When is the Best Time to Enjoy EBC Trek in Nepal

Nepal is home to some of the best trekking routes in the world, with the spectacular Annapurna Circuit treks and the up-and-coming Manaslu Circuit Trek and Three Passes Trek being some of the most popular. With its amazingly beautiful landscapes and eight of the top ten highest peaks in the world, some of which can only be reached on foot, trekking in Nepal is one of the most unique adventures in Asia.

Enjoy EBC Trek in Nepal

However, there is one trek that beats all of the others in both uniqueness and adventure – the trek to Everest Base Camp, or EBC. One of the most famous treks in the world, the EBC trek rightly deserves its reputation, mainly thanks to its history, the amazing views, and the experience of the unique Sherpa culture. Despite being a trek that draws in thousands of trekkers from around the world, and often being fairly crowded in the peak season, the EBC trek is still one that you should not miss when trekking in Nepal.

The Mount Everest region has it all, sheer beauty, dramatic mountains, unique and interesting people, extreme challenges, and an experience that will stay with you forever. The exciting and expansive views will leave you mesmerized in awe. Standing at the base camp of the world’s highest mountain and trekking up to the famous and classic view of Mt. Everest from Kala Phattar is breathtaking, and one of the greatest trekking achievements.

Unique location and weather in EBC region in Nepal

Located on the border between Nepal and Tibet Autonomous Region, Mount Everest has been a popular destination for mountaineers for almost a century, as the highest mountain in the world. But just like when climbing the mountain, trekking safely depends a lot on the weather and climate in the area. Mount Everest has a weather and climate system that is based on extremes. Temperatures at the summit are rarely above freezing, and in January those temperatures can drop to as low as minus 60 degrees. And even at the base of the mountain, temperatures can get as low as minus 20 degrees.

High season of EBC Trek

March to May

Spring is renowned as Nepal's first peak season and is one of the best times to go trekking in Nepal. From March to May, the climate is moderate, with fair weather, clear skies, and warmer temperatures. The spring season brings with it more trekkers, warmer temperatures, and very little rain. One of the best times of the year to trek to EBC, spring is also the time when the rhododendrons start to bloom, with the beautiful pink and white blossoms on full display throughout April. April and May is also the climbing season for mountaineers attempting to reach the summit of the mountain, making it even busier in the region.

The spring season of the mountain

Accommodation in the Everest area can often be fully booked during these months, with the huge influx of people descending on the region, so it is advisable to book well in advance to ensure you have somewhere to stay. Tea houses or lodges can be found at settlements and at various points around the trekking routes, and offer dormitory accommodation for people hiking in the area. While some of the guest houses may be tolerable, there are a few that can be very basic, and look dirty. Not all guest houses have chimneys, so the smoke tends to cling around the ceiling making the room smoky, and the dorms are not heated at all. Bedding is not normally provided in those places, so it is essential that you bring a sleeping bag, even if you are not camping.

Meals in most places along the trails are similar to what the locals eat, which consists mostly of Dal Bhat, a form of lentil soup with rice, and a few other dishes that have western origins. Lately, more modern and western foods can be found in the guest houses, and for those staying in hotels in the region, almost anything can be bought for dinner, from simple pizzas to delicious curries.

The spring months are undoubtedly the most popular time of the year to trek to Everest as a whole, and there is still the possibility of the occasional snow shower at the tail end of the winter season. However, as a whole the weather is largely stable and dry, and makes trekking to EBC a pleasure, with the increasing temperatures and bright, cloudless skies.

September to November

Traditionally you will find late September, October and November will provide better views of the mountains, less heat haze and cloud, and clearer views of these world-class mountains can be spectacular. This is not always the case but the trend usually follows this pattern. The weather can be crisp, but clear as you make your way up to the Everest Base Camp. There is always the risk of rain at lower elevations and snow higher up on the trail, so be prepared for all weather conditions and have the right gear for Nepal EBC trek.

The stunning landscape of EBC in the best season

The dry days of the autumn season make trekking in the EBC region easier, as there is no snow of mud to slug your way through. The valleys are still green and the weather is mild so trekking is far more enjoyable at this time of year. Brighter skies make for better sunshine, and warm days, making the treks much more enjoyable. Although colder nights are to be expected at this time of year, and the days are cooler than in summer, it is a small price to pay for such a wonderful experience.

The only downside to this time of year and trekking is that the popular treks also tend to be full of trekkers and tourists. Once again, accommodations fill up rather fast, so book in advance to ensure you have a place to stay.

Low season of EBC trek

June to August ( Monsoon)

Sitting at the edges of the influence of the Indian Monsoon, Everest has a wet season from June to September, when heavy moisture and clouds are the typical climactic conditions. This monsoon season brings frequent rain and cloudy days and conditions for trekking are not at their best. There are normally less people at this time of year and the damp and clouds can spoil the views and the excitement. Mud, leeches and lack of stunning mountain views are all issues when trekking Everest Base Camp in June through to August, making it the least ideal time to trek. There is also a very real threat of landslides during monsoon season in Nepal.

A wet season from June to September

December to February

The cold months from December to February are dominated by the northern jet stream, which brings with it high winds, freezing temperatures, and occasional heavy snowfalls. However, the options for trekking are still available, as daytime temperatures are comfortable, sunny skies are normally prevailing, and there are very few people. The main drawback is the extreme drop in temperature at night.

The cold months from December to February brings heavy snowfalls

From December to February the days are considerable shorter, so it can take a lot longer to make the trek to the dizzy heights of EBC, at 5,300 meters above sea level. Many of the routes in the area are closed during the winter months, so there is less choice in which route to take to EBC, but the remaining routes are still an amazing adventure.

Travel to EBC trailheads

Getting to the area where Everest lies is not hard, and is a simple flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, which is the starting point of all the treks to EBC. There are two flights per day, at 7:00 am and 8:20 am, and similarly two flights back to Kathmandu. The flight takes around 25 minutes, although there can be substantial delays in the rainy season.

Conclusion

The best season to trek to EBC is always going to be the autumn season, from September to November. Not only will you have less people along the route, meaning it is more peaceful, but the lodges and guesthouses will be more freely available, and you will not have to worry about the weather too much. While it can be any weather at any time of year around Mount Everest, the weather in the later high season is often the best of the year.

If you are looking to trek before the monsoons hit, or are not worried by the huge number of trekkers, then maybe March to May is a good time. For those without experience in trekking, it is a lot better, since there are plenty of people around to learn from and for company. Group treks are more popular at this time of year as well, and large groups can often be seen on the trail.

The last season when you should attempt to head for Everest is from December to February, and they are definitely not recommended for first-time or inexperienced trekkers. The weather can get very cold, and the snow can come at any time, and can cause people to get lost if they have no experience of trekking in these conditions. Only the most experienced mountain trekkers, with plenty of high altitude trekking experience, should attempt to get to Mount Everest Base Camp during the cold, winter months.