Best Time to Trek Everest Base Camp: When to Go for the Best
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Trekking In Himalayas

Best Time of Year to Trek to Everest Base Camp

Timing is everything when it comes to planning the perfect Everest Base Camp trek. There is so much that depends on the month you choose to go in, ranging from the weather and trail conditions to your overall trekking experience. So, one of the first questions you need to answer when curating your plans is, what’s the best time to trek Everest Base Camp?

Most trekkers agree that the EBC best season falls in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). That's because these months bring the perfect combo of clear skies, mild temperatures, and panoramic mountain views. April and October are especially crowd favorites, while early March and late November are when you get quieter trails with a bit more chill. That said, monsoon and winter treks are not off-limits. 

You will just need more planning and a bit of adventurous spirit to bring them to success. In this guide, we will break down the seasons and months so you can decide the best time to trek Everest Base Camp for you.

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When Is The Best Time To Trek Weather-Wise?

01

Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the best times to trek Everest Base Camp for good reason. The weather is generally stable, the skies are clear, and temperatures are neither too cold nor too hot. You will get to see blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers, which add colours to the already stunning Himalayan scenery.

The snow has mostly melted by March, so you will be able to navigate the paths easily and get excellent visibility. The days are bright, clear, and sunny, so you will have a great time enjoying the iconic views of the Everest.

Since spring is a popular trekking season, the trails and teahouses can get quite crowded, especially in April. Still, if you don’t mind the company and want to experience the Himalayas in full bloom, spring might just be your perfect match.

Temperatures range from 5°C in Lukla to -10°C at Base Camp
02

Autumn (September to November)

If spring is not happening for you, autumn is another best time to trek EBC. These months are full of postcard-perfect mountain views, and since its just after the monsoon, you get clear skies and sharp, fresh air. The visibility at this time is unmatched, which makes it a great time for you to soak in jaw-dropping Himalayan panoramas.

Temperatures are comfortable during the day, with cool nights that are perfect for trekking without freezing. The trails are dry and easy to walk on, and the risk of rain is very low, which adds a layer of reliability to your plans.

The only downside is you won’t be the only one with this idea. October is seen as the best month to visit Everest Base Camp, so expect busy trails and full teahouses. Still, the incredible views and pleasant weather make it easy to see why autumn is considered another EBC best season. If you are wondering when to go for those perfect views, this season won't disappoint. 

Temperature ranging from 4°C in Lukla to -12°C at Base Camp
03

Winter Trekking (December to February)

Winter treks to Everest Base Camp are not for the faint of heart, but they are surely possible. This is, as you can guess, the coldest time of year when temperatures regularly drop way below zero, especially at night. On the plus side, you will get solitude, crystal-clear skies, and snow-covered peaks that feel extra magical. The trails are so quiet in these months that you will get whole stretches to yourself.

The downside is the higher risks you face in this season, ranging from hypothermia to icy paths and snow-blocked passes. You will need high-quality gear, multiple warm layers, and some serious physical and mental preparation before you start this trek in winter.

If you can brave the cold, want a peaceful and crowd-free adventure, and are fully equipped for the challenge, winter might just be your season. 

Temperatures drop to -20°C at Base Camp

04

Monsoon (June to August)

Trekking to Everest Base Camp during the monsoon is not impossible, but it’s so tricky you will rarely find someone doing it. You will come across wet and slippery trails, muddy paths, and clouds that often block the mountain views. There can be landslides that disrupt routes, and flights to Lukla get delayed or cancelled pretty frequently.

But there’s a quiet beauty to this season. You will get to see the landscapes turn lush and green, and the trails are nearly empty. If you are an experienced trekker who doesn’t mind rain and loves solitude, the monsoon might work for you. Otherwise, it’s the least recommended time for an EBC trek. 

Temperatures range from 8°C in Lukla to around -2°C at Base Camp
05

When Is The EBC Trek The Most Crowded?

