Picture yourself walking under crystal-clear skies along rugged trails adorned by vibrant rhododendron blooms and towering peaks. That is exactly how it feels to trek to Everest Base Camp in March and April.
Often characterized by the perfect blend of mild temperatures, crisp air, and clear skies, these months aren’t just ideal for the Everest experience—they’re actually spectacular! With the frigid winter losing its grip, the valley of Khumbu finally starts breathing a new life during this season.
This is perhaps one of the best times to enjoy the snow-covered giants at their best, basking in the sunlit mornings. The chilly evening weather of the Himalayas invites you to warm up in cozy teahouses and enjoy delicious hot meals.
Having said that, the spring season also brings its own set of challenges. Let’s take a deep dive into what it’s like to Everest Base Camp Trek in March and April—from trek highlights and challenges to planning the route and gear checklist.
After the harsh winter, March and April mark the arrival of the much-anticipated spring season in the Everest region.
While the temperature tends to rise in March, the early days of the month may still feel slightly cold in the higher altitudes. Below 4,000 meters, you can expect warm, pleasant weather with clear blue skies. Although the sky does not remain as crisp and clear in spring as in the winter, there is no compromise on mountain views, especially after mid-March.
The winter snow along the route begins to melt, thanks to the extended days and stronger sunlight. However, if you’re traveling in early March, you may still find thin snow sticking around in the upper reaches.
The average daytime temperature along the routes of Everest Base Camp Trek in March can range from 13°C to -1°C, while the nighttime temperature drops significantly from -3°C to -15°C.
April, however, brings much better weather for the Everest Base Camp Trek. Although the lower reaches may feel a bit warm, the temperature is fantastic in the upper parts of the trek. By this time of year, almost all winter snow has melted, bringing warmth and freshness to the air.
In April, the weather becomes more steady and predictable as the winter season completely loses its hold. The day often begins with bright, crystal-clear skies offering breathtaking mountain sceneries. However, afternoons usually welcome thick cloud covers that obstruct the views.
Precipitation in April is relatively low and erratic. Even when it occasionally rains or snows, it contains quickly, sometimes within a few minutes. The average daytime temperature on the Everest Base Camp Trek in April ranges from 17°C to 3°C, while the nighttime temperature drops around 5°C to -9°C.
Quick Look of Everest Base Camp Trek Weather in March and April
|
Month |
Daytime Temperature |
Nighttime Temperature |
Snow & Trail Conditions |
Sky & Visibility |
Precipitation |
Notes |
|
March |
13°C to -1°C |
-3°C to -15°C |
Winter snow begins to melt; thin snow may remain at higher altitudes |
Mostly clear skies; mountain views excellent after mid-March |
Low |
Early March still cold at higher altitudes; lower regions pleasan |
|
April |
17°C to 3°C |
5°C to -9°C |
Most winter snow melted; trails warmer and fresher |
Bright mornings, sometimes thick clouds in afternoon |
Low and erratic |
Weather steadier and more predictable; excellent for trekking and photography |
Whilst the journey to Everest Base Camp in any season is an unforgettable experience, March and April add a unique charm to the adventure. Here are a few reasons why these months are considered a top choice for avid trekkers:
Unlike the monsoon, the weather in March and April remains dry and stable throughout the day. The skies are clear and cloudless in the mornings, making it one of the best times to enjoy the mountain scenery of the Everest region.
Although thick clouds tend to cover the skies in the afternoon, they do not continuously disrupt the scenery. With minimal chances of rain or snow, the soaring mountains and rugged landscapes adorn the trekking trails for almost the entire day during these months.
By mid-March, the spring season swirls its way into the high Himalayas of Nepal. After shaking off residual winter snow, the trails of Everest Base Camp turn into a palette of reds, whites, purples, and pinks with blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers.
The contrasting colors of the wildflowers dominating the foreground with the snow-capped peaks settling in the back is a rare sight. Moreover, the forested trails in the lower elevations are surrounded by lush vegetation, creating a refreshing atmosphere for trekking.
March and April offer favorable weather for trekking to Everest Base Camp. The temperature usually remains mild, stable, and dry during this season. Although the mornings and evenings are relatively chilly, the afternoons are sunny and warm, ideal for long-distance trekking.
Nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing during these months. However, the cozy rooms and warm meals of the teahouses provide a comfortable shelter to help you beat the cold.
During the spring, hundreds of species of birds migrate to the Everest region to breed. As the weather warms in the Himalayas, the trails are usually rich with the soothing calls and songs of these migratory birds.
