Best time to trek Everest Base Camp

Everest base camp is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world. Regardless of how expert a trekker is, he will have dreamt of going to the base camp at least once or consider going there as one of his most successful treks. The base camp lies just below the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest. Hence, though you are not climbing the mountain itself, you are getting the experience of coming to the closest distance when you go to the Everest base camp. We are discussing the best time to trek Everest base camp here.

Out of every other major trekking destination in the world, Everest base camp will offer you a fair share of difficulties and many memorable moments to cherish throughout your lifetime.

That said, it is tough for a trekker to decide the best time to trek to Everest base camp because seasons with extreme weather conditions are often not as convenient to trek in the peak seasons; they are usually very crowded, and budgets need more stretching than ever. However, aligning your goals with how you choose the time you go for the trek will also determine the best time.

Make sure to read till the end of this article to learn everything you need to know about Everest base camp and choose the most suitable time for the trek there!

Everest base camp trekking

Before starting your journey, you must know about Everest base camp and what a trek there will be like. It is one of the highest base camps in the world, given it is also the base camp for the tallest mountain in existence, meaning your trek is not, by any means, going to be simple and achievable without a few problematic roads here and there.

Your trek will start at Lukla and take you through the famous Khumbu trails. The destination is very rural; hence, one might face challenges not only while trekking but also while adjusting to the rare conditions of the mountain. Everest base camp trekking will keep the trekkers occupied without having them spend a single moment there idly.

Trekkers will take the trip in one way or another while at Everest base camp or on its trails. Even when resting, there are plenty of stories to hear from the locals and fellow travelers while exploring the splendid beauty of the mountains from where you are sleeping. Your journey will be nothing short of an adventure rather than just a mere trekking trip.

Moving more than 5000m above the mountainous trails will require you to be as present as possible throughout the trek, as a slight wrong move or carelessness may lead to a significant adverse outcome. Avoiding such unfortunate circumstances is possible when carefully following the trek guidelines and choosing the best time.

Best time to trek Everest Base Camp in different seasons

You will be dilemma of choosing one of the four seasons in Everest base camp for your trek. The following are the different seasons and an overview of them all:

Fall is the Best time to trek Everest Base Camp

Fall is a popular season among trekkers. Everest base camp will have been getting over the rainy aftermath of monsoon and summer while seeping slowly into the wintry air. This does not, however, mean that fall will be cold. The weather during this time is perfect for treks no matter where you are.

It is neither too hot nor too cold. Finding the best clothes to wear is not a complex decision either. Carrying your clothes and other gear will be as easy because your bags will not be as heavy. Hence, you will also save money you may otherwise have to spend on porters.

The clear sky guarantees a perfect picturesque view of the mountains and landscapes along the trails. Since there are no clouds or disturbances along the way, you will see more than just Mount Everest during the journey. Fall is possibly the best season for a beginner to go on the Everest base camp trek. You will likely see blooms shedding off, but this only adds to the aesthetic value of your trip.

Spring is another best time to trek Everest Base Camp.

One of the two best seasons for Everest base camp trekking is spring, giving you the best possible experience during your visit. Trekkers usually seek a journey that will keep them off dangerous trails and possible accidents when going to an Everest base camp. And there is no safer season for intense outdoor activity in a location that is rather popular for its extremities.

The peak season brings in lots of trekkers from all around the world. The sky is as clear as can be during this time of the year. Spring also brings in bloom, which plays a significant role in acting as an attraction for visitors. Along with this, you will get the best view of the mountains.

There is zero to last chance for rainfall and snowfall, which increases your convenience in every possible way. The weather during this time is just as moderate. The moderation in weather helps keep trekkers at a preferred body temperature.

Summer and monsoon are not the best times to trek Everest Base Camp.

Fall is a popular season among trekkers. Everest base camp will have been getting over the rainy aftermath of monsoon and summer while seeping slowly into the wintry air. This does not, however, mean that fall will be cold. The weather during this time is perfect for treks no matter where you are.

It is neither too hot nor too cold. Finding the best clothes to wear is not a complex decision either. Carrying your clothes and other gear will be as easy because your bags will not be as heavy. Hence, you will also save money you may otherwise have to spend on porters.

The clear sky guarantees a perfect picturesque view of the mountains and landscapes along the trails. Since there are no clouds or disturbances along the way, you will see more than just Mount Everest during the journey. Fall is possibly the best season for a beginner to go on the Everest base camp trek. You will likely see blooms shedding off, but this only adds to the aesthetic value of your trip.

