Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek

Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek

Wondering which month is the best for Everest Base Camp Trek? The Everest Base Camp trek needs no introduction as it is one of the world’s most coveted pursuits in the Nepalese Himalayas. Trekking in the vicinity of Sagarmatha National Park, this trek takes to the scenic landscapes, beautiful Sherpa villages, ancient Buddhist monasteries, friendly Sherpa people and their culture, and the iconic Everest Base Camp and vantage point Kalapatthar.

The eastern Nepalese Himalayan belt encompasses a chain of towering snow-capped peaks above 8,000m. It contains the fascinating world’s highest Mt. Everest (8,848.86m), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), Mt. Makalu (8,481m), and Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188m), and many more. Everest Base Camp Trek is on many travelers’ bucket lists, but the query here is, which month is the best for Everest Base Camp Trek? Thus, Himalaya Trip has presented this article to provide meaningful insights for trekkers to select their preferred months and plan their Everest Base Camp trek.

Which month is best for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The best months for the Everest Base Camp trek are pre-monsoon (spring) from March to May and post-monsoon (autumn0from September to November. During these months, you will get stable weather, clear views, and stunning mountain views. The spring offers you blooming rhododendrons, making the trial more colorful to explore. Similarly, in autumn, you can take part in two major festivals in Nepal.

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If you trek in other months, you will face different challenges. In winter, from December to Feburary, you will encounter heavy snowfall and extreme cold. The monsoons from June to August have heavy rainfall, making the trail slippery and risky. If you are trekking in EBC, understanding what to expect each month is necessary. This will help you choose the best time for you to consider this adventure.

Everest Base Camp Trek Monthly Temperature Chart

MonthsMax (℃)Min (℃)Avg. Day(℃)Avg. Night(℃)Rain (mm)
January-2-204-1820
February-2-174-1525
March7-77-725
April13– 510-540
May18015050
June197175170
July1912168260
August195166250
September180172170
October17-312-350
November10-57-510
December8-154-1510
Everest Base Camp Trek Monthly temperature chart

The above the table is Everest Base Camp’s estimated temperature chart, depending on the weather, and the Lower of the trek is warmer.

Everest Base Camp Trek video

Everest Base Camp Trek Monthly Weather Chart

MonthsWeatherAttractions
JanuaryColdSnowfall, Less crowded, good view
FebruaryColdLight snow, Quiet trails, Pleasant views
MarchSlightly WarmClear views, Blooming Rhododendron flowers, Gyalpo Lhosar
AprilSlightly WarmPeak season, Pleasant temperature, and views
MaySunnyBright day, Good views, Tenzing Hillary Marathon
JuneWarm, Slight RainLush Greenery and awesome scenery
JulyWarm, RainyBeautiful scenery, lush greenery
AugustMostly cloudy, RainyGreenery but no clear views
SeptemberWarm, Slight RainBlue skies, Clear views but crowded
OctoberWarmPerfect visibility, Highly crowded, Mani Rimdu festival
NovemberSlight WarmPerfect and Clear views, Mani Rimdu festival 
DecemberColdChilling cold but clear views
Everest Base Camp Weather Chart

The above weather chart is estimated. The effect of current global warming is that sometimes we have different weather conditions.

How to get to the Everest Base Camp Trek in different months?

The Kathmandu to Lukla flight is the best option for the Everest Base Camp trek. The flight operates from Kathmandu Airport from January to March and the second half of May to December.

In the months of April and the first half of May months, the flight operates from Manthali Airport, Ramechaap, due to air traffic in Kathmandu. During these months, take a 4-hour drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap and then take a flight to Lukla.

Lukla Flight Operation Table Everest Base Camp Trek

MonthsFlight Operates
January to March, May(16-31) to DecemberKathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu
April and May (1-15) and October , NovemberRamechhap-Lukla-Ramechhap
Lukla’s flight schedule at a different month

What to do in case of flight cancellation during the Everest Base Camp trek?

Flight cancellations to and from Lukla are common due to bad and unstable weather. If your flight gets canceled, you should check with your airlines or trekking agency for the next flight. It is good to have extra days in your plan in case of delays. There is an alternative option of Kathmandu to Lukla by helicopter, which costs around USD 500 per person in case of flight cancellations from Kathmandu to Lukla or Lukla to Kathmandu.

