowfall and challenging to pass the difficult section of the trek, but not impossible. Correct planning and preparation before you arrive is a key to success your Everest Base Camp trek in winter. Read our Everest base camp trek packing details.
This is the finest time period for those who does not like crowed and want to trek independently or with family or friends with small group of people. In winter season, you will see the mountains with full of snow & other breathtaking natural sights. Keep in mind, you must be properly prepared for clothes, sleeping bag and trek boot. Many people from mountains relocate down to low lands by closing their lodges in this winter time.
At least, one will open with limited staff depend upon the weather conditions. If you are travelling with your private group, suggested to carry camping gear with best sleeping bag during winter season (from January to February).
What is the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp?
During the winter and rainfall season, the Everest base camp trek via Gokyo lake and Cho la pass becomes more difficult. Even though the trek route will be full of snow and you need technical skills to pass the toughest section of the trek. Sometimes the path will close due to heavy sharp snow. If you want to complete these treks successfully, you should do it in April-May or October-November.
If you are a new trekker and expect to do the Everest Region trekking, spring and autumn are the best seasons to go. It doesn’t mean that trekking is not possible during the monsoon and winter. Keep in mind that you will need adequate preparation for the Everest base camp trek to make your trip successful. Everyday you have to walk around 6-7 hours up and down hills. should have the skills to walk in the slippery parts of the route. Due to rainfall and snow, many parts of the trail are slippery. Don’t move quickly; you must wear proper hiking boots and carry a proper trekking pole.
If you’ve found it difficult to trek to Everest Base Camp but have a desire to see the top of Everest, then, choose to go on a 1-hour mountain flight or a 4-5-hour trek helicopter tour to Everest base camp. This is the quickest, most comfortable, and most luxurious way to get to Everest Base Camp.
If you are looking somethings different to do in Everest region, then Island peak climbing is one. You need technical skill to summit. This is technically difficult then EBC trek. But, definitely allows you to see the breathtaking views from the Island top. You can climb this peak during the peak season – Autumn and Spring.
What is the best time of year to trek Everest Base Camp?
As I have already mentioned that the best season for Everest bae camp trek is determined by individual’s or group’s opinion. If individuals wish to go hiking in the High Mountains (high altitude), the best season is when it is dry and warm. March to May and September to mid-December are the best months to visit.
The weather will be good (not too hot) and the sky will be clear at this period. The mountain vista is very clear. The winter season begins in mid-December and lasts until the end of February. It will be snowing and freezing cold higher up on the mountain during this winter season. Here I am going to write about the best months to trek to EBC.
1. Everest Base Camp Trek in January
Trekking to EBC in January is also good time for the people who doesn’t like to travel in the crowed. Actually, this is a cold month. Not only at Nepal, but all Northern hemisphere. Especially, when we go to high altitude above 4500 meters, the temperature drops to -15 °C to -25°C in the night.
The day time temperature is fairly bearable even it is cold. The temperature in the Everest Base Camp trek ranges from 8°C to 10 °C during the day. You should try to get inside a lodge before sunset.
My first experience to Everest Base camp trek was in January. I know in January; the mountains will be covered by full of snow and awesome to view the high Himalayas.
There isn’t always a lot of snow in January, as we think. It’s feasible to walk if you have prepared properly with a proper EBC trek packing list. For instance; dress warmly, and carry enough medical requirements; wear the best trekking boots; etc.
2. Everest Base Camp Trek in February
If you are brave to tolerate the cold and snow then February month also give heavenly and breathtaking Himalayan vistas view. In this time, the sky will be mostly clear and little warmer than January.
In the Everest Region, February is the season of ice and snow. Because, the snowfall of late December ice, doesn’t melt until mid-march at the higher altitude. Therefore, along the trail there will be hard ice on the surface. Have to be careful while walking due to the slippery made of Ice.
In initial month of February, the average daytime temperature is approximately 8-10 degrees Celsius. As a result, you’ll have pleasant hiking experience during the day time. But, in the night after the sun set, the temperature decreases very quickly up to -20°C to -25°C above the 4500 meters. However, you’ll have bright skies and unbroken views of Everest.
3. Everest Base Camp Trek in March
A month of March is the opening season of Spring. This is the best months to visit Everest base camp. From the beginning to 20 days there will be sunny days and have wonderful weather. Whereas, provide excellent & incredible view of Everest. In addition, the path will be less crowded and trip to base camp of mount Everest gives a genuine feeling of adventure. You’ll also get chance to celebrate a color festival of Nepal called Holi.
Keep in mind that the weather is frigid in early March, especially at night (about -20°C or colder). However, March is the best time for trekking in Nepal; mountain vistas are significantly better than in April.
