Best time to Visit Everest Base Camp
Mount Everest, located between Nepal and Tibet, is considered to be one of the highest peaks in the world at 8,848.86 meters. Everest is also considered one of Nepal's most famous tourist attractions, and climbing Mount Everest has been a popular activity for mountain climbers. However, as exciting as a trek to Everest sounds, it can also be challenging and require proper training for equipment, and you should know about the suitable time to visit Everest.
The best season to visit Everest depends on your mode of transportation. You can visit Everest either by trekking or by helicopter. Trekking will usually take around 2 weeks; however, the trek can be shortened or increased according to your choice. Similarly, a helicopter tour to Everest is usually done for a day; however, if you wish to stay for a day near Everest, that can be facilitated too.
If you are planning to trek to Everest, then the best time to visit Everest would be the spring season, ranging from March to May, and the autumn season, ranging from September to November. Although spring and fall are often the most favorable seasons, you may go to Everest at any time of year. View our complete Everest package for trekking and helicopter trips, and book your tour in advance if you have a certain time frame in mind for your visit.
Seasons of Nepal
Nepal has four seasons. Spring is from March to May and has pretty flowers. Summer is from June to August and brings lots of rain. Autumn is from September to November, with clear skies and nice weather. Winter is from December to February and can be cold with some snow. People like to visit Nepal in different seasons for trekking, seeing the mountains, or enjoying the weather.
Summer/ spring season:
The spring season is from March to May, and during the daytime, the temperatures at Everest Base Camp and other places with higher altitude range from 5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F). Similarly, during the night, temperatures can drop significantly. Since the climate is comparatively stable and the temperatures are milder, trekkers usually prefer to visit Everest during this season.
For mountain climbers who are planning to summit Mount Everest, this may be the best time as the weather is less challenging with clearer skies and less cold. Visiting Everest in the spring season enhances the beauty of your journey as you can see colorful rhododendron forests in the lower elevations of your trek.
Autumn Season:
The best time to visit Everest (both for trek and tour ) is also in the autumn season from September to November, when in the daytime the temperature ranges from -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F) and drops down during the nighttime, making nights colder. Around this time of year, the weather remains stable and gives you breathtaking views and excellent visibility of the mountains.
Such majestic scenery will truly make your journey more adventurous. During this season, the trails are less crowded compared to the spring season, which is why it is considered a popular time for trekking and climbing. However, the temperature might escalate during the night, so trekkers still need to bring suitable gear and clothing.
Winter season:
The winter season from December to February is considered to be off seasons to visit Everest. The temperatures can get extremely cold, which would be one of the main challenging factors. Winter is very cold, with daytime highs often falling below freezing between -15°C and -30°C (5°F and -22°F) and temperatures may drop significantly lower at night.
If you are planning to visit Everest during this time, it is important to not only train your body but also to bring all the necessary amenities. Most trekkers still visit in the winter season as the routes will be easier and the skies are mostly clear, which gives the trekkers an exceptional view of the mountains.
Monsoon season:
The monsoon season, however, is not considered the best time to visit Everest. The monsoon season on Everest brings warmer temperatures, with daytime temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) and nighttime temperatures getting milder. The wet weather won’t be the only challenge that you will face, but landslides, muddy trails, and clouds blocking your view will create a hurdle for you in your travels to Everest.
On the positive side, if you are planning to visit Everest during the monsoon season, the temperatures are warmer during this time. Trekking during the monsoon will be possible if you are ready for the rain and don't mind getting a little wet along the route. This is because there is often less rain at higher altitudes.
Best seasons for Helicopter Tour:
If you are planning to do a helicopter tour to Everest base camp, then the best time to visit would be during spring and autumn, as you will get clear visibility towards the beautiful views of the mountains. There's a good possibility of seeing the breathtaking Himalayan landscape in the spring, including Mount Everest. Another great season for an Everest helicopter tour is autumn. It is usually dry and clear outside, making vision excellent. The scenery is even more beautiful with the autumn leaves seen in the lower altitudes.
Conclusion
Even though spring and autumn are considered to be the best seasons to visit
Everest, it is important for trekkers to note that the Himalayan weather can be unpredictable and the weather conditions can instantly change. This is why, before planning a trip to Everest, it is suggested that you inform yourself about recent weather conditions. In addition, altitude sickness is one of the major concerns, so proper acclimatization is suggested. Lastly, it is necessary to consider your physical condition and trekking experience, since climbing Mount Everest may be straining due to the difficult terrain and high elevations.