If you are stuck in Lukla, you can also trek to Phalpu and then take a jeep ride back to Kathmandu Valley. This will be slightly more time-consuming and will add about 2 to 3 days to your itinerary, but it is a good backup plan. Or if you have enough time, you can also wait in Lukla till the flights start again. We generally recommend you carry some extra cash and get travel insurance that covers flight delays and helicopter rescues.

Festivals or Events during different months during Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek in Gyalpo Lhosar

Gyalpo Lhosar marks the New Year of Sherpa ethnicities, which lasts for two weeks. It falls in the month of March. According to the lunar calendar, it falls in the month of Falgun Shukla Pratipada (the second day of the waxing moon). Mainly they celebrate it for 3 days. Sherpa people celebrate this festival grandly by preparing a special drink called Changkol. They take part and perform in various cultural performances, prepare a tasty dish called ‘Khapsey,’ wear traditional dresses and jewelry, and visit the monasteries. Don’t forget to attend this festival if you are here around March.

Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek in Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon-May 29

Tenzing Hillary Marathon, which is held every year on May 29, is one of the interesting events in the Everest region. It is one of the toughest Marathons organized at such a high altitude. This event has garnered international recognition, and participants from different nations take part annually. The marathon starts from Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and ends at Namche (3,440 m). To participate in this event, some criteria must be fulfilled. Witness this grand event during your EBC trek if you are around the last month of May.

Everest Base Camp Trek in Mani Rimdu Festival (October/November)

Mani Rimdu is a very important Buddhist festival celebrated in the Everest region, which falls in October or November, according to the lunar calendar. This is a 19-day-long festival especially organized in the monasteries of Tengboche, Thame, and Chiwong. This festival is celebrated to mark the establishment of Buddhism by Guru Rinpoche or Padmasambhava.

successful peak climb
5/5.0
It is amazing and good experience to join Himalaya trip’s EBC trek – 12 days. The tour guard – Jay and the porters are well arrangement and caring. They skillfully…

ERIC CHE Hong Kong , 04/2024

successful peak climb
5/5.0

Good Experience of Himalaya trip’s EBC trek – 12 days

It is amazing and good experience to join Himalaya trip’s EBC trek – 12 days. The tour guard – Jay and the porters are well arrangement and caring. They skillfully managed our changing circumstances and ensured our safety. And, really appreciate their efforts in making the trip a success.

ERIC CHE Hong Kong , 04/2024

on monetary
5/5.0
I recently completed a 12-day Everest Base Camp trek that left me speechless, thanks to the exceptional guidance and care provided by Jay, our guide, and his remarkable porter team….

Ho Jessica Lynette Hong Kong , 2024

on monetary
5/5.0

Unforgettable Everest Base Camp Trek with Jay and His Amazing Team!

I recently completed a 12-day Everest Base Camp trek that left me speechless, thanks to the exceptional guidance and care provided by Jay, our guide, and his remarkable porter team. Jay’s thoughtfulness, professionalism, and adaptability were evident throughout the journey as he went above and beyond to ensure our safety and enjoyment. His extensive knowledge of the region and ability to provide alternative options based on different scenarios were invaluable. The porters were incredible too, carrying our loads with diligence and always greeting us with warmth. Together, Jay and the porters formed a fantastic team that made the entire experience seamless and joyous. I highly recommend Jay and his team to anyone planning an Everest Base Camp trek. Their expertise, care, and positive energy will make your adventure truly unforgettable. Thank you, Jay, and the incredible porter team, for an incredible journey!

Ho Jessica Lynette Hong Kong , 2024

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5/5.0
I recently completed a 12-day Everest Base Camp trek that left me speechless, thanks to the exceptional guidance and care provided by Jay, our guide, and his remarkable porter team….

Ho Jessica Lynette Hong Kong , 2024

qchyqXfjTzVNtP6qc5Lm jpg 500x375 1
5/5.0

Unforgettable EBC Trek with Jay

I recently completed a 12-day Everest Base Camp trek that left me speechless, thanks to the exceptional guidance and care provided by Jay, our guide, and his remarkable porter team. Jay’s thoughtfulness, professionalism, and adaptability were evident throughout the journey as he went above and beyond to ensure our safety and enjoyment. His extensive knowledge of the region and ability to provide alternative options based on different scenarios were invaluable. The porters were incredible too, carrying our loads with diligence and always greeting us with warmth. Together, Jay and the porters formed a fantastic team that made the entire experience seamless and joyous. I highly recommend Jay and his team to anyone planning an Everest Base Camp trek. Their expertise, care, and positive energy will make your adventure truly unforgettable. Thank you, Jay, and the incredible porter team, for an incredible journey! Hong Kong, 2024

Ho Jessica Lynette Hong Kong , 2024

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5/5.0
Was referred to Harka by a friend who had done the 12 Days EBC  Trek a few months before, and he was very easy to contact and quick to respond….

