Best Time Of Year for Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek Scenic Highlights

Here are a few of the best things or the scenic highlights of the Everest Base Camp that you will experience if you go trekking at the best time of the year:

• The first and foremost highlight is the satisfaction of being in the lap of the highest peak in the world.
• You will also get the opportunity to take a look at the Tengboche Monastery, which is the largest monastery in the Khumbu region.
• One of the most notable landmarks of Nepal, Kalapatthar, gives the perfect view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse.
• Trekkers can watch Khumbu Glacier (Nepal's biggest glacier) and Ngozumpa (Nepal's longest glacier).

Going straight, the best time to visit the Everest Base Camp is from March to May, the Spring season, and September to November or Autumn season. Now let us clarify why these are the best seasons of the year to visit the Everest Base Camp.

Why Spring and Autumn?

In the Himalayas of Nepal, autumn and spring are considered the best time for trekking.

Talking about the Autumn season, it starts from September to November. This season's weather remains cool and dry, and the skies are the cleanest. This makes autumn one of the best seasons for trekking in Nepal. Due to all these reasons, the views of the Himalayas are also very majestic and precise.

In Nepal, the spring season starts in March and ends in May. Talking about the weather condition of spring, the temperature is mostly warmer, and you can also experience the blooming of many flowers. The country's hills are filled with lush greenery. Furthermore, the climate is usually stable, with clear skies in the early morning and late afternoon, though rain and clouds are possible. The trails are in excellent condition, and the Rhododendron forests are in full bloom, creating a stunning show of color.

Here are some of the reasons why we claim spring and autumn seasons to be the best time of the year for visiting the Everest Base Camp trek:

Clear and dry weather

The first and foremost reason spring and autumn are considered two of the best seasons of the year to go for the Everest Base Camp trek is that the sky is clear, and the weather is dry in these seasons.

Therefore, there is a meager chance of landslides or avalanches. Furthermore, the trial is also smooth, which helps the trekkers complete the trek efficiently compared to other seasons. All these reasons directly make the hike more manageable, and the trekkers can experience a safe and mesmerizing trek throughout the Everest Base Camp trek.

Stable weather

While trekking at such a high altitude, we should be cautious regarding uncertain weather conditions. During any other seasons, the weather conditions cannot be guaranteed. However, in the spring and autumn seasons, there is weather stability.

Therefore, the trekkers can expect their trekking to be comparatively more accessible and less hectic. Other than that, stable weather also makes it easier for the trekkers to acclimate to the high altitude, which means there are fewer chances of altitude sickness and incomplete trek because of several other issues.

More people and facilities

You will also meet many other trekkers if you go trekking in the spring and autumn seasons. Therefore you can enjoy the company of many new and friendly trekkers. Besides, as this is the peak season for trekking, trekkers can expect better facilities, such as teahouses and lodges. Therefore, trekkers can experience the best facilities and the company of many other enthusiastic and fellow trekkers to make the trial memorable.

Health Related Ease

One of the significant concerns of trekkers during trekking any base camp would be their health. If you trek in winter or summer, there are chances that you will become the victim of several health problems, including high blood pressure, frostbiting, and many more.

However, the weather conditions are perfect during the spring and autumn, so health-related risks are relatively low. Furthermore, more hotels and lodges are open during this time, so the trekkers will get proper acclimatization opportunities, directly decreasing the chances of getting ill.

Navigating the trial during the best time of the year

Navigation is also comparatively easy during these seasons because of the weather and transparent environment. Besides, walking continuously during these seasons is also comfortable because of the pleasant views and warm temperatures. All these factors make navigating the trial easier for the trekkers from September to November and March to May. Keeping all these facts in concern, we, as a trekking agency, strongly recommend you attempt the Everest Base Camp trek during the spring and autumn seasons for the best experience.

See more on: Everest Base Camp Trek in October | Everest Base Camp Trek in September | Everest Base Camp trek in April | Everest Base Camp Trek in March

Proper Training for the Trek

No matter which circuit trek you choose, training is essential. This is also one best things to remember before hiking the Everest Base Camp. However, there are no super special tricks that any trekking expert can give you while preparing for the Everest Base Camp trek.

The best activity you can do is to be physically fit and gain that fitness. It will be better if you start working out a few months before you go on the trek. Moreover, trekking is also challenge to one's heart and lungs. As a result, cardio exercise is also something that a trekker should do before trekking the Everest Base Camp.

Remember that even if you are well prepared physically and have gained proper strength, you will not necessarily be able to go to the Everest Base Camp. So what training should be done for a perfect trekking experience even after being ready physically? That unique factor is mental preparation. Without solid mental practice, there is no way anyone can go for the Everest Base Camp trek.

Please ask your trekking guide to clarify the practice and preparations required for the Everest Base Camp trek. Just ensure that every circuit trek is possible with proper preparation and training.

