Everest Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s fun and challenging trekking destinations. However, choosing the best time to hike to Everest Base Camp is essential to make your trek less challenging and more fun. The Internationally renowned Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal takes you through the Khumbu Valley, where you can enjoy the stunning scenery of Sagarmatha National Park. You get to see breathtaking views of the four highest peaks of the world: Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Makalu (8,470 m) and Cho Oyu (8,201 m).

Researching the best time to trek in Nepal is essential since time controls any changes in weather, temperature, climate, attitudes, etc. The weather can affect your hike, the route, and your comfort. At high altitudes, temperature changes between seasons are considerable. This might surprise you, but the trail to Everest Base Camp (EBC) in Nepal has been successfully hiked almost every season. However, the percentage of successful hikes naturally increases during the peak season.

The most suitable seasons to trek Everest Base Camp are Spring and Autumn. However, some trekkers also like to trek in other seasons since the trails are not overcrowded and the trekking cost is low. Regardless, there are many advantages to trekking on one of the world’s top trek paths. This blog will provide a guide to trekking to EBC during different seasons.

Best Time to Hike to Everest Base Camp

Many consider Everest Base Camp Trek among the accessible trekking destinations in Nepal. However, this easy trek can become challenging if you don’t consider the best season. Trekking difficulty at various trekking stops in Nepal depends on the season.

There are four seasons, two of which are peak trekking seasons. Spring and Autumn are ideal for trekking, whereas winter and monsoon are off-season. Some may think that trekking during peak season is the best solution. However, certain factors can challenge this theory, so let’s explore them.

Spring Season (March-May)

Spring is perhaps the most popular time for the EBC trek in Nepal. The season falls from March to May. As the winter season ends, Spring begins, so the initial days of the Spring season might still be cold and chilly. What makes Spring so unique for trekking is the ideal weather and temperature, clear blue skies, and view of the mountains. The walking path follows rushing rivers through deep green forests with red rhododendrons, making the surroundings beautiful. One big drawback of trekking in Spring

Autumn Season (September-November)

Like spring, autumn is another best time to hike to Everet Base Camp. Usually, autumn begins from September to November. Until mid-September, the country experiences post-monsoon season, so there will be occasional rainfall at the lower altitude, whereas the peak autumn season is in October and November. Trekkers like this season because it offers beautiful scenery, ideal weather, and temperature. As the rainy season ends, lush landscapes bloom with vivid flowers, the river gushes, and the view of the mountains becomes stunning because of the amber/brown color of the surrounding atmosphere. 

Times to Avoid Going Everest Base Camp Trek

Monsoon Season (June-August)

The monsoon season in Nepal is not the best time to hike to Everest Base Camp. The frequent rain in the lower altitudes will make the trails wet and slippery, and the chance of floods and landslides is higher as well. Due to haziness and humidity, you won’t be able to take photos of the mountain peaks, which are other drawbacks of trekking in monsoon season. Furthermore, during monsoon season, insects and leeches swarm the wet trail area, which can be a source of illness.

Winter Season (November-January)

Winter is Everest Base Camp’s off-season, but some experienced trekkers still consider it an ideal time for trekking in Nepal. However, if you plan to trek in winter, You must prepare for freezing temperatures. This season brings a lot of snow, avalanches, and blizzards, so often, trails remain closed. The lodges and tea houses are also shut at high altitudes, so you may have to stay in a tent. The positive thing about trekking in winter is that the sky tends to be very clear, allowing for spectacular mountain views. You won’t have to compete with other hikers for space. Routes would be empty because it is off-season, and your flight fees would also be lower. 

Detailed Monthly Breakdown

Provide a month-by-month guide to trekking conditions in Table.

Impact of Weather in Everest Base Camp Trek 

Unpredictable weather:

Everest Base Camp Trek lies at a high altitude of 5364m. The weather constantly changes at high altitudes, making hiking to Everest Base Camp difficult. The weather constantly changes during the winter and rainy seasons as there is sunshine one moment, and the next, you will suffer from rainfall or snowfall.

Natural Disasters:

Dynamic weather patterns cause floods, landslides, mudslides, and avalanches. Floods and landslides occur in hilly areas at lower and higher elevations. These issues are especially prevalent during the rainy season, as there are also landslide-prone places. During the winter, there is a risk of a few more natural disasters, like snow storms, blizzards, and avalanches. So, being careful when trekking EBC during the off-season is crucial.

