Everest Base Camp Trek in Spring

The Everest Base Camp Trek during spring can bring you a colourful experience, as spring is often called the season of flowers. It’s also one of the trekking seasons after autumn. So, apart from spectacular mountain views, you will also enjoy the various species of wildflowers along the trail during your journey.

As an adventure enthusiast, this trek is certainly on your bucket list already. No wonder you long to visit the place from where you can witness the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, rising to 8,848.86 m (29,031.69 ft) and other nearby peaks in the Mahalangur Mountain Range, such as:

• Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft)
• Makalu (8,516 m/27,939.63 ft)
• Cho Oyu (8,188 m/26,864 ft)
• Nuptse (7,861 m/25,791 ft)
• Ama Dablam (6,812 m/22,349 ft), etc.

Today, in this blog, you’ll get the detailed information regarding why spring is considered the best time for trekking. It’s essential to learn about it, and without any clue about the season, you cannot meet your expectations during this adventure.

There’s also a chance you could come across risky circumstances, which you definitely don’t want. Therefore, read the blog till the end. Gather information about spring, and prepare yourself for the world’s popular trek in the coming days.

What Makes Spring The Best Time For The Everest Base Camp Trek

The months March, April, and May lies in spring. Planning to trek to the Everest Base Camp (EBC) in either of these months delivers you the unique blend of experience in the Khumbu Region of Nepal.

April is the favourite month among them. This month welcomes the largest number of tourists in the region during spring. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean that you won’t get what you’re expecting from this journey if you go on a trek in the other two months instead of April.

Surely, you’ll be rewarded with perfect views of the peaks with a colourful trail during trekking in any month you choose to go. You don’t need to worry about it.

Here are the aspects below that contribute to the spring season becoming the best time for trekking the EBC:

Pleasant Weather

Spring delivers stable weather conditions in the Everest Region. It’s cold, but there’s no snowfall in the lower section. However, there’s a chance of experiencing snowfall in the upper section at night and in the early morning.

Nevertheless, it gets warm once the sun gets brighter, making your hike enjoyable. In the daytime, skies mostly get clear, allowing you to view the stunning peaks that are mentioned earlier.

Longer Daylight Condition

Days are longer in spring. Thus, you don’t need to worry about getting dark before reaching the hotel for an overnight stay during the trek. You can enjoy your trip in relaxation.

Mild Temperature

You can take advantage of the mild temperatures in the daytime while hiking. It isn’t too cold or hot; instead, you’ll feel warm in the lower section of the trek. The upper section experiences freezing temperatures at night and in the early morning, but it’s manageable during the day.

As I expressed, it is frigid at night in the higher elevations. Hence, it’s advisable to wear enough layers of clothes and stay warm at hotels during an overnight stay.

Proper Route

The routes are often safe because snowfall usually doesn’t happen in spring, especially at lower altitudes. You won’t face a slippery path issue while hiking.

Vibrant Scenery

You’ll see the national flower of Nepal, rhododendron, and other wild flowers blooming and bringing life to the trails while hiking. You may need to stop frequently for a photo session.

Reliable Flight Conditions

Due to clear air and pleasant weather, flights to and from Lukla are usually dependable in spring. You won’t face any problems with delays or cancellations.

Cultural Richness

You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the celebration of festivals such as Holi (the Festival of Colours), Nepali New Year, Buddha Purnima (the birthday of Lord Buddha), and Dumji (the birthday of Guru Padmasambhava) with locals along the trail during the spring trek.

Availability Of Accommodation

All the hotels, lodges, and tea houses along the trail are open and operate smoothly during spring. Therefore, you can find a proper room for yourself for an overnight stay.

But the problem is that since it’s trekking season, most tourists visit the Khumbu Region for the EBC Trek. In such circumstances, hotels often get fully packed, and you might be unable to find a room. That’s why you will need to do early booking to stay on the safe side.

Note: It is essential to check the weather forecast for your travel dates when planning the trek, and even during the trek every day. Until your journey comes to an end, you should keep monitoring it. Because even during spring, the weather can change all of a sudden.

What Are The Differences Between Trekking To The EBC In March, April, And May

Just because you’re trekking to the Everest Base Camp during spring doesn’t mean you’ll have the same experience. As you are already aware, the season spans three months: March, April, and May. So, each month provide you with different kinds of fun and experiences.

I don’t mean to say that you’ll have thoroughly different feelings, but just a little bit. This is because of the weather. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of trekking conditions during spring:

EBC Trek In March

• Pleasant temperatures in the day at lower altitudes and freezing nights at higher elevations.
• The presence of snow on the trails of the upper section, and occasional snowfall, is also possible.
• Fewer crowds on the routes, as it’s merely the beginning of the season.

EBC Trek In April

• Warmer temperatures than in March. Days are milder, while nights are cold but manageable.
• Bloomming rhododendron and other wild flowers paint the trail. The skies are usually clear, making it the best time for experiencing panoramic views of the peaks and photography.
• Crowded trails and hotels are expected to be full.

EBC Trek In May

• The warmest month, compared to the other two. The daytime temperatures are stable and more comfortable, making your journey hassle-free.
• Snow is mostly gone. However, humidity rises, which causes pre-monsoon rain in the afternoon.
• Trails get very busy, as it’s also the month for mountaineering. So, hotels mostly get packed.