Packing List for the trek

Your packing list is one of the most important things to consider while preparing for a trek to the Everest Base Camp. You should carry several things mandatorily while going on such treks. In this section, we will help you pack your bags for the Everest Base Camp trek.

Basic Needs

First, start with the basic things you should include in the packing list. These include a good-quality backpack, trekking boots, comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, and a warm and cozy sleeping bag. Once you have these things, it will be easy to trek the heights and sleep comfortably to get more energy and stay healthy.

Medicines and liquids

As you keep going to the higher altitude, the oxygen level is shallow, and there are also chances of altitude sickness. Therefore, you will be on the safer side if you carry some medicines like diamox tablets. These tablets prevent you from getting nausea and tackle altitude sickness symptoms. You may also consult a doctor to check if they can prescribe other medicines. Even the guides will provide these medicines, but having some in your backpack is better.

Other than that, do not forget to carry adequate liquids, like water and glucose. It is very essential to keep yyourself hydrated throughout the trek to avoid any health issues.

Hygienic Packing

This includes things like sanitizers and toilet paper. As you will be walking high, water may only sometimes be available. It is also necessary to save water for cooking and drinking purposes. Besides, trekkers will also have to take care of their hygiene to the fullest. Therefore, taking sanitizers and toilet paper might help you to stay hygienic even in rugged terrain.

Moreover, you will also get sweaty sometimes because of long walks, so we advise you to carry some wipes to clean your face and hands without touching the cold water of the Everest Base Camp.

Emergency Packing

Even though you will be guided and led by a professional guide, there are still chances of some emergencies sometimes. Therefore, remember to take some first aid equipment with you. There is a sudden change in scenarios sometimes, like, foggy surroundings, headaches, vomiting, weaknesses, and many more. So we advise all the trekkers to carry equipment like headlights, whistles, and emergency blankets, which will help you in difficult situations.

It is essential to remember that you should be prepared from your side as well if you want to have a safe and beautiful Everest Base Camp trekking experience. So, please check your backpack before going on the trek.

See more on: Everest Base Camp Trek Packing List

Importance of Acclimatization

No matter when you go for the Everest Base Camp trek or any other trek, such as Annapurna region or Manaslu region treks, one of the essential things you need throughout the trek is acclimatization. So what is acclimatization?Acclimatization is adapting to new surroundings and environmental conditions, like altitude, weather, temperature, humidity, etc. This is very important during trekking.

The climatic condition at a higher altitude differs entirely from that at a lower height. As you ascend the Everest Base Camp trial, you will notice that the air pressure gradually decreases, leading to a lack of oxygen. As we all know, our body needs oxygen to survive, so when we reach a higher altitude, it becomes difficult for an average human body to continue the pace. A lack of proper acclimatization may lead to severe consequences in this situation. Therefore, frequent acclimatization is crucial to accomplish any treks or climbs without harmful results.

Throughout the Everest base Camp trek, there are several tea houses and lodges where you can acclimatize before ascending. This provides adequate rest to your body and helps you enjoy the trek.

Food and Accommodation

If you set off for an Everest Base Camp trek in autumn or spring, be prepared to enjoy the best food and accommodation services. As it is the peak trekking time, the number of lodges and teahouses giving out services will be very high. Therefore, you will have several choices while selecting the best place to stay throughout the journey. Besides, the fooding will also have a selective menu with many options because of the high time.

The lodges you stay in will provide many facilities, such as hot water, breakfast, dinner, and comfortable and cozy rooms with warm blankets. Besides, you can enjoy foods like Nepali cuisine and many other delicates, which will help you gain the necessary proteins and energy for the trek.

However, due to many trekkers arriving this season, the most luxurious hotels or lodges might be packed sooner as everyone wants as many facilities as possible. Therefore, if you're going to stay at one of the most luxurious hotels or lodges, we advise you to book a room a few weeks before heading on the trek. However, other lodges also provide similar facilities, so you will not have to worry even if all the luxurious lodges are captivated.

See more on: Everest Base camp Trek Accommodation

Seasonal Festivals and Cultural Celebrations

Almost all the major festivals of Nepal are celebrated in the autumn season, and some of those festivals are Teej, Dashain, Tihar, Chhat, etc. Besides, most of the Himalayan region of the country is covered by Sherpa people who follow Buddhism as their primary religion. Therefore, there are also a lot of Buddhist festivals that are celebrated at this time of the year.

During the festive season, the whole country can be seen as full of joy and happiness. Besides, you can also participate in the celebrations and experience one of the world's most unique cultures and traditions.

Therefore, you will have one of the best experiences in the country if you plan to go for the trek in the autumn season. The colorful surroundings, holy enchants, celebrations, foods, and many other factors will surely make your trek memorable for life.