The two seasons that come together, neither quite fit into your trekking plan, are summer and monsoon. One of the biggest reasons you will go through many challenges during summer and monsoon is the rain and sweltering weather conditions. While the Himalayas are famous for chill weather, summer and monsoon might be the exceptions.

Since you will be trekking on a high-altitude pathway, you will also be closer to the sun. It may become extremely tough for one to make it through a hectic day of trekking when they are on the Everest base camp trail during summer or monsoon.

Heavy rainfall is most likely to occur during monsoon seasons. That will make it impossible for trekkers to go beyond a specific location in the lower altitudes. Slippery roads, lack of clarity in the surroundings, heavy clouds, and lack of proper gear to get through the rain are some of the main reasons why monsoons are not preferable. Similarly, one may face a higher chance of having an accident when going to the Everest base camp during monsoon season. The crowd is, whatsoever, the least during these two seasons.

Winter

Winter is one of the only seasons in our list that is popular for being in demand while being preferred less. The trails of Everest base camp are snowy and have the most likelihood of pushing a trekker to a significant accident. It is suggested that beginners keep their trekking pants off this season for many more reasons, including altitude sickness and the probability of becoming victims of uncalled-for avalanches. For similar reasons, even an advanced trekker must keep himself off the mountains during winter.

However, many adventurers prefer winter over any other season to go on an adventure to the Everest base camp because of the adrenaline factor. Many trekking experts consider going there for a trek during winter to be both a win and a challenge.

Though one of the most dangerous times of the year for trekking, this season, to an extent, remains in demand. Due to safety concerns and a convenient trekking experience, you should avoid going to the base camp in winter. As a professional, you must consider several things and take precautions like weather forecasts, acclimatization, and even trek delays when necessary.

For those seeking the best sight of the mountains and landscapes amidst the snow, it may be
impossible to attain the goal. If anything, the destination and the trail will take you through several challenges that can be avoided by choosing a different season for the journey.

Considerations and challenges in peak seasons for Everest base camp trekking

There are plenty of challenges and considerations to remember before and while trekking to Everest base camp. Doing this will make your trek simple, attainable, and comfortable.

The following are the considerations and challenges to keep in mind during Everest base camp trekking:

Crowded trails

One of the biggest challenges for trekkers during peak seasons like fall and spring is crowded trails. Anyone looking for comfort and peace on their trek may find it challenging to go to the base camp during the two seasons. There is plenty of noise, and you may move slower than you want. Though you will get the best view of the landscapes and the possible aspects of the Khumbu region during the peak seasons, you will also get minimal time for exploration because there will be many other trekkers with the same goal.

Accommodation

While trekkers can book accommodation during seasons that do not welcome as many trekkers, peak seasons tend to lead to difficulty finding the best place to stay. Accommodation in Everest base camp is hard to find when every other teahouse and hotel is crowded. Therefore, one should book their hotels and teahouses before starting the trek. You can always get help from your trekking agency to find the right place. But you may also have to pay more than usual to book beforehand.

Permits

Finding every possible suitable permit for your journey is essential and mandatory when going to the Everest base camp. Some of the licenses you will need compulsorily are the TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) and the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. Besides this, if you visit certain places in the Khumbu region, you may also have to pay for local permits as necessary. Additionally, since fall and spring are peak seasons for the trek, it may be hard to get a license immediately. You can always get help from your trekking agency or guides.

Festivals

An adventurer is likely to seek fun besides just the trekking journey solely. Therefore, the peak seasons also take you through some of the most enjoyable Sherpa festivals, celebrated with great joy yearly during spring and fall. Such festivals include Dashain, Tihar, Losar, and Mani Rimdu.

Every other festival has its unique significance. Trekkers can devour the mouthwatering delicacies while joining in the celebrations through dances, religious rituals, and traditional songs. If you want to know more about these festivals, having your guides learn about your curiosity is always recommended. You will also get a better opportunity to interact and connect with the locals during the festivals.

Acclimatization and rest

Peak seasons will provide the most favorable trekking conditions, but you still need adequate acclimatization and rest. Not giving your body a proper rest might mean you will fail during your journey, as your body will become restless and tired. This may also lead to delays in your trek. Acclimatization helps your body get enough oxygen while familiarizing it with the changing conditions in your surroundings as you move higher. Moreover, you also had the opportunity to explore specific locations better while resting during your trek.

Wildlife Exploration

Nepal’s famous national park, Sagarmatha National Park, allows you to find the beauty in nature through flora and fauna exploration. The birds, animals, and certain plants are at their best during spring and fall. You will see more plants and animals during the peak seasons than any other ones.