Therefore, March and April are great months for birdwatchers to witness rare migratory bird sightings in the Everest region. Birds like the Himalayan Monal, Tibetan Snowcock, Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Griffon, Yellow-billed Choughs, golden eagle, and Bar-Headed Geese dominate the skies during these months.
If you are into the wild fauna and flore of the Himalayas. you might like our blog: Exotic Animals of Nepali Himalaya
If you’re planning your Everest Base Camp trek in March or April, here’s a popular 14-day itinerary that balances trekking, acclimatization, and sightseeing. Spring is one of the best times for EBC, with clearer skies, blooming rhododendrons, and stunning mountain views.
Pro Tip: Spring weather is usually great, but flights to Lukla can be delayed. Adding an extra day or two as a buffer can save you a lot of stress.
For more detailed itinerary, explore our 14 Days Everest Base Camp Trek Package
Planning your budget for Everest Base Camp doesn’t have to be a headache. Here is a quick look at what you will likely spend if you're heading out in March or April:
|
Expense |
Estimated Cost (USD) |
|
Full 14-day package (Guide, porter, stay, meals) |
$1,300 – $1,800 |
|
Lukla round-trip flights |
$180 – $250 |
|
Permits (National Park + local fees) |
~$30 – $50 |
|
Guide & porter daily fees |
$25 – $35 |
|
Tea house meals & bed (if booking solo) |
$20 – $35 per day |
|
Personal extras (Wi-Fi, showers, snacks) |
$50 – $100 |
Quick Tips for Your Wallet:
March and April are two of the most popular months for the EBC Trek. With the cold winter slowly slipping away, the first week of March signals the start of the trekking season in the Everest region. By this time, the trail remains relatively quiet, with only a few trekkers braving their way to the Everest Base Camp. However, traffic increases significantly from the second week onward.
April is the second busiest month after October, drawing approximately 16 percent of annual trekkers. Consequently, you’ll have to deal with crowded trails, lively dining halls, and fierce competition to take that perfect selfie at Kala Patthar.
If you’re trekking to Everest Base Camp in spring, we advise you to prepare for the hustle and embrace the company of fellow adventurers along the trail.
If you want to look beyond the classic Everest Base Camp route, March and April are fantastic for exploring nearby trails. These months offer incredible views and high-altitude adventure on paths that aren't quite as crowded.
In March, all the flights to Lukla are operated directly from the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. This is because the flow of tourists is relatively low throughout the country.
Weather disturbances, including occasional rain showers and snowfalls, are quite likely during March, so prepare for possible flight delays. However, the chances of flight cancellations are minimal, as the disruptions are usually short-lived. Adding a buffer day to your itinerary for worst-case scenarios is a good idea.
In April, all flights to Lukla are usually diverted to Manthali Airport in Ramechhap. This is because the influx of tourists in the country is significantly higher, causing air traffic congestion at Kathmandu Airport.
You’ll have to drive five hours from Kathmandu to Manthali Airport in Ramechhap to catch a flight to Lukla in April. The benefit, however, is that the chance of flight delays and cancellations is significantly less while flying from Ramechhap.
Despite the favorable weather and stunning scenery, the spring season also presents its own set of challenges. Here are a few challenges you should be prepared for:
Trekking to Everest Base Camp in March and April is generally seen as moderate to challenging. While spring gives you much better weather and clearer views than winter, you still have to deal with high altitudes and long days of hiking.
Because this is peak season, the trails can get crowded, and mountain weather is always a bit unpredictable. Being physically fit, preparing well, and taking your acclimatization seriously are the keys to making sure you actually enjoy the experience rather than just struggling through it.
Spring’s popularity as one of the peak trekking seasons means the trails to Everest Base Camp will be crowded with trekkers, especially from mid-March onwards. While the company of fellow trekkers can be uplifting at times, it usually adds more to the challenges.
Walking past several trekking groups, porters, and yak mules throughout the day can be tedious and exhausting. The narrow sections, particularly in the upper reaches of the trek, can become bottlenecks. Besides that, the dining areas can become highly congested, resulting in excessive noise, a reduced sense of solitude, and sharing tables.
While spring usually offers stable weather, higher altitudes can still experience unpredictable changes. In early March, for example, you may expect strong winds, snowfalls, and thunderstorms.
Moreover, the weather can significantly change between the day and night. While daytime temperatures are manageable, nights can drop below freezing, particularly in the upper reaches.
