Everest Base Camp is a dream destination for many trekkers and travellers around the world. It is a lifetime experience to visit the base camp of the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest.
It’s solemnity and beauty awes people from all walks of life and trek to Everest Base Camp is possible for anyone, regardless of their age, gender, trekking experience.
Also, if you are looking to enjoy your trips relaxing and enjoying the beauty in luxury, Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek is a great option to consider.
Unlike, the weather and temperatures at the summit which are mostly below freezing point, the trails to the base camp enjoys four distinct seasons with varying weather and temperatures.
So, deciding on which season to choose depends entirely on the weather that best suits your body type. If you are a winter person the chill and the snow should not bother you as the heat and humidity does.
This makes your trip a lot easier and enjoyable.
Weather According to Seasons
All parts of Nepal including the region leading to Everest Base Camp witnesses four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Each of these seasons add some unique flavor to your mountain trekking experience.
Spring season
The trails are crowded with trekkers and mountaineers from all around the world during the months of March to May which is considered Spring season in Nepal.
This season sees slightly more stable weather conditions and high visibility of the surrounding mountain peaks including Mt. Everest.
It is the ideal weather to summit Everest and hence, you get the unique experience of mingling with people wishing to climb Mt. Everest.
The aura and enthusiasm of the mountaineers will motivate you to continue with your trekking experience.
This season is also great to view the biodiversity of the trails. You can take your time and explore the wildlife, flowers, landscapes, mountain views along the trail. The pink and red blossoms of the rhododendrons will add to the beauty of the landscape in the lower regions of the trails.
The temperature fluctuates between a cool 17- 23 degrees Celsius during the day leaving you cool and refreshed throughout your treks. The nights and mornings are slightly colder.
The temperatures also decrease with the increase in altitude.
The Everest Base Camp sees temperatures drop to 0 degrees Celsius during the nights and early mornings during this season.
Summer Season
Nepal witnesses wet Summer during the months of June to August. This season sees hot and humid weather along with torrential rainfall and thunderstorm.
The weather in the Himalayas is less stable; hence this season is considered the least favorable time to trek Everest Base Camp.
An experienced trekking guide should guide you well with the trekking trails and the routes so that you encounter lesser muddy and slippery trails. Insects like mosquitoes and leeches can dampen your moods, but with proper ointments and anti- bug sprays, the bugs will not be a problem.
A proper packing list to trek Everest Base Camp in summer should do the job.
The trekking trails will be far less crowded leaving you to enjoy and explore the trails at your convenience without having to rush to your next destination to find rooms, meals. Most of the tea houses are open for business during this season and will be far less occupied.
This is also the best time to explore the flora and fauna of the region as the surrounding forest, terrace farms, alpine flowers, animals become more lush and active during this season.
The frequent rainfall also increases the possibility of landslides and mudslides in the lower regions; hence having an experienced guide with thorough knowledge of the trails is strongly recommended as a trekking partner.
Autumn Season
Autumn (months of September, October and November) is considered ideal for trekking in Nepal including treks to Everest Base Camp.
Stable weather conditions along with clear skies almost guarantees that you get to witness the panoramic views of the mountains around the Everest region in their full glory.
The temperature of the region is also cool making for comfortable treks.
As monsoon just passed by, the rivers and waterfalls will still be gushing adding in to the aesthetic beauty of the place.
But, pre-booking is a must during this season. You may need to pre-book almost everything from your flights, tea houses, trekking packages, guides, meals. This season is the most popular month for trekking, so the trails will be crowded with trekkers and travelers from around the world.
Well, if you are a people-person, you do get to meet like-minded people who will add in to making your trips a lot more enjoyable.
Winter Season
Winter at Everest Base Camp sees freezing weather conditions with temperatures dropping to -25 degrees Celsius during the cold nights. The weather and temperatures are slightly higher in the lower regions.
Although the weather is cold, you can still trek to Everest Base Camp in winter.
With the right equipment, gears and supplies, you can actually have a pretty awesome trekking experience in winter.
The Everest region is usually dry and clear during winter except for the morning mist and occasional snowfall. Most of the area surrounding the base camp will be covered in thick layer of snow. The view will be spectacular.
The best pictures are taken in winter.
With less number of trekkers during this season you can enjoy the views at your own comfortable pace. Also, a lot of tea houses and restaurants along the trails will be closed during winter but the few that are open will offer great prices and services.
Passes such as Gokyo trail, Mera Peak may be closed for your safety during winter.
The flights in and out of Lukla could be affected due to the weather conditions. But it is likely that you will get good discounts on your air tickets.
Facts about Everest Base Camp
- Everest Base Camp is a UNESCO world heritage site
- EBC at an altitude of 5,545m is in the lap of world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest.
- It is known as Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan.
- Namche Bazaar, also called the capital of the Sherpa people is the gateway to Mount Everest.
- There are numerous trekking routes to Everest Base Camp. Each of them present the cultural and natural diversity of Nepal.
- The weather in the mountains is unpredictable. The best months to do the Everest Base Camp trek is March to May, i.e. Spring season and late September to December, i.e. the Autumn season.
- October is the best month to do the Everest Base Camp trek. However, the best time to summit Mt. Everest is May.
Additional Tips for your trek to Everest Base Camp
- Choosing the best time to trek Everest Base camp is highly recommended for the novice trekkers.
- Though monsoon is the least favorite month, it is adventurous and challenging. And, with proper gear and equipment it should not be a problem.
- The time of monsoon does vary year to year. Some years you may have early or late monsoon. It is best to stay updated about weather forecast for the duration of your treks.
- Winter trekking is the best, however, it is not recommended for armature trekkers.
- Being physically and mentally prepared for your trek is a must, regardless of the season you trek in.
- Always remain hydrated and avoid drinking or smoking at any cost.
- Hiring a porter is highly recommended to make your trek a more comfortable and enjoyable one.
Conclusion
Knowing what to expect at Everest Base Camp, the lap of the world’s highest mountain is the first step to confirming your decision to trek there.
Instead of choosing the best months for trekking, make your decision based on what you are comfortable with and sure about.
The Everest Base Camp is there and will provide trekkers with lifetime memories and trekking experience, regardless of the season you choose to trek in. The weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable; take clothing for warm, rain and cold temperatures regardless of the season you choose to trek in.
You certainly want to have the best, fulfilling experience during your trek, so if you have any doubts, queries, feel free to contact us.