April and October are when you will see the maximum crowds on the Everest Base Camp trek, which makes sense as they are the heart of the spring and autumn trekking seasons. During these months, you will get stable weather, crystal clear views, and trails in top condition. Naturally, that means more trekkers on the path, and teahouses filling up fast. If you are someone who prefers a quieter experience, this might feel a bit too busy. But if you want to experience the trek in these months, we have got some smart crowd-beating tips for you in the Tips section coming up next.
06

Tips For Avoiding Peak Season Crowds

  • Trek early or late in the season - If you aim for trekking EBC in early March or late November, you will get amazing decent weather but with far fewer people on the trail.
  • Start on weekdays - If you start in the middle of the week instead of the weekend, you will get fewer crowds on popular sections of the route.
  • Explore alternate routes - The Gokyo Lakes trek and the Three Passes trek are good trails for adventure and get fewer trekkers too, so it's a win-win situation.
  • Start early - Begin your day right after sunrise if you want to stay ahead of the crowd and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
07

Recommended Gear By Season

Spring (March–May)
  • Light down jacket
  • Layered clothing as mornings can get chilly
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Rain cover so you are safe from early spring showers
Autumn (September–November)
  • Fleece or insulated jacket
  • Breathable base layers
  • Gloves and warm hat for evenings
  • Headlamp as the days start getting shorter in these months
Winter (December–February)
  • Heavy-duty down jacket
  • Thermal base layers and insulated pants
  • Snow gaiters and microspikes
  • High-quality sleeping bag that are rated for -15 degrees Celsius or colder
Monsoon (June–August)
  • Waterproof jacket and pants
  • Quick-dry clothing
  • Rain cover and dry bags
  • Anti-leech socks for when you are at the lower altitudes

People Also Ask About Nepal

  1. What is the coldest month in Everest Base Camp?

    January and February are the coldest months at Everest Base Camp. During these months, temperatures here can drop below -20 degrees Celsius at night. The trails are also covered in ice and snow, so you won't be able to walk easily, making the trek more challenging.
  2. What month has the calmest winds on Mount Everest?

    Calmest winds on Mount Everest generally occur in May, right at the end of the spring climbing season. This period offers a narrow window of low wind speeds, which is critical if you are trying to reach the summit safely.
  3. Why is spring (March to May) ideal for the EBC trek?

    Spring combines mild temperatures, blooming rhododendron forests, and clear mountain views, which makes it the best time to trek EBC. The weather is more stable than in winter, and the trails are less crowded than in the autumn trekking season. Plus, the longer daylight hours will give you more time to explore every day.
  4. What is the best time to go to Everest Base Camp?

    March to May and September to November are the best time to trek Everest Base Camp. It's the spring and autumn here in these months, so you will get stable weather, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures.
  5. What is the best month to climb Mount Everest?

