Everest Base Camp Trek 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.

Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek in March and April

• Fly to one of the world’s most extreme airports—Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla.
• Enter the Sagarmatha National Park and discover its unique flora and fauna.
• Explore the scenic mountain town of Namche Bazaar.
• Visit the ancient Tengboche Monastery and soak in the cultural experiences of the Khumbu region.
• Hike to Kala Patthar and enjoy the mesmerizing sunrise over the Himalayas.
• Stand at the foothills of the mighty Everest and enjoy the majestic view of Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall.
• Enjoy the spectacular panoramas of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Thamserku.

Weather and Climate Conditions for Everest Base Camp Trek in March/April

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.

Why Trek to Everest Base Camp in March and April?

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:

Stunning Mountain Sceneries

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.

Blooming Rhododendrons Forests

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. 

Great Weather and Temperatures

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.

Migratory Birds Sightings

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.

How Crowded is the EBC Trail in March and April?

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.

Flights to Lukla in March-April

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.

Challenges of Trekking to Everest Base Camp in March & April

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:

Trail Congestion

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.

Unstable Weather Conditions

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.

Increased UV Exposure

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.

Competition for Scenic Spots

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. 

Logistical Delays

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.

Increased Demand for Resources

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. 

Acclimatization and Altitude Challenges

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.

Tips to Overcome Altitude Challenges

• Ascent gradually to let your body acclimate to the increasing elevation naturally.
• Have proper acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche.
• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol on the trek.
• Take enough rest and eat nutritious food to stay energized.
• Pack weather-appropriate gear and layer properly to stay protected from the harsh weather.
• Carry altitude medications like acetazolamide (Diamox) for preventive use.
• Do not push through symptoms of altitude sickness. In case of any symptoms, inform your guide immediately.

Training and Preparation for EBC Trek in March & April

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.

• Go for weekly or bi-weekly conditioning hikes on the nearby trails in your hometown that replicate similar conditions to the Everest Base Camp Trek. Start slow with short-distance hikes and gradually increase the distance, duration, and intensity of the hikes.
• Engage in 4 to 5 steady-state cardio sessions per week to build the stamina required to walk steep ascents and descents comfortably. Some effective cardio exercises include running, cycling, brisk walking, jogging, swimming, rowing, and rope jumping.
• Build strength in your core and upper body to improve posture, stability, and balance. This will allow you to navigate rough, challenging terrains for an extended period without fatigue or aches.
• Build your leg muscles to improve your agility, speed, and endurance as you walk through the uneven terrain of Everest Base Camp. Strong leg muscles also help support and balance your backpack’s weight.
• Add a few dynamic stretches and yoga practices to your training regimen to enhance joint mobility and flexibility. Regular stretching also supplies oxygen-rich blood to your body, improves blood circulation, and aids muscle recovery.
• Take at least one or two days off for rest and recovery. Adequate rest helps restore energy, prevent burnout, and boost your body’s overall performance.

Packing Essentials for EBC Trek in March and April

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.

Clothing Essentials

• Trekking Shirts: Combine 5 to 6 long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirts.
• Trekking Pants: 2 to 3 quick-dry hiking pants and one thermal-lined pant.
• Outer Layers: Heavy-duty waterproof/windproof jacket and trousers.
• Base Layers: At least two pairs of merino wool base thermal sets.
• Insulating Layers: One lightweight down jacket and a fleece jacket or pullover.
• Underclothes: Carry 4 to 5 pairs of lightweight and breathable options.
• Sleepwear: A set of thermal base layers and warm trousers.

Headwear and Gloves

• A cap or wide-brim hat for sun protection.
• Warm beanie or woolen hat.
• Buff or neck gaiter.
• Sunglasses with UV protection.
• Headlamp (with spare batteries).
• Liner gloves.
• Outer insulated gloves.

Footwear

• Trekking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with decent ankle support.
• Camp Shoes: A pair of sandals or lightweight trainers for evenings.
• Socks: 4 to 5 pairs of trekking socks and a few warm thermal socks.

Trekking Bags and Equipment

• Trekking Bags: 80L duffle bag and 40L daypack.
• Sleeping Gear: Four-season sleeping bag rated at -10°C with a sleeping bag line.
• Trekking Poles: A pair of lightweight trekking poles (collapsible recommended).

Other Essentials

• Reusable water bottle with straw filters.
• Water purification tablets or drops.
• Hydration salts or electrolyte powder.
• High-energy snacks.
• Sunscreen and lip balm with 50+ SPF.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Quick-dry towel and face wipes.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Soap and shampoo.
• Toilet paper rolls.
• Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.
• Feminine hygiene products (if applicable)
• Universal travel adapter.
• Smartphone and charger.
• Camera with spare batteries and memory cards (optional).
• High-capacity power bank or solar charger (10,000mAh or higher).
• Passport and permits.
• Copies of passport-sized photos.
• Cash for extra expenses (in small denominations).

Permits and Regulations

Regardless of the season, trekkers must obtain two permits for the EBC Trek.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

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.

Sagarmatha National Park Permit

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.

Accommodation and Meals

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.

Safety and Travel Insurance

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.

Tips for a Successful Trek to Everest Base Camp in March-April

• Take time to let your body naturally acclimate to the increasing elevation and decreasing oxygen level. Stick to the standard itinerary that includes at least two acclimatization days throughout the trek.
• Train and prepare for the trek adequately. Indulge in cardio exercises, strengthen your body, and build endurance to withstand the challenging conditions you’ll likely endure on the trek.
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious meals to stay energized. Stick to the vegetarian meal option throughout the trek to maintain a healthy gut and improve digestion. 
• Pack the essentials for varying weather conditions and invest in decent-quality gear for extra comfort and safety.
• Carry a reusable water bottle with a straw filtration system to filter the tap/boiled water. You should also use water purification tablets or drops to treat the water before drinking.
• Book your accommodations, flights, and permits months before the trek to avoid hassles, especially in the peak trekking seasons.
• Start your trek early each day to avoid peak crowds and afternoon winds.
• Always lean towards the mountainside and yield to yaks and porters approaching from the other side on narrow trails.
• Prepare yourself mentally for the mountain lifestyle and embrace living with the basic amenities of the Himalayas for a couple of weeks.

Conclusion

Spring is undeniably one of the best seasons for Everest Base Camp Trek. The crisp spring air, vibrant rhododendron blooms, and crystal-clear views of the Himalayas make every step of the adventure unforgettable. Although there are a few challenges of trekking to Everest Base Camp in these months, they offer opportunities to experience the extraordinary spectacle of nature at its best.