In this article, we are going to discuss Everest Base Camp Trek in March.
An avid trekker never goes out of trekking destinations. But, will most likely have the Everest in their to-conquer list. I have not yet attempted the glorious mountain, but yes, eventually. However, nothing could stop me stand on the common ground with this spectacular mountain.
Without a doubt, you will run out of adjectives when you come in face to face with Everest.
It is not only the highest mountain in the world but also one beautiful mountain worth all the admiration.
The first time I reached the base camp, I stuck to the safe side and went in April. Like I heard it be the best season in spring to trek EBC or do Everest Base Camp Trek in March. It was a great experience. Well, for the second I challenged myself during December. Indeed, it was a lot more challenging than I had presumed. But it was just as adventurous and I had significant benefits with the accommodation and the expenses.
Finally, early March was my third attempt. It was as interesting as April and I enjoyed the benefits of the off-season trek too. Since trekking season begins by mid-March, it wasn’t that crowded. This allowed us to enjoy the perks. It was quite an interesting experience.
Nepal experiences spring from mid-March. Spring and autumn are two seasons that you wouldn’t want to miss being here in Nepal. The weather and the temperature are just perfect to explore nature. If you are into trekking, there are many packages like Everest Panorama Trek, which is a short trek, and long treks like Jiri to Everest Base Camp Treks are possible. Both explore the Everest region.
But if you do not want to miss out on the Himalayan ranges but have a schedule to maintain and cannot get off your busy schedule. You can definitely take a helicopter ride to the Everest Base Camp.
Why not?
After all, March is a peaceful month to be trekking at the Everest Base Camp.
Highlights of Everest Base Camp in March
- Marks the beginning of spring that brings in many migrating birds, this is a great month to witness exotic birds at such high altitude
- The Sherpa village at Namche Bazaar allows you to explore the culture and the tradition of the Sherpa people.
- Tengboche monastery is one of the main attractions of the Everest Region. It not only teaches you about the religion but the iconography of the monastery and the murals make your trip to this monastery worth it.
- You can enjoy the breathtaking views of Everest and other peaks including Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, and Cho Oyu from Kala Patthar.
- The Khumbu Glacier, the largest glacier is also in the Everest Region.
- March offers you clear weather and a blue sky that allows you to experience the breathtaking mountain vistas.
- March is still a dry month in Nepal, this is a plus point because you could rarely get rainfall.
- The daytime temperature is at 7 degrees and it drops to -12 degrees.
Weather Conditions of Everest Base Camp in March
Spring is one of the best times of the year to be hiking in the Everest Region. The temperature is just right. It is neither too cold nor too hot. This somehow makes it obvious to be overcrowded. But since winter is still not that far behind, the flow of trekkers is not as high as during mid-spring. This is a great point to be packing for March.
The average temperature is 10 degrees to -12 degrees ( Celsius). This means the days are definitely sunny. But the nights are still chilly.
Also, after you are above 4000m above the sea level, the weather seems unpredictable no matter what season you are trekking in. It gets a lot difficult during winters. Then again, if you are a winter person, you will love the thrill and the chill.
A snow shower is however common in the higher altitudes. Because it is still dry, it is a great choice to go trekking. The weather is clear and this gives you a crystal clear view of the Himalayas during Everest Base Camp Trek in March.
Other Recommended Treks in the Everest Region in March
This time of the year is a great time to explore and enjoy the trails in Nepal. The Everest Region is amongst the most popular treks. The Annapurna Region beings the next. As mentioned, March is a dry month and the weather gradually begins to get warmer, there is a negligible chance of rainfall. This is a plus point.
Many treks in the Everest region can be opted for during March, here are some of my favorite treks in the Everest region during March.
Renjo Pass Everest Base Camp Trekking
Renjo Pass Everest Base Camp Trekking explores the Everest Base Camp. It is a long and challenging trek in the Khumbu region. Because this a long trek, much endurance, and strength are required. Unlike the Everest Panorama Trek (a short trek), this is a challenging and adventurous trek.
It explores places like Namche, Thame, and Lukla. The culture and the biodiversity of these places will enchant you with its hospitality. You can enjoy your time with the locals in exploring a different culture and lifestyle by getting involved in their festivals.
Because you will be traveling in March, the weather is just perfect to enjoy the local culture and festivals.
The Sherpas are known as the people of the mountains and their unique culture will certainly display their ethnicity and nature.
Despite the impeccable landscape, the flora and the fauna of the place, you will definitely get a chance to experience the biodiversity of the place. If lucky, you can also see some exotic birds and animals.
Highlights of Renjo Pass Everest Base Camp Trekking
- Since this trek is a long one, you will get used to the altitude and the weather. You will feel homely and heartily welcomed.
- The amazing peaks like Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Everest will definitely make your trip a lot enjoyable.