Packing everything necessary

How a trekker packs during his Everest base camp trek is crucial to his journey. Packing heavily or less than necessary can both become a problem for him. It would help if you went through everything you may need during your journey, from medicines, gear and equipment, clothing choices, additional pairs of shoes and clothes, suitable undergarments, miscellaneous permits, and tickets, as well as extra money (preferably cash). Make sure you have a checklist of everything you will need. Consult with your guide, trekking agency, or a professional while you make the checklist.

Health and Safety

More often than not, trekkers are not very careful about keeping their health as they are too busy completing their goal of reaching a specific destination. To keep one’s health in check, a trekker has to take medicines on time, get diagnosed for any possible health condition through a good health expert before his trek, carry sanitary products, and remain mindful about what he consumes and uses throughout his trek to Everest base camp. Since there aren’t many facilities for either health or safety in the location, it becomes mandatory for one to take as many precautions as possible.

Considerations and challenges in off seasons for Everest base camp trekking

The off-seasons in the Everest base camp region are as such for several reasons. However, all such reasons may or may not apply to all trekkers. One may find himself in a dilemma of whether to go for the trek on an off-season due to some factors such as solitude, cheaper flight costs, and accessibility of accommodation and other amenities without much struggle. But along with these benefits, there are just as many difficulties for them. The following are some of the considerations and challenges in off seasons for Everest base camp trekking:

Bad weather

A trekker can be confident that his journey will not be simple or easy. Trekking in lousy weather usually means that he will face many challenges in covering trails after reaching a certain height while also not being able to fully enjoy the view that he may otherwise be able to if he goes there during any other season. Both monsoon and winter have the probability of causing accidents among trekkers.

Even guides and your trekking agency may suggest you delay trekking days to remain safe, as the weather is usually unpredictable. Furthermore, there is a big chance of suffering from health complications like hypothermia and frostbite.

Accommodation and services

While the crowd of trekkers is relatively tiny during both monsoon and winter, you may not always find accommodation and services easily. One must go through a fair amount of struggle if he hasn’t booked accommodations before starting his trek. While peak seasons always make the business owners in the Khumbu region keen on remaining actively available to the trekkers, the situation contrasts during winter and monsoon time. However, it may be easier to find shelter to spend the night in the lower regions than in the upper areas during the off-peak seasons.

Time consumption

Acclimatization and rest are very crucial during off-seasons. One must ensure one’s body gets enough oxygen throughout one’s time there. The time taken in trekking will be longer during the off seasons as the weather conditions and the seasonal demands will encourage trekkers to take more time for both rest and acclimatization. Even with adequate rest and acclimatization, a trekker is likely to face difficulties due to the circumstances of the Khumbu region during monsoon and winter.

Flight cancellation

Delayed flights are one of the biggest pet peeves for a trekker or traveler. It becomes extremely tough to commence their journey when the transportation facilities are unavailable. Most of the time, during off-seasons, flight cancellations and lack of road transportation may cause irritation and discouragement among trekkers, further degrading their trekking experience. Before you decide to plan your trek to Everest base camp during the off-season, make sure to keep this point in mind.

Less to no crowd

Trekkers will not see half the crowd during the off-season as they do during peak seasons in the Khumbu region. Most trekkers go to the Khumbu region for treks to Everest base camp only during seasons that best favor them, and these seasons most definitely do not count as monsoon or winter.

Many trekkers may find serenity and solitude on quiet trails. But most often, they don’t want to feel isolated and insecure in places like Everest base camp and the upper rural parts of the Khumbu region. Depending on the trekker’s nature, this may be a drawback or an advantage.

Cost

The cost of flights, hotels, and every other service will be as low as possible during the Everest base camp trek during off-seasons. This is because the demand for the trek is deficient, and there is no other way to keep trekkers coming, even though, to a small extent, on off-season. Though the availability of teahouses may increase the costs in the upper regions of Khumbu, you will find the cheapest possible services during only the off-seasons.

Factors to consider while choosing the best time for Everest base camp trek

Choosing the best time for the Everest base camp trek will be as simple as possible. The nature of the places you aim to visit, the routes you plan to take, and the experience you have as a trekker determines the most preferable time. While a trekker may choose convenience and a faster trek over anything else, another trekker may want to get as much adrenaline rush as possible throughout his trek.