Seth Canada , November 2018

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5/5.0

Everest Base Camp Trekking – 12 Days

Was referred to Harka by a friend who had done the 12 Days EBC  Trek a few months before, and he was very easy to contact and quick to respond. We were a bit uneasy about booking with someone from the other side of the world, but Harka proved himself to be honest, professional, and reputable while organising our trip for us. Once we were in Kathmandu, he was easy to meet up with and was quick to help us out with anything we needed. Our guide, Mr. Dil, who met us in Lukla, was what really made our trip as amazing as it was. He was extremely knowledgable on the mountains and mountain passes, as well as getting us into tea houses and our flight home. He was very professional, friendly, and easy to work with, even though his English was a bit broken. Overall, it was an incredible trip, and I wouldn’t hesitate to book with Harka again. If you do the EBC, ask for Dil, he’s the man.

Canada, November 2018

Seth Canada , November 2018

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5/5.0
I booked a private trek to Everest Base Camp so it was just myself and my guide / porter trekking together for 12 days. As a solo traveller I always…

Anna UK , Nov 2018

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5/5.0

Private trek to Everest Base Camp

I booked a private trek to Everest Base Camp so it was just myself and my guide / porter trekking together for 12 days. As a solo traveller I always invest a lot of time in to researching the company I book with, it was important to me to do this with a Nepalese tour company and the previous reviews were so encouraging and positive I decided to contact Himalaya Trip to see what they had to offer.

Harka responded almost immediately despite the time difference and sent me detailed information on the Everest Base Camp trek. He answered all my questions and always replied quickly which continued to give me confidence. They were also very competitively priced compared to other local companies and along with the great reviews I had a good feeling that Harka and his team would be the ones to get me to EBC.

Harka met me at the airport, took me to my hotel and helped get me any last minute bits I needed for the trek in Kathmandu. He made everything very easy and I felt safe and reassured the whole time which is important to me as a solo female traveller.

My guide / porter was called Dil and he was the man I was spending 12 days with trekking to EBC. Dil was fantastic, he looked out for me every step of the way, regularly checking in to ensure I was ok and did everything to make my experience on the trek as comfortable and as safe as possible. Dil was so knowledgable about the area and the mountains he would point out everything along the way. Despite him speaking broken English we could quite easily chat and communicate without any problems.

The trek was an incredible experience and one of the toughest yet most amazing things I’ve ever done and part of that was down to the efficiency and professionalism of Harka and his team. I didn’t have to worry or think about a thing, just getting to EBC.

UK, Nov 2018

Anna UK , Nov 2018

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5/5.0
I had a great time on my walk to Everest Base Camp from Himalaya Trip Team. I have many positive comments and the main ones are: – You were very…

Peter Swanson UK , November 8,2019

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5/5.0

Great time on my walk to Everest Base Camp

I had a great time on my walk to Everest Base Camp from Himalaya Trip Team. I have many positive comments and the main ones are: – You were very efficient and helpful before I arrived, answering all my questions promptly and effectively so I knew what to expect when I arrived. – I was met at the airport as planned, had a good briefing from you at the hotel and the hotel was comfortable. – Everything happened as planned and it was a good timetable enabling me to to walk at my own pace and to properly acclimatise to altitude on the way up. – My guide, Om Gurung, was excellent and very attentive. He obtained single accommodation for me every night and always checked that I had everything I needed before he looked after himself. When I was unwell on the way down he carefully monitored me, gave me throat tablets and did everything he could to ensure I was comfortable. – My porter, Bikas, also did a very good job and was always helpful and pleasant. – The standard of the lodges was good. The only comment is that often the washing facilities were sometimes very limited and at some lodges only consisted of a tap low down beside the toilet! This is not a comment about your company as I think it applies whichever company one uses. It is just difficult to understand why the washing facilities are often so limited and in short supply when all other features of the lodges are very comfortable! – The price of the trek was competitive compared to some companies but the standard of care was equally good. Uk, November 8, 2019

