Best Season for Everest Base Camp Trek in term of Climate, Weather
Once we make the decision to travel, a lot of questions often arise. particularly if the journey involves a hike to the renowned Everest Base Camp. Planning for the hike to one of the highest locations on the planet involves many considerations. And when to make plans for the expedition or Trekking is one of the most important things to know is weather. When organizing a mountain trekking trip, it’s important to consider the weather, climate, and seasons. Therefore, all the information you require regarding the ideal time and season for the Everest Base Camp Trek may be found on this blog.
Best Season for Everest Base Camp trek
You must first understand Nepal’s seasonality in order to choose the ideal time of year to travel, particularly for mountain trekking. The seasons in Nepal trekking tourism business can generally be divided into four divisions, which are the same as the regular seasons that are recognized worldwide: summer, winter, autumn (fall), and spring. It goes without saying that the weather in the mountains is extremely erratic, therefore before starting a walk, one must be extremely cautious and aware of the forecast. Additionally, the seasons have diverse weather patterns. Let’s now examine the benefits and drawbacks of selecting distinct seasons and determine whether any of the four are appropriate for hiking to the
Although June through August are regarded as summer, they are also the rainy season, with heavy rainfall in some areas of Nepal Nepal during this time. This season is ideal for people who enjoy being around vegetation. And you will get the opportunity to witness one of the most breathtaking views of the mountains above the verdant hills when the rain stops and the sky clears. Let’s now discuss the reasons why many individuals dislike trekking in the monsoon season. There are benefits and drawbacks to trekking in the summer or monsoon season. The natural catastrophes brought on by the intense rains during this time are another significant drawback.
During the rainy season, Nepal is particularly vulnerable to landslides and flooding, making travel dangerous. You must be ready for disruptions like traffic jams and cancelled flights. Furthermore, there is a decreased likelihood of obtaining unobstructed views of the mountains.
Although there is less rain at higher elevations than at lower ones, one must still carefully prepare and use extreme caution when hiking during this time of year. Having said that, Nepal has shadow areas with a lower likelihood of rain, like the Annapurna Circuit Trek, which can be undertaken as an alternative to conventional trekking routes.
Winter Season (December-February)
The winter months are among the greatest periods to do the Everest Base Camp Trek, despite what many people think. In fact, some of the best views of Everest’s mountains are available throughout the winter. Trekking in the winter has the added benefit of being less busy at the destination, allowing you to enjoy the journey in peace. As a result, you will not only be fortunate to have pristine views of the high peaks like as Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, etc., but there will also be fewer human disturbances.
However, because to factors like the bitter cold, snowfall, and the scarcity of lodging, winter is regarded as Nepal’s off-season, particularly in trekking destinations. Nevertheless, reaching the Everest Base Camp Trek, by foot is not an insurmountable task; in fact, many people trek in the winter. Thus, winter trekking can be accomplished without incident if proper preparation is made.
You must bring everything you’ll need to stay warm and comfortable for the entire journey because winter in the mountains can be extremely chilly. For further information, see the Everest Base Camp expedition packing list. You will have some of the finest chances to have the greatest trekking experience if you are prepared to face the bitterly cold Everest winter.
Autumn or Fall Season (September-December)
The ideal time of year to complete the Everest Base Camp Trek, is actually said to be in the fall or autumn. Since fall is actually regarded as Nepal’s tourist season, visitors from all over the world come to Nepal during this time to visit places like Annapurna Base Camp and the Langtang Valley Trek for trekking. Additionally, rather than flying directly to and from Kathmandu airport, the flight to Lukla is diverted from Manthali, Ramechhap, due to the high volume of people participating in the EBC trek.
In addition to offering unobstructed views of the massive mountains and clear skies, fall is regarded as one of the greatest seasons for trekking because of the warm temperatures and comparatively simpler walking conditions. Because of the longer days, you have more daylight to view the mountains and can hike more leisurely.
Although you may anticipate great weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures to see the mountains, you should also be ready to see a lot of people because Everest Base Camp Trek, is the most popular trekking destination in Nepal. Thus, winter trekking is a good option if you want a track that is less crowded and tranquil.
Spring Season (March-May)
Another season that is thought to be ideal for the Everest Base Camp Trek is spring. The fact that new wildflowers are blossoming during this season is one of its unique features. Additionally, below 3500 meters, the Everest Base Camp trail passes through Alpine woodlands. You will have the opportunity to see the stunning rhododendron flower (Nepal’s National Flower) bloom, which covers the verdant forests and fills them with various shades of pink, white, and red.
The days are bright and sunny with unobstructed views of the mountains, and the temperature is moderate—even milder than in the fall. It will be one of the greatest times to travel to the base camp, but like in the fall, it will be a little congested because it is peak season and many hikers and mountaineers will be there.
What is the average temperature for each season ?
It is important to remember that the mountainous area will be frigid regardless of the trekking season. The sole distinction is that certain seasons—particularly the winter season—will be colder than others.
Below is a list of the average temperatures for each season.
Lower region (Lukla to Tengboche) Summer or Monsoon (June-August)
Lower region (Lukla to Tengboche) during the winter months of December and February
September through December is the fall or autumn season in the lower region (Lukla to Tengboche).
Lower region (Lukla to Tengboche) during the spring season (March–May)
How will the flights to Lukla be during the various seasons ?
The flight to Lukla will depart from Manthali airport in Ramechhap, which is three to four hours’ drive from Kathmandu, during the busiest trekking seasons, which are regarded as spring and autumn. The flight used to originate from Kathmandu, but a few years ago, because of heavy air traffic, all flights to and from Lukla at the busiest time of year were rerouted to Manthali airport.
Additionally, although planes do originate from Kathmandu airport in the summer and winter, there is always a significant risk of cancellations because of the unpredictability of the weather and the restricted number of flights.
In conclusion
Every season has something unique to offer, and there are a variety of reasons why some people would choose one over another. However, spring and fall are typically regarded as the ideal seasons to do the Everest Base Camp Trek. However, if you are prepared and have the appropriate equipment to withstand the cold, the winter months are also a wonderful time to do the EBC journey. It’s a beautiful place to wander among the deep vegetation, but in the summer you’ll get a lot of rain and have to be especially careful because landslides happen a lot. Ultimately, a successful expedition requires careful planning, preparation, weather monitoring, and a well-rounded schedule.