The following are some of the factors to consider before coming up with the conclusion of whether a particular season of time of the year is best for the Everest base camp trek or not:

Climate

The climate in the Everest base camp is not constant throughout the year. The weather and temperature change with the change in seasons. Trekkers may want to get the most out of their trek without going through struggles. Since many visitors choose comfort and ease, the Everest region is crowded during peak seasons like fall and spring.

The climate is neither too hot nor too cold during both times of the year. Similarly, you don’t have to go through as much struggle in finding the correct set of clothes, shoes, and equipment to wear and carry during your trek. The climate of the base camp is expected to judge how successful you will be in completing your trekking journey, especially if you are a beginner.

On the other hand, trekking experts who aim to make winter expeditions to the base camp may also choose to go there during wintertime. The mountainous region’s conditions will be as bad as one can imagine. A person’s skills and experience determine whether or not he will succeed in his trekking journey. Consulting with former trekkers and your trekking agency will be more than helpful.

View of the Everest region

Trekkers don’t go to the Everest region solely for trekking. You can choose the views for yourself during your trek. If you value the aesthetic conditions of the trekking destination along with your chances of succeeding in reaching the location, then it is best to choose the peak seasons. Peak seasons tend to guarantee as much aesthetic value of the trek as one can expect. The sky is clear, and the visibility of mountains and landscapes and the beauty of the villages and trails between the journeys are spectacular.

The view of every aspect of the Khumbu region is distorted during off seasons like winter and monsoon. One cannot expect aesthetic value from the trek in both seasons since the days are clouded, and one can barely even look at their path.

Networking and interaction with other trekkers

When a trekker talks about experiencing a trek to a high-altitude location for the first time or once among the few times he goes there, he may want to interact and network with as many trekkers as possible. For some, socializing during his trek can be one of the best aspects. This can best be achieved when he is trekking during peak seasons. Many trekkers come to the Everest base camp every year and wish to learn from others throughout their journey.

As opposed to trekkers of the nature mentioned above, some trekkers may prefer lonesome journeys. They might want to limit their experience solely to the journey and learn about the Khumbu region independently. These trekkers may best benefit from off-season treks.

Rain and snow

No trekker would want to become the victim of dire weather circumstances like rain and snow. Rain and snow are the worst things to expect when trekking to a challenging destination like Everest base camp. Both seasonal aspects will increase the dangers of accidents and might even hold trekkers back from reaching their goals in the time they have set for themselves. It is always better to settle for seasons that do not invite rain and snow due to safety concerns for the trekkers.

Avalanche

The peak seasons, fall and spring, are popular among the trekkers for a good reason. You are not going to undergo chances of becoming a victim of avalanches. Avalanches can be highly fatal or at least be why you cannot complete your journey as thought. Though the Everest base camp region has a lesser probability of dangerous avalanches than Mount Everest, the extremities of avalanches in the former location can be just as lethal.

The off seasons, like winter and monsoon, will lead to dangerous situations when people go to the Everest base camp. It would even be fair to say that a trekker may not make it out alive when they come through an avalanche during their trek. Avoiding off-season treks directly means that you also avoid the dangers of avalanches.

Personal preferences

Trekkers do not always wish to trek during the most convenient season. This factor plays the most significant role in determining the best time to trek  Everest base camp. Advanced trekkers may find trekking in peak seasons hasty and straightforward.

This may lead them to trek during seasons that will push them to take on more enormous challenges. In comparison to such trekkers, there is a whole other group of trekkers, that too in the majority, who would instead crowd up the Everest base camp and the Khumbu region in the safest and the most comfortable months in a year than go there during challenging off-season months.

Photography opportunities

Many trekkers are also photographers who wish to capture the best moments and sceneries of the Everest base camp. Different photographers have different motives and niches. Some may want to capture the brightness of nature in the Khumbu region during the spring season, while others may prefer the orangish and brownish color that fall brings. Some others may also prefer winter when they can shoot the ruthless nature of the Himalayas. Their preference for photography ultimately helps them choose the best season for treks.

High altitude considerations

Selecting the best time for your trekking journey also includes considering high altitudes. Going to a high-altitude location, in general, can be very challenging. It would help if you made yourself aware of all the health challenges you may see during your trek. However, trekkers also need to realize the intensity of high-altitude treks and the challenges that multiply during seasons like winter and monsoon. Spring and fall may be comfortable for treks, but they can also be challenging.

However, choosing the latter will benefit beginners and might not even be suitable to put into mere consideration. Likewise, stopping between the treks for acclimatization and cutting the trek short when necessary is essential in both situations.

