Most people say that anytime you feel you are ready is the best time. Well, it is true for most things in life.
But this just may not be the best mantra to follow when it comes to planning a trek to the base camp of the highest mountain in the world – Mount Everest.
There are a lot of things that need to be taken into consideration when you plan to check Everest Base Camp off your bucket list. You must be super excited about the trip. You might also have started thinking about purchasing the things you will be needing on the trip.
But hold your horses and let’s talk about the weather you will be facing on the way to the Base Camp.
Everest Base Camp is perched 5,335 meters above the sea level. Yes, 5335 meters! The Base Camp is at a very high altitude and hence the region is mostly known to have extremely cold and unpredictable weather conditions.
Then again, on a clear day, you will also be enjoying clear skies and magnificent panoramic views of Mount Everest. So, it is important that you understand the weather patterns of the region when planning your trek to ensure you get the most out of your time spent in the area.
You have planned on trumping the most iconic trek. If you are an adventure junkie, any weather is the best weather for you. Winters are the best. But you are a first timer or want to stay on the safe side, spring and autumn, the peak seasons are the best.
Best time to go trekking to the Everest Base Camp.
Nepal is situated in Northern Hemisphere. The climate of Nepal is influenced by two main forces. The winds coming over the Bay of Bengal to the south and the winds coming from the main Asian Continent to the north.
The weather up in the mountains change drastically, and it is so throughout the year. The Everest Base Camp too experiences drastic and varied weather. Depending on your priority you will need to choose the best time for trekking to the Everest Base Camp.
How?
If you love winters and wouldn’t trade the chilly atmosphere of winters for an easy trek. Winters are the best time for you. Winters not only invites you with the snow, it also brings in clear skies and awesome views.
But if you want to limit the hardwork and adventure to long hikes and it’s best to choose spring and autumn. The weather during these months are just perfect. You won’t miss a thing.
Recommended trekking seasons
Taking the weather into consideration we would say the following are the most favorable season if you chose to play it easy.
Peak Season Weather
Peak seasons are those times of the year when the weather in Nepal is neither too hot nor too cold, and the chances of rain is minimal. You will definitely be walking up to the base camp, so when the weather isn’t a mess, you will enjoy your walk, better.
But, because it is a peak season, like you, everyone will want to enjoy the peace. You will meet lots of other trekkers too. This is another great way to exchange experiences.
March – May
March to May are the spring months. This season is the most popular in the entire Everest region as a whole. It is an excellent time to trek to Everest Base Camp.
You will experience clear, bright days and warmer climate on the trail during this time. You could expect occasional showers but will mostly have a stable and dry climate which is the perfect weather for trekking and high altitude climbing.
With the favorable weather, you will also be able to catch the spectacular display of blooming Rhododendrons en route to Everest Base Camp during April.
Since the weather is at its best, you can expect the trail to be a busy one.You will most likely come across numerous climbers, summiteers along with their support crew.
September – November
September to November is the most popular time of the year for trekkers. This time provides the most stable and clear weather in the Everest region. Most treks offer stunning panoramic views, which on a clear day, are simply spectacular.
Clear skies, stunning views, and a pleasant temperature for trekking.
Everything is just right this season. But the nights are quite colder than the days. But you will most likely be indoor at night. So this should not bother you.
You can enjoy the majestic views of this glorious mountain along the trail. By the time you reach the base camp, the feeling of sharing the same ground with this impeccable beauty is out of the world.
The peak season will benefit you in many ways but you will be competing with a lot of other trekkers for the accommodation. Pre-booking your trek will always do the trick.
September to October is also a good time to explore the option of one of the lesser-known routes. You can get off the hustle and bustle of the more popular routes and away from the crowds.
The Gokyo Lake Trek to the Everest Base Camp trail would be the perfect example of choosing the less beaten up trail to reach Everest Base Camp.
Offseason Weather
December to February
The weather is fairly stable and dry from December to February. Although it can get very cold in the Everest Base Camp. The temperature during these months hang around -20 to -30 degrees Celsius.
This is a great season if you want to avoid the crowd and enjoy the trek peaceful.
Also, winter lovers can enjoy additional amount of fun trekking this season. Be sure to be well geared for the trek.
Things to consider
The “best time” for trekking to the Everest Base Camp is a very subjective question. And the answer is will vary depending on the experience you want to take away at the end of the trip. When you answer the following questions through and through you will get to know the best time for you to tackle the Everest Base Camp trek.
- Do you prefer to share the experience with other trekkers en route?
- Do you prefer to go on treks when there are fewer people on the trial?
- Is it your aim to go to the Everest Base camp when the sky is clearer for the best photography chances?
- Is it your aim to cross the Everest Base Camp and keep on the trail to the summit of Mount Everest?
- Can you brave the trails even though you will have to face showers on the trail?
- Are you up for the challenge to compete, with other trekkers, for bed in the hotels and lodges at the Everest Base Camp?
- Is camping in the tents a viable option?
These are some of the questions that make up your “best time” to go trekking to the Everest Base Camp. It all comes down to what condition and weather you prefer to walk in.
Our Advice
For first timers, we would advise you to trek during the peak months that are from September -November and from March- May. This time period will treat you with mild and stable weather. The classic routes will be buzzing and busy but your fellow trekkers will do little to distract you from the majestic views of Mount Everest.
Winters demands you to invest in some cold-weather gears. Despite this, it is an amazing experience worth taking. However, monsoons are quite challenging. But it is also an amazing time to explore the flora and fauna of the place.
Note:
Since you are choosing the Everest Base Camp Trek. You should know that there are various trekking routes that will get you to the Everest Base Camp.
- The 15-day expedition to Everest Base Camp.
- The 14-day expedition to Everest Base Camp.
- Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek.
- Everest Panorama Trek.
- Classic Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek.
- Everest – Cho-La Pass – Gokyo Trek.
Last Say,
Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most famous and one of the most iconic trekking destinations in the world today. Getting up close with the world’s highest mountain is equal parts thrilling as well as adventurous.
But like everything you need to have a full proof plan. You need to make sure you have the necessary gears and equipment, the required budget and the perfect weather conditions that supports your ascend.
You can only be sure that you are fully prepared when you have checked everything.