Peter Swanson UK , November 8,2019

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5/5.0
We had used Harka and his team previously in 2014 so knew to expect great service! Jay as guide and vicus as porter we had a private trek on EBC…

Bob & Rae Australia , March 2023

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5/5.0

Trek to Everest Base Camp Experience

We had used Harka and his team previously in 2014 so knew to expect great service! Jay as guide and vicus as porter we had a private trek on EBC trek ! We had extreme weather conditions and jay made sure we stayed safe at all times ! Australia, March 2023

Bob & Rae Australia , March 2023

kyjTyZBPN4e7mYehN5yh jpg 500x375 1
5/5.0
It is amazing and good experience to join Himalaya trip’s EBC trek – 12 days. The tour guard – Jay and the porters are well arrangement and caring. They skillfully…

ERIC CHE Hong Kong , 04/2024

kyjTyZBPN4e7mYehN5yh jpg 500x375 1
5/5.0

Good Experience of Himalaya trip’s EBC trek

It is amazing and good experience to join Himalaya trip’s EBC trek – 12 days. The tour guard – Jay and the porters are well arrangement and caring. They skillfully managed our changing circumstances and ensured our safety. And, really appreciate their efforts in making the trip a success. Hong Kong, 04/2024

ERIC CHE Hong Kong , 04/2024

A huge crowd of Sherpas gathered around the monasteries to celebrate this festival. A series of thirteen acts encompassing religious ceremonies, dance, and drama are performed with great joy. Masked dances, prayers, and feasts are the prime attractions of this festival.

Everest Base Camp Trek Map

Everest Base Camp Trek Map
Everest base camp trek map

Packing List for Everest Base Camp Trek in a different month

The weather is generally warm in lower regions, but as you climb higher to the Everest Base Camp, it gets colder. Thus, we recommend packing light but warm clothes. During winter (December, January, February), it is cold in the lower regions too, so pack accordingly. summer (June, July, August ) is raining season, so you expect some rain. you need to pack rain clothes. Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn ( September, October, November) have average temperatures which is warm and clear visibility. The packing list is mentioned below:

  • Trekking boots (If new boots are purchased, “break them in” to avoid blisters) and spare laces
  • Hat (Warm), scarf and gloves
  • Trousers (Warm trousers are useful higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night.
  • Running shoes, sandals, or thongs (To wear in the camp at night or when your boots are wet).
  • Shorts and trousers
  • Wool-blend socks, liner socks, and underwear (three pairs)
  • Thermal underwear
  • Sunhat
  • Fleece jacket
  • T-shirts (two or three) and a long-sleeved shirt with a collar (a long-sleeved – shirt is particularly suitable for avoiding sunburn.)
  • Laundry soap powder or bar
  • Toilet paper
  • Sunscreen (SPF 20+) and lip balm
  • Sunglasses
  • Pocket knife
  • Iodine, water-purification tablets, or filter
  • Insect repellent ( for lower elevation)
  • Stuff sacks
  • Earplugs
  • Backpack
  • Sleeping back and silk liner
  • Water bottle
  • Torch (flashlight), spare batteries and bulbs
  • Duffle bag
  • Crampon
  • Down jacket or down vest
  • Camera, memory card, and battery charger( spare batteries)
  • Books and magazines
  • Trekking poles
  • Quick-drying camp towel
  • Day pack (This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirements for the day, e.g., toilet items, cameras, towel, soap, chocolate bar, etc.)
  • 2-4 large plastic bags to separate clean clothes from dirty ones
  • Personal medical supplies

Conclusion

Choosing the right month for the Everest Base Camp Trek is important for a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. The best months, like October, November, April, and May, offer clear skies, stable weather, and breathtaking views. These months attract most trekkers, making the trail lively and well-supported. With stable weather, you will have a higher chance of completing the trek without major delays or risk.

However, trekking off-season, such as winter and monsoon, from December to Feburary, and June to August, requires more preparation. You can also consider these two seasons for trekking. However, you need to have great preparations and planning and a guide with you. Still, if you want to get the best and most comfortable trekking experience in the Himalayas, you should choose the right season and avoid unnecessary challenges.

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