The Everest Base Camp trek is a challenge for most people. Add to the mix bad weather and the trek gets even more difficult and perhaps unsuccessful. It’s no surprise that everyone heading to Everest Base Camp wants to know what is the best season for Everest Base Camp trek.
In this article, I discuss the four seasons that make up the year for the Everest Base Camp region. In addition, I list out the best season for Everest Base Camp trek and the reasons why I think it’s the best season.
The Khumbu region within which Sagarmatha National Park and the Everest mountain range sits has four distinct seasons in a year. Spring, Summer (also the Monsoon season), Autumn and Winter.
Each season has its distinct climates, weather pattern, temperature and precipitation levels. It’s good to have an idea of what each of these seasons bring to the Everest Base Camp trek, so you can judge for yourself which season you prefer.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is a beautiful time of the year to visit Everest Base Camp.
The weather is warming up and the snow is starting to melt. Flowers are blooming and the Rhododendrons (official flower of Nepal) are starting to show along the track.
The weather can be a bit unpredictable though with clouds covering the mountain peaks.
Expect lots of crowds as climbers are heading to Everest Base Camp for their summit bid in May.
Summer and Monsoon (June to early September)
The summer season not only heralds hot and humid weather but lots of rain as well. This is the main monsoon season for the area and the rain buckets down most days during these months. The track will be wet, slippery and unmanageable.
Most of the teahouses close down during these months as there are very few trekkers during the wet season.
Autumn (mid September to November)
Autumn is another lovely time to trek to Everest Base Camp.
While there are no climbers heading for Mount Everest summit, the trail is still busy with lots of trekkers.
The weather is beautiful at this time of the year. The monsoon rains have cleared the skies and visibility is really good. You will be able to see the mountain tops very easily.
Towards the end of the season, the temperature starts to drop so it does get much colder.
Winter (December to February)
If you love the snow and enjoy the cold weather, then winter is the season for you.
Most people stay away from Everest Base Camp trek in winter because it is too cold. Also, the snow blocks the paths making it hard to see where you’re going. It can also get dangerous in places due to avalanches.
However, it is a low season so accommodation is cheap and you have the trail to yourself.
Best Season for Everest Base Camp Trek
NOTE: I have only ever trekked to Everest Base Camp in Spring (April) so I can’t be unbiased in my opinion about the best season for Everest Base Camp trek. Personally, it depends on what is important to you when you complete your Everest Base Camp trek.
There are clearly two seasons for Everest Base Camp trek – Spring and Autumn. Which one you prefer is a personal choice.
Most people would choose Autumn due to the better visibility, but Spring has its advantages too.
Choose Autumn if you prefer –
- Best visibility
- Cooler temperatures
- Less windy conditions
- Great sunsets
Choose Spring if you prefer –
- Flower blossoms and Rhododendrons blooms
- A chance to see Everest Base Camp in action (tents and possibly climbers)
- Lots of hustle and bustle
Since both the Spring and Autumn seasons have their advantages and disadvantages, it’s hard to say which is the best season for Everest Base Camp.
At the end of the day, it’s a personal preference. Also, it depends on your schedule and when is a convenient time for you to take the trip to Nepal.
This is an important topic for me as I love to travel during the best season anywhere in the world. I would love to hear your opinion on which season for Everest Base Camp trek is the best for you.
Please leave your comments below.
