YouAsked is a segment on our blog where we answer questions you’ve asked us. If you have any questions regarding hiking, hiking equipment, our packages and locations, or anything else, don’t hesitate to drop us a line at info@adventureabroad.com.au
We were sent an inquiry by Valerie M. asking us about the ideal time to hike Everest Base camp. She says:
“I’ve always been fascinated by Mt. Everest since I was little. Summiting Mt. Everest is out of the question now, so I think hiking the Everest Base Camp is the next best thing. When is the best time to go?”
Recommended hiking seasons on Everest are divided roughly into two seasons: February-May and September-October. The period between November-January is very cold and snowy, but still trekkable. June-August is monsoon season and therefore is absolutely discouraged.
[vc_custom_heading text=”February-May” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:center”]
This period is popular due to it being the tail-end of winter, going through spring, and leading into summer/the monsoon season.
February and early March are the transition months between winter and spring, so there may be snow showers during the earlier part of the period. They are colder than usual, but the skies are generally clear enough to provide a good view of Everest. There are also less people on the trail, so if you like snow and dislike crowds, scheduling a trip during these months are perfect for you.
Spring begins in late March and April, so this is actually peak season due to the warmer weather and blooming flora in the region. The days are longer and provide even better visibility. Due to the ideal conditions, the area receives the most visitors at this time. The trails, the shops, and the villages will all be full of people. So if you’re someone who doesn’t mind crowds, this could be a great time to visit.
May is the month between spring and summer, offering amazing sunrises and sunsets, as well as warm weather and clear skies. The tourist population should also be slowing down around this time. However, hiking in late May may have visibility problems due to the oncoming monsoon season.[vc_custom_heading text=”September-October” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:center”]
The second hiking season of the year starts mid-September, right after monsoon season ends. The skies are clear and visibility is good, and the landscape is especially green after the nourishing rains of the monsoon season. The weather is colder than in the previous trekking season, since it’s leading into the winter season. This is also a time when climbers attempt to summit Everest, so you may meet climbing parties at Base Camp.[vc_custom_heading text=”November-January” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:center”]
This period is even closer to winter, so it’s much much colder than the rest of the hiking season. Temperatures can reach below zero at night. The advantage of hiking at this time is that there’s barely anyone on the trails, and travelling costs also drop a little bit.[vc_custom_heading text=”Our Adventure Abroad Recommendation” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:center”]
We recommend hiking in March-April and in October. The weather is fair and the sunshine is stable, and the chances for walking in bad weather is low during this time.
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