We highly recommend you pack weather-appropriate gear and do proper layering to stay warm and protected.
While clear skies are great for enjoying mountain views, they also bring high UV exposure at higher altitudes. Although the temperatures are still cool, and skin protection may not seem necessary, the opposite is true. Also, the skin is often more sensitive to UV radiation after limited sun exposure in winter.
Prolonged trekking under the sun without proper protection can increase the risk of sunburn during these months. Therefore, we recommend wearing a wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen to stay protected.
Most scenic locations, such as Hillary Bridge, Namche Bazaar, Kala Patthar, and Everest Base Camp, can get overcrowded in March and April. You may have to wait in long queues or compete for the limited space to soak in the views and take pictures at these iconic spots.
This can take away the essence of the trek and cause frustration among the trekkers. Although this is a tough one to tackle, we advise you to start early to avoid peak crowds at these spots.
During the peak season, particularly in April, you might have to deal with several logistic delays while trekking to Everest Base Camp. The most obvious one is the Lukla flight. Excessive crowds, air traffic congestion, and inconsistent weather often delay flights to Lukla during spring. Therefore, you should add a buffer day to your itinerary and prepare for these circumstances.
Due to excessive crowds, you may also encounter long queues at permit checkpoints in Lukla and Monjo. These checkpoints progress slowly and usually take time to get things done. So, plan extra time for these delays to ensure you stay on schedule without rushing.
The influx of trekkers to Everest Base Camp is significantly high during March and April. This can increase demand for accommodation, meals, charging facilities, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and heating facilities. In some places, this often results in service delays or higher rates.
We recommend booking your trek as early as possible through a reputable company to mitigate such scenarios. This gives the travel company enough time to book your flights and accommodations in advance and plan your itinerary so that you arrive at your destinations early and avoid delays.
Recommended Read: Is Solo Trekking Safe and Possible for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Trekking to Everest Base Camp involves significant altitude gains, with the route ascending from 2,840 meters at Lukla to 5,545 meters at Kala Patthar. Although March and April present favorable weather conditions for the EBC Trek, altitude challenges remain a concern. The causes include rapid altitude gain, reduced oxygen levels, psychological demands, and accelerated dehydration.
The colder nights of spring can add more difficulties. With temperatures dropping below freezing at higher elevations, you’ll likely have frequent sleep disturbances and uneasiness at night. As a result, you may have fatigue and stress on the body and mind, eventually leading to altitude sickness.
Whilst it is not necessary to be an elite athlete or bodybuilder to trek to Everest Base Camp, decent physical fitness and prior trekking experience are recommended to make it comfortable and enjoyable.
By the standard route, Everest Base Camp is not a very technical or challenging trek. However, it involves steep rocky sections, rugged terrain, high valleys, and high altitudes. Therefore, you should be physically and mentally prepared to tackle these challenges.
Here are a few pre-trek training and preparation tips to improve your fitness level for this trek. We recommend beginning the training at least four to six weeks before the trek.
Packing the right gear is crucial to ensuring comfort, safety, and preparedness for the varying weather and challenging terrain of the Everest region. Here’s a comprehensive packing list for trekking to Everest Base Camp in March and April.
Regardless of the season, trekkers must obtain two permits for the EBC Trek.
You can obtain this essential permit at the checkpoints in Lukla or Monjo. This permit costs Rs.2000 for all international trekkers, including SAARC nationals.
You can acquire this park entry permit from the park entrance gate in Monjo or the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) office in Kathmandu. It costs Rs.1500 for SAARC nationals and Rs.3000 for other international travelers.
You can find a wide variety of accommodation options in the Everest Base Camp Trek. Compared to other treks in Nepal, the accommodation in the Everest region is better and more facilitated, especially in the lower sections.
Most teahouses have small rooms with twin or triple beds and shared bathroom facilities. They also usually have a large, well-decorated dining area, often packed with trekkers enjoying meals and relaxing by the heating stove. Almost all the teahouses in the Everest region offer hot showers and Wi-Fi services.
Even in peak trekking seasons like March and April, the teahouses rarely reach full capacity in stops like Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar. However, the teahouses in the upper parts of the trail can reach full capacity due to limited rooms. You may have to settle for shared accommodations or dining hall floors in such cases. Therefore, we recommend you book your accommodations in advance, especially if you plan to trek to Everest Base Camp in April.
