After the first successful ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay in 1953, Everest region got worldwide recognition. People were assured that the World’s highest peak can also be conquered. Also then the Everest Base Camp Trek started to gain the popularity throughout the world. Reaching to the base of the world highest peak was earlier a traditional trekking trail starting from Jiri until Sir Edmund Hillary built Lukla airport in 1960’s. Later the airport was renamed as Tenzing Hillary airport in their honor. This airport is also one of the attractions of the trek as landing at Lukla is considered as one of the most thrilled and exciting experience.
Mount Everest lies 28 degrees north of the equator and has a typical northern hemisphere weather and climate condition. In the context of a few decades, Everest Base Camp Trek has become one of the most popular trekking destinations for the interested hikers from all over the world. Everest Base Camp lies at an altitude of 5380 meters i.e. 17600 feet above the sea level. A visit to the base of the world's highest mountain can be the lifetime experience for every trekker as you will not stop admiring its beauty. Each and every trek to Everest Base Camp is different as people have their own kind of experiences that are to be remembered throughout life.
Nepal generally offers four seasonal patterns in a year. Amongst which spring and autumn are considered as the most suitable time to carry out activities such as hiking, trekking, peak climbing and mountain expeditions. The weather for Everest Base Camp Trek is considered more appropriate for the month of March to May and from September to November. Having said that the trek can also be done throughout the year. Everest Base Camp Trek can be completed in 10 days being the shortest and 23 days in longest. it generally depends upon the level of fitness of the climbers as well as the route chosen. The standard itinerary for Everest Base Camp Trek of 15 days which is prepared in such a way that the trekkers get ample of time to adapt to the surrounding environment. The most popular trekking route for the Everest Base Camp Trek is as follows:
Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Day 02: Fly to Lukla(30-35 minute flight) and trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft) (4 hours walk)
Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft), (5-6 hours walk)
Day 04: Namche Bazaar- a day for acclimatization
Day 05: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,867m/12,684ft) (5 hours walk)
Day 06: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,358m/14,295ft) (5-6 hours)
Day 07: 2nd Acclimatization Day of the trek – Dingboche (4,360m/14,300ft)
Day 08: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,928m/16,164ft) (5 hours walk)
Day 09: Trek to Gorak Shep-Everest Base Camp- Gorak Shep (5,320/17,450EBC) / (5,160m/16,929 Gorekshep) (7-8 hours)
Day 10: Hike to Kala Pattar-Pheriche (5,550m/18,204ft Kala Pattar)/ (4,358m/14,295ft Pheriche) (7-8 hours)
Day 11: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,400m/11,283ft) (7-8 hours)
Day 12: Trek to Lukla (2,652m/8,700ft) (7-8 hours)
Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Day 14: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing (1,300m/4,264ft)
Day 15: Farewell and Departure from Kathmandu
One of the most unpredictable and uncertain thing that is to be considered whilst one is on Everest Base Camp Trek is climate. Due to the higher altitude, the climate on Everest is quite harsh. One of the most distinctive features of Everest Base Camp Trek might be the huge temperature gap between day and night. Usually, the nights are much cooler when compared to the temperature during the day. In course of 24 hours time period, there might be a huge difference in terms of temperature.
It is always wise to keep the know-how of the temperature and the climatic situation as well as to know when the best time to trek whenever one is willing to travel. Furthermore, the wind which is almost like a storm might be the other important factor to be considered for the Everest Base Camp Trek.
The temperature and climate at Everest Base Camp Trek as per the various trekking seasons of Nepal are as follows:
Spring (March to end of May):
During this time of year trekking to the Everest Base Camp is highly recommended as you will see the stunning views of the Himalayas. The days are sung with warm temperature favorable for hiking and trekking activities. The trails are lush and an abundant green at this season with the blooming of the rhododendron forest alongside the trail. Since it is one of the most preferred seasons for trekking you will witness a comparatively large number of visitors. Spring is also the season for the Expedition groups who are willing to risk their lives and achieve their dreams of climbing the highest peak in the world.
The minimum temperature for Everest Base Camp Trek during spring is -2°C i.e. 28°F and 17°C i.e. 63°F to the maximum for an altitude of 4000 meters above the sea level.
Monsoon (June to early September):
The monsoon season starts from June and lasts till early September. Trekking during this time of year is generally difficult and uncomfortable as the trail becomes muddy, slippery. There are often times that the trails become leech infested. However, if you wish to trek despite the rain then we would suggest you carry an umbrella, poncho, proper waterproof hiking boots, windproof jackets, baggage wrap, and raincoat as well as required insect repellent. It rains almost every day with occasional thunderstorms. Although, difficult but trekking to Everest is possible if you don’t mind the rain.
The minimum temperature for Everest Base Camp Trek during spring is -1°C i.e. 30°F and 17°C i.e. 63°F to the maximum for an altitude of 4000 meters above the sea level.
Autumn (Mid-September to November):
The best seasons and the most popular time to trek in Nepal is autumn, from mid-September until November. This is the best time for the Everest Base Camp Trek. Generally, the weather is clear with mild to warm days and cold nights. However, in the higher altitude, the nights drop into freezing temperature. In this season, the mountains views are astonishingly clear with an abundant amount of snow. It offers a pleasant weather totally a paradise for the trekkers as you can see the trails would be occupied by the fellow trekkers.
The minimum temperature for Everest Base Camp Trek during spring is -4°C i.e. 25°F and 12°C i.e. 54°F to the maximum for an altitude of 4000 meters above the sea level.
Winter (December to February):
It is also possible to trek during winter, from December until the end of February as the temperature during days will be cooler; however, the nights will often be very cold. There are chances of semi-regular snowfall followed by winter storms at high altitudes. With the layers of thermal clothing and a strong desire of attaining the dream, one can trek to the base camp. The bright side of trekking to the Everest Base Camp during the winter is the sky during this season is clear and gives ample opportunity to view the panoramic mountains and a good time of the photography.
The minimum temperature for Everest Base Camp Trek during spring is -7°C i.e. 19°F and 12°C i.e. 54°F to the maximum for an altitude of 4000 meters above the sea level.
Conclusion:
Everest Base Camp trek is one of the best and most adventurous treks that can be carried out in the Himalayas of Nepal. The weather in the high Himalayas can change in a matter of seconds. The flight to Lukla is the beginning of the trekking journey to the base camp and which can be severely affected by the changing weather condition. Therefore, it is always wise to keep the whereabouts of the weather conditions before traveling to any place. Keeping a few spare days is always good in case there is any change in the itinerary/ program other than initially decided.