As you know, march announces beginning of spring. The weather temperature is excellent & not too unpleasant even further up. March is also pre-monsoon season. By the end of the month, predict rain & hail.
Another, you have to keep in consideration that both pre-monsoon and post-monsoon rainfall increases strongly each year. It’s advisable to be prepared for rain and snow, especially if you’re hiking in the latter half of the month.
4. Everest Base Camp Trek in April
The months of April is the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp. The temperature is warmer and the rhododendrons and other flowers are in bloom farther down the path. These all make April is a popular month for trekking.
You will have plenty of daylight for exploring. Lot’s of climber can be seen that they are acclimatizing at base camp before expedition to Everest. In the April, the temperature is fine, even at higher elevations, the weather is beautiful.
Moreover, April is one of the busiest months for trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal. The weather is generally consistent and offers an unobstructed view of the high mountains. The trail gets busy for whole months with an enormous number of porters, animals, and foreign trekkers.
In April, rainfall is irregular rather than consistent. However, unexpected downpours of rain and snow get lost very fast within a few hours. In the evening, there are more chances of getting precipitation, and in the morning it will be crystal clear. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for rain, snow, and UV exposure.
5. Everest Base Camp Trek in May
This is the flowering season, also known as the blooming season. Above 2500 m, all of the flowers, as well as the rhododendron forest appear to be exceedingly gorgeous at this month of year. By putting a bright flower leaf on the pathway, you feel like nature has given you special respect in the term of weather.
This May, months come under the spring season, which is ideal for trekking and climbing expeditions in Nepal. The weather is pleasantly warm in the lowlands and mild at higher elevations above 4000 m. The majestic Himalayas give a stunning view from the route. Therefore, this month is also the best time for Everest base camp trek.
Actually, in this season the monsoon come from the India – Bengal and bring warmer temperatures and haze cloud over the mountains. If you are concerned about the chilly weather, trekking is May Months could be the best option for you.
The weather in the mountains is pretty hard to predict because it changes from time to time in the year. Most of the day begins with clear weather in the morning and occasionally results in rain or snow in the afternoon or evening.
6. Everest Base Camp Trek in June
June is the arrival of the monsoon. In the beginning, the weather will be like May. After mid-June, precipitation will be consistent. However, most days begin with a clear sky and gradually the sky is covered with clouds and, rain starts as the day progresses.
During the rainy season, trekking in the Himalayas is difficult. Especially in the Everest region, the main problem we have to face is flight cancellations due to the inclement weather from/to Kathmandu and Lukla. You need to come with some extra layover days to trek in EBC. Almost every day it rains, and the routes are muddy, slippery, and the mountains are frequently cloudy. But we can see some travelers trekking through the Himalayas.
You need proper preparation for the Everest base camp trek in June. This is fair that rainfall is common in this season. However, the trek will be a wonderful experience if you keep watching the weather forecast and are patient at your hiking destination.
7. Everest Base Camp Trek in July
The month of July is peak monsoon season. The maximum day will be gloomy and mountain views are frequently blocked, but not all day cloudy and haze. There will be around 21 days rain in July according to climate statistics.
The majority of visitors arrive in Lukla through Kathmandu. Clouds may cause these flights to be canceled during the monsoon season. As a result, additional days must be added in case of flying problems.
In this July time also possible to go Everest base Camp trek. But you must be ready for rain and snow with appropriate clothing and mindset, you’ll not disappointed. I have already been to EBC on July, even I’ve seen mountains. EBC trek is normally 12 to 14 days trip. Therefore, in a couple of weeks, one day you will have a chance to see the Himalayas. If white mountains are your major priority then, suggest to rethink about the time of year & trip you choose. Obviously, it is very hard to predict mountains weather. Need to be lucky to see mountains any time of the year.
8. Everest Base Camp Trek in August
A month of august also comes under the rainfall season. The monsoon time begins in Nepal when the warm, humid air from the Indian Ocean blows in. This time, the path will be less busy and you will be able to enjoy tranquility.
Hiking during August means you must be adequately prepared for rain. For the reason that, the trail is muddy, you may need to add an extra hour to your trek. But you have to take it slowly and steady that you don’t want to injure your ankle and miss EBC.
In the mountain region, rainfall mostly comes in afternoon or at night. So, the clouds clear in the morning, you’ll be able to see the Himalayan mountains glory.
As a trek guide, I have hiked a lot throughout the monsoon season. Sure, the rain will be in august, it rained 5 out of 10 days. The rainfall not always awful & terrible, Yes! some day will mild rain. But I am sure that I haven’t found any leeches in EBC trek in rainy season.