The teahouses and restaurants in the Everest region offer diverse food options, from local delicacies to continental cuisines. Most menus include Dal Bhat, momo, chowmein, fried rice, noodle soup, spaghetti, pizza, sandwiches, and pancakes. The services are usually fast and reliable. However, due to the high flow of tourists in March and April, the teahouses may struggle to meet the food demand and cause delays in food preparation.
You can also explore EBC in different seasons:
Trekking to Everest Base Camp in March and April brings a few safety concerns that require careful consideration. Although the weather is generally moderate and stable this season, unpredicted rain, snow, and strong winds can pose challenges, especially at higher elevations.
While the route of Everest Base Camp is safe and well-maintained, it can become congested, particularly after mid-March. Overcrowding on narrow sections with the endless flow of trekking groups, yak caravans, and porters can increase the risk of accidents. If you see yaks and porters approaching from the other end, navigate them cautiously and avoid collisions.
Moreover, maintaining hydration and hygiene can be challenging at the upper sections of the trek. Although the teahouses provide boiled water for drinking, we recommend carrying a water bottle and purification tablets for extra safety. Likewise, the hygiene facilities in these regions are relatively basic. So, use hand sanitizers and wet tissues to maintain good hygiene and avoid illness.
Considering the safety concerns, travel insurance is a must-have for the Everest Base Camp Trek in March and April. We highly recommend buying a policy that covers high-altitude trekking, emergency evacuation, medical expenses, and trip cancellation.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp in March and April is a truly magical experience. The trails come alive with blooming rhododendrons, and the mornings usually bring the kind of crystal-clear skies that make the snow-capped peaks feel close enough to touch. It’s a favorite time for a reason: you get that perfect mix of manageable temperatures, crisp air, and some of the best scenery on the planet.
Of course, a journey like this has its hurdles. You’ll likely deal with crowds, the occasional flight delay, freezing nights, and the physical toll of the altitude. But honestly? Those challenges are exactly what make reaching the base of the world’s highest mountain so rewarding.
If you come prepared, with the right gear, a bit of training, and a solid plan, March and April will give you an Everest experience you’ll never forget. So pack your boots, lean into the adventure, and get ready for a trip where every single turn in the trail offers a view that will leave you speechless.
Thinking about standing at the base of the world’s tallest peak this spring? It’s a huge goal, and Nepal Gateway Trekking is here to make sure you actually get to enjoy the journey without stressing over the logistics. We handle the "boring" stuff so you can just focus on the views and the challenge.
Why jump on a trek with us?
Let’s get your spring trek started! Got questions? Send us an inquiry or give us a shout at +977 98510 55520. We’d love to help you plan your Everest adventure.
Yes, March is basically the "Goldilocks" window. It’s warmer than the deep freeze of January but much quieter than the peak rush in April. You’ll see the rhododendrons starting to bloom in the lower forests, and while the nights are still biting, the daytime sun makes for perfect trekking weather.
April is one of the most popular months for a reason—the weather is incredibly stable and the views are crystal clear. The trade-off is that the trails and teahouses get busy. If you’re heading out in April, definitely book your flights and guides early to avoid missing out.
It varies. During the day, you might see 13°C to 17°C, which feels quite warm when you’re moving. But once the sun drops, so does the temperature. Expect it to hit -15°C in March and around -10°C in April at the higher stops like Gorak Shep. A high-quality sleeping bag is non-negotiable.
Most people find Day 9—the push from Lobuche to Gorak Shep and then on to Base Camp—to be the hardest. You’re hiking at over 5,000 meters where oxygen is scarce, and the terrain is rocky and uneven. It’s a long, exhausting day, which is why those rest days in Namche are so important.
Altitude sickness is the big one. Even if you’re fit, the thin air doesn't care. Other risks include "traffic jams" on narrow trails with yaks, and flight delays in and out of Lukla if the clouds roll in. Having a buffer day at the end of your trip is always a smart move.
If you want the Everest views without the 200 other people on the trail, look into the Gokyo Lakes Trek or the Three Passes Trek. They are much quieter in March and offer views that some trekkers actually think are better than the standard Base Camp route.
No, and that’s a good thing! Camp 4 is at 8,000 meters, right in the "Death Zone" where the human body can’t survive for long. As a trekker, your journey ends at Base Camp (5,364m). Only climbers with specialized gear and oxygen go up to Camp 4.
January and February are the coldest, with heavy snow and temperatures that rarely get above freezing. By the time March and April roll around, you’re in the much milder spring season.