See detailed info on :- People and culture of the Everest region

Wildlife and Greenery

The land of Nepal is also full of several endangered species which you might not get to see anywhere else in the world. After hibernating throughout winter, these animals and birds come out in autumn and spring.

Therefore, the probability of you seeing this unique wildlife is undoubtedly high during the peak time. Some of the wildlife that you can see in the Everest Base Camp region are Musk Deer, Common Leopard, Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Tiger, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Griffon, and many more.

Furthermore, you will also get a chance to roam around the Sagarmatha National Park, which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This national park is full of unique flora and fauna, which can best be studied during the spring and autumn seasons,

As a result we can say that, autumn is not the perfect season just because of the ease in trekking, it is also the best time to go to this region because of the heart-whelming wildlife and flora experience that you can obtain.

Sagarmatha National Park: Centre of Attraction

One of the best things the trekkers can experience during the Everest Base Camp trek is the beauty of the Sagarmatha National Park. This national park covers an area of 1,148 square kilometers and is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Besides, this national park is also home to over 200 species of birds and several wildlife such as black bears, red pandas, etc. Therefore, this is one of the most attractive point of the Everest Base Camp.

If you go for the EBC trekking in autumn and spring, you will also get to see the highest level of beauty of the Sagarmatha National Park. During the spring season, which is from March to May, the national park is full of lush greenery, rhododendrons blooming, and a lot of other wildflowers can also be seen. Furthermore, spring is when animals like red pandas, snow leopards, and several more endangered species come out of their hibernation and give a sneak peek to the tourists.

The same goes for autumn, as we can also experience peak greenery. However, the trekkers must obtain the Sagarmatha National Park permit before starting their journey to the Everest Base Camp. You can obtain this permit from the office of Nepal Tourism Board in Monjo and the permit will cost you NPR 3000 only.

Mass during high season

As spring and autumn are the best time of the year for the Everest Base Camp trek, the trekkers should remember that the circuit will be packed during these seasons. Popular areas like Namche Bazaar and the Everest Base Camp will be full of people. This is both good as well as bad for any other trekkers.

The more the trekkers, the lesser the chances of getting no support during emergencies. However, please take care of one thing you do not throw litter here and there because maintaining the cleanliness of the trek is one of the significant responsibilities of any trekker.

One of the things that you should be aware of during high time is that these seasons are more expensive than the regular time. It is because of the high demand of accommodation and foods. When there is a high demand for services, the prices go up. That is not a big deal to worry about because a little extra money you spend will lead you to one of the best experiences you will feel in your lifetime.

However, remember to plan your trip if you attempt it in the peak season because there are risks that you might not get proper accommodation and food in the remote area, where these services are limited.

When not to go for the Everest Base Camp trek?

Monsoon season is considered the worst time for any trek in Nepal. The same goes for the Everest Base Camp trek. Typically, Monsoon season starts in June and ends in early September. During this period, the possibilities of landslides on the trails are very high, and the terrain condition is also very muddy and slippery. Even though the temperature in the Monsoon season is generally warm, rainfall happens almost daily.

Therefore, all the trekkers are recommended not to plan the Everest Base Camp trek during the Monsoon, or more precisely, from June to early September.At this time, the facilities will also be minimal so you might need help searching for proper accommodation and fooding. Moreover, because of cloudy weather, trekkers cannot experience the best view or scenarios, and acclimatization is also very difficult.

Conclusion

Knowing the best time of the year before going for or planning an Everest Base Camp trek is essential. Remember that climate and weather play very important during any trekking. Furthermore, trekking at the best time will also let you experience the best of the journey, and you will remember the Everest Base Camp trek as one of the best memories of your life.

One thing that we, as a trekking agency, tell you is that no matter how well you are prepared for the trek and how strong your mentality and physicality are, perfect weather and climatic condition can add a lot to your trekking experience.

So, if you want to experience the feeling of being at the lap of the world's highest peak, choose your time wisely and keep yourself both physically and mentally fit. With all this preparation from your side and a little assistance from our (guide's) side, your Everest Base Camp journey will undoubtedly be one of the best adventures of your life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why are spring and autumn considered the best seasons for Everest Base Camp?

These two seasons are considered the best time of the year for Everest Base Camp trekking for several reasons, including pleasant weather, perfect temperature, fewer health issues, more food and accommodation options, and many more.

Is Everest Base Camp trek good for beginners?

Everest Base Camp is challenging for beginners, but with proper mental and physical training, it is possible.

How many people visit Everest Base Camp every year?

The recent data on this question has yet to be available, as the last time the data was collected was in 2018. As per the Sagarmatha National Park Office in Manjo, the number of people going to the Everest Base Camp trek was more or less 35,000. However, the number might have decreased due to COVID in recent years.