    May is said to be the best month if you want to try climbing Mount Everest successfully. This is because it lies right at the end of the spring trekking season, so crowds are low. The weather is also the most stable in May, and the famous “summit window” with less wind opens up, increasing the chances of a successful climb.
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03 May 2017
Excellent
Having trekked in the Sahayadris for over 4-5 years now and after doing two himalayan treks in the previous season, I wanted to do a more challenging trek. So finally I decided to climb the base camp of the highest mountain in the world. The majestic mountain range had been in my bucket list for many years. Now seemed to be the right time, and so I set off in search of the "Everest". I always thought how difficult could it be to climb mountains, after all, it just takes putting one step ahead of the other. I was wrong, it indeed turned out to be more difficult than I imagined. This is due to the rarefied air in the atmosphere, that makes breathing difficult. Even a nominal gradient while ascending seems to be a task. But thankfully I wasn't hit by any symptoms of AMS ( Acute Mountain Sickness ) which makes the mountaineer's job tremendously difficult at high altitudes. On the trek, it was the promise of some awesome photos, that helped me carry through many steep climbs. But, the sheer beauty of the barren mountains with clear blue sky in the backdrop and the ferocious Dudh Koshi River inspired me not to give up but to keep climbing. During the climb of Kala Patthar, I learnt the importance of balance and concentration, even when you are exhausted beyond limit. On the Kala Patthar summit day, I set out at 4 in the morning, climbing through the mountain with a 50-70 degree gradient; sub zero temperatures, chilly winds and freezing weather. It was total dark and the only thing I could see through my head torch was the next step. From this moment till 6 am in the morning, I only thought about the awesome feeling of summiting and achieving my goal. As the air was thin, I concentrated on breathing properly and adequately and took synchronized baby steps. And, finally at 6:30 am I reached the Summit (5643m)! The view of the sunrise on Everest was just spectacular and the feeling of having summited, exhilarating!! The Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar expedition made me realize that to achieve a goal, it is important to believe in your own efforts and strength (Both Physical and Mental).But more than that, we should be grateful towards the ecosystem around and factors beyond our control which play an equally important role in our journey to achieve anything.
30 July 2018
Excellent
Trekking the adorable Himalayas is always a must on the “to do” list of an avid trekker. After trekking over the Sahyadris and taking a few treks in Karnataka I decided to place my foot on the Himalayan Mountain Ranges. Going through the various options from Chadar, Sandakphu, Roopkund, Hampta Pass, etc. I finally narrowed down to the Everest Base Camp. The very thought of following the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay thrilled me to the core. The sight of having a close encounter with the highest point on earth just pushed further my excitement levels. After a series of e-searches and consulting with other fellow trekkers, I finally made up my mind to enroll for the 14 day EBC Trek with Thrillophilia. The EBC Trek was by far my best trek so far. Though the thin air made the ascent difficult and more challenging, I am glad that I was able to complete the trek. The amazing view of snow clad mountains, the vast greenery and above all the company of similar fun-loving folks made the trek a memorable one. Kudos to the team at Thrillophilia. The trek was not only organized well but the pricing was also reasonable. All the questions, concerns, doubts and apprehensions I that had were properly attended by the travel consultant at Thrillophilia, Miss Madhuri Mathur despite some of them being repetitive. The representatives Mr. Subid Sahoo and Mr. Nitish Singh as well as the trek Guide Mr. Bijay along with his assistants were all friendly and helpful. I will definitely suggest my pals to go for this trek. I wish to do it again sometime soon. Cheers, Vignesh
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A good trek at a very reasonable price is what I need to say about this trek first of all. I had a comfortable and good stay at the base camp. The camping was a great fun and I enjoyed to the core. Heard that this was the most challenging trek of Nepal and so I decided to try this out. This was obviously challenging but I could make it out till the end. it was just out of the world experience
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Sucheta Namboothiri Everest Base Camp Trek
Excellent
The mountains were brilliant and nice, the clear sky after the summer monsoon had dusted away the dust and we hence got a chance to have a clear view of the whole peak and the adjacent places. The days we spent at the camp base was cooler even though it could have been more long.
15 April 2019
Manjunath Manjunath Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Excellent
The trekking was very good. Also as we had a small group all the arrangements were good. As we did not expected more snow it was fun walking in snow for full day to reach the ABC. The view was spectacular at the base camp and got quiet good photos. Guide/Porter was very co-operating and helped us a lot while walking in the snow (as we did not had proper shoes to trek in snow :) )
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I booked this tour as my first solo trip and I was amazed by its execution. We covered many old temples and monuments in a perfect span of time. The trip truly was amazing from the places to the people and the team were all very friendly. The food was delicious and pure. Will definitely plan our next trip with you.
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I booked this trip from India to Nepal with my family. Nepal has best surroundings with cool environment and the highest mountain peaks. Everything mentioned was good and taken care of, the best thing was the time management, the staff and driver were friendly and gave a feel f home. It was an amazing trip which we visited and truly worth it. Would recommend anyone visiting, would try and visit with Thrillophilia.
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We booked this tour with our friends from Chennai. The great mountains range in Nepal make the whole trip more beautiful and scenic. Everything for the trip was well planned and specially the food served was mouth watering. Totally recommendable.
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Nepal has it all being it spirituality, nature, adventure and history! It was fun visiting the summits for the sunrise early morning. The hotels were really comfortable which drained out all the tiredness of the day and freshens us every next morning. It was a fun a trip looking froward for more.

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