Weather Pattern at EBC 

Seasonal weather variations at EBC trek are: (Based on this website – https://www.safeholidayadventure.com/articles-and-blog/everest-base-camp-weather-month-to-month/)

• January: During the day, temperatures often vary from -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F). At night, temperatures can drop as low as -25°C (-13°F).
• February: Daytime temperatures typically range from -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F). At night, they can drop to -20°C (-4°F).
• March: Daytime temperatures typically range between  -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F). At night, temperatures can dip to roughly -15°C (5°F).
• April: Daytime temperatures often range between 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). At night, temperatures may drop to around -5°C (23°F).
• May: Daytime temperatures can range from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). At night, temperatures can dip to roughly -5°C (23°F).
• June: Daytime temperatures typically vary from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). At night, temperatures can dip to -1°C (30.2°F).
• July: Daytime temperatures typically vary from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). At night, temperatures can dip to around 5°C (41°F).
• August: Daytime temperatures typically vary from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). At night, temperatures can dip to around 2°C (35.6°F).
• September: Daytime temperatures typically vary between 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). Temperatures at night can drop to around 0°C (32°F).
• October: Daytime temperatures usually vary between 3°C to 12°C (37°F to 54°F). At night, temperatures can plummet to -10°C (14°F).
• November: Daytime temperatures typically range from 0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F). At night, temperatures can dip to roughly -15 °C (5°F).
• December: Daytime temperatures usually vary between -5°C to 4°C (23°F to 39.2°F). Nighttime temperatures can drop to as low as -25°C (-13°F).

Preparation for Trek

Trekking Gears and Clothing

Trekking Gears

• A comfortable and quality hiking shoe or footwear.
• A suitable backpack and a waterproof cover
• Sleeping bag and silk liner
• Fleece jacket
• Polarizing sunglasses
• First Aid Kit
• Water bottle or water purifying bottle
• Headlights or torch with extra batteries

Clothing

• Warm-down jackets
• Thermal t-shirt, underwear, sweatpants, and windproof pants
• Pair of warm gloves, socks, scarf, and woolen hat

Health considerations

• Before traveling, you must make sure your health is in good condition.
• You should do simple stretching exercises to get your body in shape. 
• You should also eat your food carefully.
• Your mental and physical health should both be in good condition. 
• Before doing anything, you must prepare mentally and have confidence in yourself. 

Trekking difficulty and elevation

Altitude Sickness

Longer treks at higher altitudes make the Everest Base Camp Trek more challenging. Peak altitude is 5364m, with Gorekshep overnight at 5164m. The peak of Kala Patthar is 5545m for climbers. As the altitude increases, the risk of altitude sickness also increases. So be wary of acclimatization and gradually climb the altitude without rushing it.

Rough Terrains

Reaching the base camp is easy due to well-paved trails and commercialized communities. However, due to the rocky terrain and a moraine, the last two days might be difficult. The difficulty is also highly dependent on your experience level and fitness. The hike will be more fun if you are physically fit.

Dynamic Weather

Another significant difficulty that trekkers will face during their hike to Everest Base Camp is dynamic weather. Dynamic weather leads to constant changes in temperature, rainfall, snowfall, snowstorms, floods, landslides, and avalanches. So, when the weather is generally stable, you must consider only the best times to hike to Everest Base Camp, like Spring and Autumn.

Accommodations

Accommodations are very important to plan and arrange before your trek. During the EBC trek, you will generally stay in hotels, lodges, or tea houses, also known as homestays.

You might find expensive budget hotels in city areas like Kathmandu, Lukla, Ramechhap, and even Namche. However, in remote settlement areas, you will only have teahouses as options for accommodation.

Hotels/lodges accommodation

You can stay at Excellent Hotels/lodges on the Everest Base Camp trek. In hotels/lodges, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi, electric blankets, hot water showers, and comfortable beds. 

Teahouse accommodation

Teahouses are typical trekking accommodations in Everest Base Camp, Annapurna, Langtang, and Manalu. They offer a place to rest and support the local economy. The accommodations are usually simple but comfortable. In teahouses, you will be staying in a small room with a twin bed, so you must share your bed with other trekkers. The bathrooms are occasionally attached, which you have to share, too. They will provide bedsheets, pillows, and mattresses to warm and cozy your room.

Camping accommodation

Camping is done on isolated hikes like Dhaulagiri, Dolpo, and Kanchenjunga. Tents are typically utilized for lodging, and cooking staff makes food. Large groups are hired for various tasks. Although camping on the Everest Base Camp trail is an incredible experience, it is typically avoided due to the availability of teahouses.

