March is one of the best time of the year to trek to Nepal. It marks the beginning of Spring season and the end of winter season.
During March the days are quite hot while the nights and mornings are chilly, yet bearable. It is one of those months that experiences stable and perfect weather for trekking.
Also, you do not have to worry about the rain or snow in March. Some of the highlights of trekking in Nepal in March is the blooming rhododendrons. And the wonderful visibility of the surrounding landscapes.
Trekking in March is less busy than other trekking months. This guarantees solitude and peaceful time with nature.
All the popular trails like Everest Base Camp trek and Annapurna Base Camp trek are open during March.
Hence if you are someone who doesn’t mind a little nip in the air and some chilly nights, then March is an ideal time to explore Nepal.
Highlights of Trekking in Nepal in March
- A suitable temperature for trekking
- Excellent snow-capped mountain views and landscapes
- Longer days which means more trekking hours
- Rhododendron blossoms
- Crisp and clear blue sky
- Magnificent sunrise and sunset views
- Scheduled flight and less crowded
- Witness Holi – the festival of colors
- A Celebration of Ghode Jatra in Kathmandu
- Welcome the beginning of lush greenery
Weather Condition in Nepal in March
Nepal experiences four seasons and March is the beginning of Spring season. Spring season is one of the best time to trek in Nepal after Autumn.
This time of the year sees blossoming biodiversity. And gives life to the forest along the trails. While the valleys are lush green and the mountains covered in snow.
In March the skies are clear and the weather is perfect. However, the weather does differ as per the region you trek to.
In the Himalayan region, you can still expect to get sub-zero temperature at night in early March.
The average daytime temperatures in Kathmandu valley is around 23-degree Celsius in March. The temperature might range from max 26 degree to minimum 20-degree Celsius.
In the lower region, the temperature is mild that will ensure a comfortable trekking experience. As the temperature slowly starts to increase, the daylight hours increase too. This means that you have more trekking hours.
In March, the humidity is low and the views are great. Similarly, there is less chance of rainfall during this month. This creates wonderful opportunity to get crystal clear views of giant Himalayas.
Moreover, you can also get amazing views of sunrise and sunset over the mountains. This is why there are very fewer chances of flight delays or cancellation.
Recommended Treks in Nepal in March
Everest Panorama Trek
If you are looking for a short trek in the Everest region then Everest Panorama trek is perfect for you. During the month of March, you will get mesmerizing close up panoramic views of the mountains.
With winter coming to an end, the temperature slowly rises in the month of March. And, you don’t have to worry about rain or snow.
Days are warmer and also longer. The nights are a bit colder. But you will mostly be staying indoors, so this should be fine.
The Everest Panorama trek in March offers spectacular views of the mountain peaks such as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and others.
You can also witness the rich and diverse culture of the local people i.e the Sherpas. Along the trail, you get to visit ancient Buddhist monasteries one of which is Tengboche Monastery.
Highlights of the trek
- Short trekking duration to the popular Everest region.
- Close up view of the Everest and other peaks
- Acclimatization at the highest trading center, Namche Bazaar
- Visit famous and prestigious Tengboche Monastery
- Walk through traditional Sherpa village
Gokyo Lake trek- Cho La Pass- Everest Base Camp
This is one of the longer treks in the Everest region. However, Everest-Cho-La Pass-Gokyo Trek ensures complete adventure and a lifetime experience.
With this trek, you will get some of the most mesmerizing views of the highest peak in the world. Also, you get to explore Sagarmatha National park which is the world’s highest national park.
Along the trail, you will see many traditional villages with their unique culture and monuments. The locals of this region are very welcoming and their hospitality will amaze you.
During Spring and in the month of March, you will enjoy the blossoming of rhododendrons and pine forests. As the days start to get warm from March, you can spot wildlife like red panda, musk deer, snow leopards etc.
Highlights of the trek
- Spectacular panoramic view of Mt. Everest
- Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri
- Cross the Cho La Pass
- Visit Tengboche and other Buddhist monasteries
- Kala Patthar, the highest point of the trek
- Namche Bazaar, highest trade center
- Blooming of rhododendron and pine trees
- Glimpse of wildlife
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp trekking is one of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal. It is a classic trek to take in the month of March.
During March, you will experience the perfect mix of natural as well as cultural exploration.
In this trek, you will walk through various terrain with beautiful landscapes. The forests along the trails come to life with rhododendrons, bamboo, and alpine vegetation.
Here, the locals that are the Gurungs and Magars welcome you.
You will get a chance to learn about their culture, traditions, and lifestyle. The ABC trekking will give a mind-blowing view of the mountain peaks like Mt Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Nilgiri etc.
This amazing trek starts and ends in the beautiful lake city, Pokhara. Pokhara is an ideal place for relaxation after the Annapurna Base Camp trek
Highlights of the trek
- Spectacular sunrise view from Poon Hill
- Close up view of the Annapurna and Machhapuchchhre
- Diverse flora and fauna
- Gurung, Magar and other local ethnic groups
- Lush forest with the fresh blossoming of flowers
- Enjoy the lake city of Pokhara.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Are you a bit nervous about your first trek? Or, are you running in a tight schedule but still would like to experience the Himalayan range closely? Poon hill trek is an ideal destination for you in March.
This trek takes you to witness a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and other surrounding ranges.