Hydration challenges

Khumbu is a rural region in Nepal, so finding water is challenging. Trekking to the Everest base camp during winter makes it almost impossible for trekkers to find water from a reliable source. The teahouses and local shops usually remain closed, and trekkers are forced to carry plentiful water in their bottles, which may not always be adequate, given the necessity for hydration while they are trekking.

Festivals and cultural exploration

There are certain seasons in the Khumbu region when trekkers can celebrate festivals and explore culture in and around the Everest base camp. Though you won’t be celebrating festivals and cultural celebrations in the base camp itself, you will also find a distinct effect on your end destination.

Your visit to the Everest base camp will not only be limited to trekking; you will also learn and explore as much as you can about the traditions, religious beliefs, and culture of the people in Khumbu.

Wildlife and nature exploration

Trekkers will find most aspects to explore in the wildlife and nature during the spring season. It is the season of natural bloom and inviting animals and birds to the world outside from hibernation. Sagarmatha National Park will offer trekkers with the most enthralling views of all time. Additionally, photographers and nature lovers can best find themselves indulged in the journey besides just the trek to Everest base camp when they go there in spring.

Necessary items for every season during the Everest base camp trek

Regardless of the season you are going to the Everest base camp trek, you will need a few essential items to make your journey comfortable and seamless. These items are listed below:

Clothing and shoes
● Fleece jackets (for winter)
● Waterproof down jackets
● Durable and waterproof trekking pants
● Lightweight thermal trekking pants
● Shorts
● Beanie or warm hat
● Sunhat
● Neck buff or gaiter
● Comfortable hiking socks
● Double-layered gloves or thin cotton gloves (depending on the season)
● Thermal tops and bottoms
● Cotton undergarments
● Trekking boot (with ankle support)
● Camping boots
● Sneakers
● Sandals and flip flops

Trekking equipment
● Duffel back
● Luggage bag
● Sleeping bag
● Trekking poles
● Crampons
● Headlamp
● Flashlight
● Glacier glasses
● Sun protection sunglasses
● First aid kit

Convenience list
● Travel Insurance
● Microfiber towels
● Sanitary products (for women)
● Trail maps
● Toiletries
● Water purifying tablets
● Sunscreen
● Moisturizer
● Lip balm
● Guidebook

Others
● Energy-giving light snacks
● Energy drinks
● Journals
● Books
● Camera
● Smartphone with charges
● Portable USB
● Passports
● Permits
● Cash

How do you prepare for the Everest base camp trek?

Before choosing the best time to trek to Everest base camp, you must prove that your physical and mental capabilities will help you succeed. These considerations include those that concern your health and safety, physical fitness as well as mental preparation before and during the trek, which are all given below:

Health and safety considerations

To ensure your health and safety throughout the trek, you must remember certain things, such as acclimatization, medical check-ups, emergency contacts readily available, water purification in whatever you drink, necessary medication availability, and travel insurance.

Missing either of these elements may lead to unimaginable dangers. Trekkers should tick everything off their medical checklist before they begin their trek. Peak seasons don’t require as much consideration in this regard as offseasons, though they are necessary for all seasons.

Mental preparation

Trekkers must mentally prepare themselves for the journey before they start. Enjoying the trip is a part of preparing oneself mentally. It would help if you kept a mindset and an attitude that will take you far through the journey and not settle for essential learning of the destination only.

Since the Everest base camp trek will be challenging regardless of which season you go there, you need to mentally prepare yourself for the challenges and work on mindset, stress management, and a positive attitude. Off-seasons require more mental preparation than peak seasons.

Physical fitness

You possess as much potential as you train yourself for. Trekking to Everest base camp will need lots of practice and physical fitness. Some ways to keep yourself physically fit are by training your body through cardiovascular activities, strength training, hiking to locations closer to your house, running, jogging, dancing, and hitting the gym as frequently as possible. Weight management is just as mandatory. The necessity for physical fitness adds up if you are trekking during off-seasons.

Remain respectful

Lastly, trekkers need to remain respectful of the etiquette and culture of the Khumbu region. The people living there have unique values, which must be considered before making a verbal statement or action.

A good trekker can only ever enjoy this trek if he is friendly and educated about the place where he is trekking. Sherpa culture has more depths for one to understand than he may think of on the surface. It does not matter which season you prefer for your trek; decency and courtesy go a long way.

Conclusion

While most trekkers are likely to prefer either spring or fall as the best time to trek Everest base camp, few exceptional trekkers may want to go in a rather challenging season like winter. Summer and monsoon remain the least preferred seasons for Everest base camp treks. One needs to take considerable time and gain a good amount of knowledge before he decides the best time to trek to Everest base camp.