Average Temperatures During The Everest Trek In Spring

Refer to the table below to check the average temperatures of the lower altitude (Lukla to Namche Bazar) and the higher altitude (above Namche Bazaar) during the EBC Trekking in spring:

 

Month	Lower Altitude	Higher Altitude
March	5 to 15°C in the daytime and -4 to 2°C  at nighttime	-5 to 5°C in the daytime and -15 to -7°C at nighttime
April	10 to 20°C in the daytime and 2 to 5°C  at nighttime	-2 to 8°C in the daytime and -10 to -5°C  at nighttime
May	15 to 25°C in the daytime and 4 to 8°C  at nighttime	0 to 10°C in the daytime and -5 to 0°C  at nighttime

Everest Base Camp Trekking Cost During Autumn

The cost of our Everest Trek package is currently around USD 1,200 to 1,300 per person. It’s important to know that the season doesn’t affect the price. 

It remains the same at any time of the year. But you can still benefit if your group is as large as possible. You can receive a discount accordingly.

Thus, create a group of at least 5 to 7 people to trek to the EBC for a possible cheaper price. For detailed information regarding the package cost, inclusions, exclusions, and more, please check our article, Everest Base Camp Trek - 14 Days.

Packing List For The EBC Trek In The Spring Season

You should have a proper knowledge of the gear in order to prevent potential danger during trekking to the Everest Base Camp in spring. Actually, it doesn’t matter which season you have a plan to go on an adventure, it is always cold temperatures in the base camp area, especially at night and in the early morning.

The other thing is that this journey normally takes 14 days to complete. Therefore, you should bring enough gear and equipment needed for such a long duration.

Here’s the essential packing list for the EBC Trek during spring or any time of the year:

Clothing

For Use In A Hotel	For Hiking
A down jacket capable of enduring minimum temperatures around -15°C. A down pant if you’re trekking in early March. Normal T-shirt and trousers. A pair of down gloves. High-neck. Thermal set. Sufficient undergarments.	Wind and waterproof jacket. Sporty full-sleeve t-shirt and trekking pants. A pair of thin gloves to protect your hands from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Raincoat.

Footwear

For Use In A Hotel	For Hiking
A pair of slippers, sandals, or normal shoes. A pair of woollen socks.	A pair of waterproof trekking shoes. A pair of normal socks.

Accessories

For Use In A Hotel	For Hiking
A woollen hat. Sleeping bag and liner (optional). Sporty towel.	A quality backpack with a capacity of at least 55 L with a rain cover. A buff mask to protect the face from UV rays. Trekking poles to support your knees. UV protection sunglasses. Sun cap or hat. Headlamp for an early morning hike with extra batteries. Swiss knife (optional). Dry fruits, chocolates, and cookies for hiking. Hard plastic water bottle (recommended brand Nalgene)

First-Aid Kit

• Acetazolamide (Brand name Diamox), used for high-altitude sickness.
• Detol.
• Brufen
• Moov spray.
• Medical Bandage.
• Water purification tablets.
• Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS).

Note: Please buy acetazolamide only under a prescription from a doctor.

Toiletries

• Sunscreen (minimum SPF 50+).
• Soap.
• Facewash.
• Shampoo.
• Lip balm.
• Body lotion.
• Toothbrush and paste.
• Wet tissue paper.

Necessary Permits

• TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System).
  
• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.
  
• Local Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
  

Other Essential Things

• Passport
• Enough Cash (Nepalese Rupee)
• ATM Card

Best Alternatives to Spring

Autumn (September-November) is the best alternative to spring (March-May) for the Everest Trek. This season provides you with a different experience compared to spring. Now, you might be wondering why only autumn is the best alternative to spring, when winter (December-February) and monsoon (June-August) are also options.

Actually, winter and monsoon are considered off-seasons for trekking. It does not mean that you can’t go trekking to the Everest Base Camp in these times of the year. However, we don’t suggest that you or anyone travel in these seasons.

To learn about the climatic features in autumn and spring, please refer to the table below:

A Quick Comparison Of Trekking In Autumn Vs Spring

 

Autumn	Spring
Dry and safe routes, clear blue skies, and amazing views. It’s a post-monsoon, no dust and haze, and perfect for a photo session. Nepa’s biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar, offer a cultural experience.	Pleasant weather with warm days and cool nights provides comfortable trekking conditions. Rhododendron and other wildflowers paint the trails. Busy routes, yet with less traffic than in autumn. Festivals such as Holi, Nepali New Year, and Buddha Purnima offer a chance to learn about the local culture and traditions.

Why Some Trekkers Still Prefer Autumn 

Both autumn and spring are considered the best times to visit the EBC. Both seasons offer you different vibes during trekking. You won’t get disappointed by choosing either of the seasons.

But some trekkers still prefer autumn over spring for several reasons. They are:

• Stable weather, dry and safe trails.
• Mostly clear skies, offering excellent views of the peaks and surrounding landscapes.
• No dust and haze due to the monsoon rain.
• Warm days and cool nights make trekking easy.
• High chance of witnessing wildlife, such as snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, etc., along the trail.
• Chance to immerse in the celebration of the country’s biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar, with the locals.