Altitude sickness prevention Nepal trekking

To avoid altitude sickness during high-altitude trekking, you should slowly ascend to allow the body to adjust to the oxygen level. Then, take a proper rest. You should avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and tobacco during the trek. 

You should drink plenty of warm water, eat well, and plenty of liquid food. You should also be mentally prepared to enjoy the scenery and avoid negative thinking. 

Additional Considerations For Trekking Season in Nepal

Cultural events and festivals during different trekking seasons

The majority of Sherpas follow Buddhism. Their most important festival is Lhosar. The Sherpa name for Lhosar is Galpo Lhosar. According to the English calendar, it is in February or March. 

They also celebrate a festival known as Mani Rimdu. It usually falls in October. It is also one of the most important events for the Sherpa people. 

Environmental and Sustainability tips for trekkers

• You should take a less busy route for less traffic.
• You should get a collection bag to gather rubbish.
• You should eat local food because it is crucial here.
• You should be considerate of your guides and their welfare

Booking accommodation and permits in advance

If you want to go to EBC during peak trekking season, you should make reservations in advance. Reserving is necessary if you wish to stay at well-known hotels and lodges. If not, you might not get free rooms. 

Permits for the EBC trek are:

• Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

Hiring experienced guides and porters

Hiring a guide and porter in Lukla is one of the best ways to make your trekking adventure in the Everest region safe and enjoyable. The guide can provide important details about the mountain, including terrain, geography, and climate. They will inform you about the local culture, vegetation, and wildlife. Furthermore, they will keep you safe throughout the trek by checking your health, assisting with acclimatization, and assisting in an emergency.

Porter will carry your heavy bags, allowing you to focus only on the physical demands of the hike and making the trek much more manageable. They will also provide useful information about the route and any local customers, ensuring you stay on the path and do not get lost. 

Understanding The Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp trek is an unforgettable experience. The trek begins in Lukla and continues through Phakding, Namche Bazar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Dughla, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep. The return journey is the same, but the views on the opposite side are equally fantastic. 

The few routes you choose take you deep into the Himalayas, with magnificent views of Mount Everest and other great peaks. The four most common EBC trek routes are:

Everest Base Camp Classic Trek

The classic Everest Base Camp route requires trekking 53 km from Lukla to Everest Base Camp. On the way back, you retrace your path, so the total distance traveled is 106 km. Most people hike at Namche Bazaar on acclimatization day. 

They ascend Kala Patthar (‘Black Rock’) the morning after sighting Mt. Everest. from base camp. This short yet tough hike is a 2.4 km roundtrip. The EBC hike mostly happens in Sagarmatha National Park. This is the region where the famous Sherpa people live, and the Sherpa people own the villages and cities you visit and stay in.

EBC with Gokyo Lakes trek

Another popular alternative is the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes trek route. It involves trekking the traditional path to EBC but then traveling to the Gokyo Lakes on the way back. 

The Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes trek offer several advantages, including a loop trail and a chance to explore Khumbu’s culture and natural richness. You can also cross Cho Pass, summit Gokyo Peak, visit the stunning Gokyo Lakes, and visit a quiet, more remote part of the Himalayas. 

Everest Three Passes

Everest Three Passes treks take you around the Himalayas, stopping at Everest Base Camp. This is one of the most challenging EBC trek routes since you must climb high elevations multiple times to cross three mountain passes.

You also face snow, loose rocks, boulders, and scree. You climb and descend three mountain passes throughout the trek:

1. Kongma La (5,535m / 18,154ft)
2. Cho La (5,420 m / 17,782 ft)
3. Renjo La (5,360 m / 17,560 ft)

From these three passes, you can see Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Ngozumpa, Khumbu glaciers, and Gokyo Lakes. This thrilling journey explores Sagarmatha National Park’s wildest and quietest areas and offers the best views. 

EBC trek with a helicopter return

You can hike to Everest Base Camp by the conventional route and then take a helicopter back to Lukla. The main benefits of this option are:

1. You don’t need many days for this experience. 
2. Shortening the trip to a famous sight reduces trekker fatigue.
3. The sky offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Everest, other prominent peaks, glaciers, and the scenery. 

FAQs

Conclusion

Hence, it is crucial to consider the best time to hike to Everest Base Camp before booking your trekking destination. You must always head for trekking during the ideal time when it is safe to travel high altitude regions.

Even if you can trek EBC in the off-season, it is not wise to go if you lack experience or the proper trekking gear for that season.