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.
Table of Contents
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
Months | Max (℃) | Min (℃) | Avg. Day(℃) | Avg. Night(℃) | Rain (mm) |
January | -2 | -20 | 4 | -18 | 20 |
February | -2 | -17 | 4 | -15 | 25 |
March | 7 | -7 | 7 | -7 | 25 |
April | 13 | – 5 | 10 | -5 | 40 |
May | 18 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 50 |
June | 19 | 7 | 17 | 5 | 170 |
July | 19 | 12 | 16 | 8 | 260 |
August | 19 | 5 | 16 | 6 | 250 |
September | 18 | 0 | 17 | 2 | 170 |
October | 17 | -3 | 12 | -3 | 50 |
November | 10 | -5 | 7 | -5 | 10 |
December | 8 | -15 | 4 | -15 | 10 |
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
Months | Weather | Attractions |
January | Cold | Snowfall, Less crowded, good view |
February | Cold | Light snow, Quiet trails, Pleasant views |
March | Slightly Warm | Clear views, Blooming Rhododendron flowers, Gyalpo Lhosar |
April | Slightly Warm | Peak season, Pleasant temperature, and views |
May | Sunny | Bright day, Good views, Tenzing Hillary Marathon |
June | Warm, Slight Rain | Lush Greenery and awesome scenery |
July | Warm, Rainy | Beautiful scenery, lush greenery |
August | Mostly cloudy, Rainy | Greenery but no clear views |
September | Warm, Slight Rain | Blue skies, Clear views but crowded |
October | Warm | Perfect visibility, Highly crowded, Mani Rimdu festival |
November | Slight Warm | Perfect and Clear views, Mani Rimdu festival |
December | Cold | Chilling cold but clear views |
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
Months | Flight Operates |
January to March, May(16-31) to December | Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu |
April and May (1-15) and October , November | Ramechhap-Lukla-Ramechhap |
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 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.
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
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.