Along with the natural beauty, it does unleashes your strength and determination. You will be climbing 3000 stone steps to Ulleri which is quite challenging.
This short trek offers a pleasant stay at hospitable Magar and Gurung villages along the way. The warm and long days lets you reach Ghorepani on time. The following day you can either choose to rest or hike.
Hence anyone with average fitness can take this trek and be sure of a worthy experience.
Highlights of the trek
- Best sunrise panoramic view of mountains from Poon Hill
- Challenging stone steps ascent to Ulleri
- One of the biggest Gurung village in Ghandruk
- Ghandruk Gurung Museum
- Short Himalayan trekking experience
Langtang Valley Trek
Langtang Valley trek is a short trek to the Himalayas influenced by Tibetan lifestyle in Langtang region. With its gaining popularity, Langtang Valley trek is among the best trekking routes in Nepal.
The starting of Spring in March gives you an amazing view of the blossoming rhododendron, bamboo, and alpine forests.
The hibernating wild animals come out in the sun as the days tend to get warmer. So this gives you a great chance to encounter some rare birds and animals such as Himalayan black bear, Langur monkeys, wild boar, red pandas etc.
The locals living in the Langtang region are descendants of Tibetan origin. They have their own unique culture, tradition, and lifestyle. Hence you will get to witness and explore a new culture.
With less traffic in March, you will get more time to explore the landscapes and spend some solitude time with nature.
Though this trek is not far from the capital city it still remains untouched by modernity and modern civilization.
This trek will definitely give you an experience you will cherish all your life and March is a great time to take this opportunity.
Highlights of the trek
- Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
- Tradition, culture, and lifestyle of Tibetan descendant locals
- Visit Kyanjin Gompa
- Spectacular sunrise view from Tserko Ri,4984m
Manaslu Circuit trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek is one among the challenging treks in Nepal. This trek offers both cultural and natural beauty untouched by modernity.
This trek opened only in 1992 and until then it remained a restricted area. Hence trekking to this region requires a special permit. Over the years the popularity of Manaslu Circuit trek is increasing rapidly.
The trek offers amazing opportunity to experience the local heritage and biodiversity of the Manaslu region. It also takes you around Mount Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world.
March is a perfect month for trekking in this region as the days are longer and warmer than that of winter months. In this trek, you will get to see the truest form of nature with amazing sunrise and sunset views.
Highlights of the trek
- View of Budhi Gandaki river valley
- Witness the 8th highest peak in the world, Mt Manaslu 8156m
- Spectacular viewpoints of a peak like Manaslu, Himchuli, Peak 92, Mt.Ganesh etc
- Cross the challenging Larkya La Pass
Tips for Trekking in Nepal in March
Trekking in any time of the year requires a little bit of preparation and March is no exception. Here are some tips that you should consider,
Proper Gears and Equipment
Make sure you take all the trekking gears and equipment necessary for your trek. However, you don’t have to carry everything from your home country.
You can buy or rent all the general trekking gears from Kathmandu or Pokhara. Taking trekking poles can be helpful to keep a good balance. This reduces the impact on your legs and knees.
Taking the right hiking boot can either make or break your trekking experience. Hence make sure it is comfortable and of good quality.
Dress in layers while trekking so that you can take off or put on clothes according to the situation. Carry warm clothes that are windproof for higher altitudes.
Invest in a good sleeping bag to stay warm during the chilly nights and mornings in March.
Hire a Guide and Porter
It is very important that you take a professional guide while trekking into the remote and mountain region. The guide will have all the right information to knowledge you with.
Moreover, they know which route to take and what to do in times of emergencies. They are a must for safety concerns.
And as for Porter, it is wise to have one to make your trip comfortable and smooth. Carrying a load of just a few pounds can add to the difficulty of the trek.
Being able to move freely without the burden of the baggage can be a huge relief for which you will be thankful later.
Book your Trip in Advance
The Spring season is less busy than the Autumn. However, Spring is still a popular trekking season.
Early March sees less crowd. But towards the end of March, more and more trekkers make their way for trekking.
Hence be sure to book your trip in advance in terms of flight and accommodation.
Altitude Sickness
Anyone is at risk of altitude sickness. This is true for high altitude treks throughout the year including March.
There are various ways to avoid altitude sickness some of which are taking proper training, eating and drinking well, walking slow etc. It is very important to take rest and never skip the acclimatization days.
And in case of any difficulty while trekking, do not force on your body and reach out for help from the guide immediately.
Stay Hydrated
One of the most important things to do while trekking in March or any other months is to stay hydrated. Drinking water is something you tend to forget esp during the cold. March has moderate weather so make sure you drink enough water while trekking.
Trekking, in general, will sweat you out. Hence it is important to balance the water intake. Make sure to carry a water bottle and water purification tablet and drink as much water as possible.
Doing so also helps to minimize the risk of altitude sickness in the higher altitudes.
Conclusion
Trekking in Nepal is possible throughout the year. March has favorable weather which makes trekking experience smooth and less difficult.
It is an ideal time to avoid extremely hot or cold climate. Moreover, it is a dry month so you don’t have to worry about the rain.
In March, you can maintain a slow pace in your trek due to warm and long days. And enjoy the majestic views of the mountains and landscapes.
So, all this makes trekking in March absolutely amazing. Hence if you have any further questions or queries, please feel free to contact us.