Occasionally, you will experience few sunny morning and glimpse of the mountains. However, it may be preferable in AUGUST to concentrate on the wonderful flowers that bloom on the surface.
9. Everest Base Camp Trek in September
As the monsoon fades, the autumn trekking season begins in September. This time of year, the sky will remain clear and ideal for hiking. Although the temperature is cooler than spring season (around -10°C to -12°C at base camp), however the days are wet in the beginning and the vistas are spectacular.
In September, monsoon might persist a little longer that results additional precipitation on the path. But the temperatures are often milder, and the lush and green vistas in the lower sections of the path will be extremely magnificent. Monsoon rain washed and clean all the pollution of countryside, while the scene appears exceptionally lush green.
In September, the persistent humidity may hide certain mountains views, but there still possible to see the spectacular views in the morning. By the middle of September, the monsoon passed and the popular Everest Base Camp trek is less crowded than later in October & November. Actually, it hard to full proof to predict about climatic changes in the mountains, the weather is totally dependent on the seasonal pattern in the northern hemisphere.
10. Everest Base Camp Trek in October
The monsoon rains officially end in October. However, the days are dry with excellent temperature and the vistas are spectacular. Mighty mountain vistas, wonderful weather, and hordes of people will greet you on the Everest Base Camp Trek in October.
Please keep in mind that the rainy has been creeping into October and will be for some time. During a two-week Everest Base Camp trek, imagine at least two days of unexpected rain.
Once October arrives, you’ll be at one of the busiest times on the trekking route. The reason is that this month usually offers a sunny sky and the weather will not plunge and make trekking fairly pleasant. Therefore, this month is considered the best time for an Everest base camp trek.
In this time of year, you will encounter the summiting groups in Everest Base Camp especially from 1 oct to 20 oct. This is also a time of Nepali Hindu grandest festival, “Dashian and Tihar”, which is Nepal’s most prominent festival.
11. Everest Base Camp Trek in November
Another best season for the EBC trek is November. This time, the number of trekkers begins to decrease and the temperature begins to cool. Although, the weather trend will get cooler as we approach at the end of Months. But there is no doubt for wonderful and clear views in November.
In the Everest Region, November is a drier month. The sky will be mostly clear, some days will be little few rains. But you’ll enjoy plenty of sunlight days. When it is rainfall, few snows will present on the surface. However, the best time for everest base camp trek.
Nevertheless, Evenings may be cool, particularly at higher elevations. Also keep in mind that by mid-November, substantially, the daylight hours start to shorten (Generally, Sun start to move Northern to Southern hemisphere). Overall, November is unquestionably the finest month to go to Everest Base Camp.
In the daylight, the moderate temperature makes it easier to walk farther up the mountain. It is expected to be chilly in the mornings, evenings, and even at night. However, it is not as chilly as it is in the winter. Still, the best season for Everest base camp trek.
12. Everest Base Camp Trek in December
This is the time of year that you should wear a lot of warm clothing and you should carry a proper warm and nice gear. December is an arrival of winter. Though, in the high altitude, the weather is clear and tranquil. The views are amazing and breathtaking. It will be bitterly chilly at the higher up in mountain village.
Even snowfall and cold temperatures have been known to occur. The wonderful part is that you are unlikely to meet or see tourists on the path in high mountains during this month. Finally, if you plan trekking in higher altitudes, you must be completely equipped for the cold.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a month with very sunny days and little snow on the surface, then December is the best month to trek to Everest Base Camp in many aspects. Do remember, after the sun sets, the evenings and nights are cold. But the weather is pleasant during the day.
Keep in mind that December is the shortest month of the year. Preparation before you arrive is the key to success on the trek to Everest Base Camp. Therefore, plan accordingly, because the temperature drops sharply after the sun sets.
In Conclusion
Everest Base Camp trek is a popular trek which many people have been trekking since 1963. The best time of the year for this trek is between the months of May and November, when the weather is relatively moderate and there are less crowds. We hope you enjoyed our article about the best time for Everest Base Camp Trek. This is an important question to think about before deciding to embark on an adventure like this. The best time for trekking depends on whether you want to experience the cold weather with snow or out of snow along the route. Although the others seasons might be just as rewarding, the top season is the autumn and spring months. If you are interested in trekking in warmer months, then the spring and summer months are your best bet. For more information on please feel free to contact us. We hope you found this article helpful!
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Everest Base Camp Trek Details
Definitely, EBC trek is always a desire trekking destination for all adventure seekers. If you choose a best season for Everest base camp Trek; the world’s highest mountains (8848 m) and other magnificent vistas, stunning landscapes and cultural heritages will give you a clear view at the sky horizon.