- Local settlement and the local culture of the Sherpas and the hospitality
Everest Kala Patthar Trekking
A short yet the most sought out treks in the Everest Region is this trek, the Everest Kala Patthar Trekking. Like most of the treks, this too welcomes you with a magnificent view of the mountains at Lukla airport. The close view of the mountains with the ups and downs in the hills is definitely a common feature when you trek in the Everest Region.
However, this must be the most popular trek in the very region. It is popular for being the best viewpoint to embrace the magnificent Everest. You will definitely feel drawn to the larger than life mountains. The views of Everest (8848), Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m), Mt. Makalu (8,463 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m) are breathtaking. Because all these mountains are above 8000 meters, you might be encouraged to conquer one of these in your next conquest.
The trail passes through dense birch and rhododendron forest. Birch is one of the oldest materials in which manuscripts were written. These were among the oldest manuscripts found. There are a lot of aspects in Nepal which bear historic importance.
Well, not to forget the Buddhist monasteries and chaityas that you will see at places throughout your journey. These will definitely add to making your trip a lot more exciting and memorable.
Not only the wonderful view of the mountain vistas, but this trek also allows you to explore the culture of the Sherpas. This is the heartland of the Sherpas.
Highlights of Everest Kala Patthar Trekking
- A magnificent view of the mountain vistas.
- View of the mountains that are about 8000 meters, the Mt. Everest (8848), Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m), Mt. Makalu (8,463 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m).
- The hospitality and the culture of the locals, the Sherpas.
- A popular viewpoint to have the best view of the glorious Mt. Everest.
- Trek up to an altitude of 5545 meters above sea level.
Gokyo Lake-Chola Pass-Everest Base Camp Trekking
The Gokyo Lake-Chola Pass-Everest Base Camp Trekking is a trek that focuses on being a lot exploratory in nature. It allows you to explore the Khumbu region. Like it states, it is definitely a trek that will need much endurance. Though this is not a long trek, it covers a diverse terrain. You will be walking in the mountains, valleys, and hills. This is an interesting and unique trek.
The Gokyo trek is at an elevation of 4750m, you will stay at Gokyo for a day to explore the valley and the nature that encompasses the area. The five turquoise lakes are simply spectacular.
After a short hike, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains Cho-Oyu, Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse.
After a narrow valley climb and then a rocky trail, you will begin to see the frozen lakes. The surrounding is mesmerizing. We reach 5368m above the sea level, at Chola Pass. This place gleams in the bright color of the Buddhist flags. As the five-colored flags flutter, you will definitely be reminded of the spiritual feeling within you as the flags flutter in the wind.
Finally, to Dzongla, Gorak Shep, and to the Everest Base Camp, our final point of the trek. Through a different route, you will be back to Namche. A place that will make you feel a lot welcomed and relaxed, especially on your way back.
This trek is famous for the ice falls, glaciers, frozen lakes, and the moraines.
Highlights of Gokyo Lake-Chola Pass-Everest Base Camp Trekking
- It is a challenging and adventurous trek
- The Chola pass is a challenging pass. This connects the Thaknak village to Dzongla.
- Spectacular views of the frozen lakes, the five tranquil turquoise lake.
- It will definitely tickle your spiritual side. With all the Buddhist flags and the monasteries and the Chortens around you.
- The varying culture of the people in the Gokyo valley, the Chola Pass, and the Everest Base Camp.
Everest Base Camp Luxury Trekking
This nine-day trek is an amazing way to explore and enjoy the Everest Region in a luxurious manner. The Everest Base Camp Luxury Trekking is quite different from the Everest Base Camp Trek. It involves a lot of luxuries and facilities than later.
If you are looking to be blown by the mountains and the services with the least amount of trouble, this is a package that will definitely interest you. It is definitely on the pricier side but the services are phenomenal. From luxurious hotels to comfortable services, it includes all.
You will take a short flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. A short trek to Namche is amazing, the views of the beautiful mountains and many Sherpa villages is refreshing. Namche is a small Sherpa town that has a blend of modernity to it. Here you will enjoy the availability of daily necessities. You will have a difficult time getting these elsewhere.
The benefit of this trek is enjoying the facilities provided in hand-picked hotels. These hotels offer luxurious facilities and you will only be trekking from hot to another hotel. Best hotels at higher altitudes will only be selected for your stay. Hotel Yeti Mountain Home is one of a kind. It is a great way to experience luxury surrounded by natural bliss.
You will be served the best of meals and will be accompanied by the best of facilities, most basic toilet facilities to hot steamy baths and comfortable and warm beds. Indeed, this is also an interesting way to experience the beauty of nature and the glorious mt. Everest.
Highlights of Everest Base Camp Luxury Trekking
- Superb views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Thamserku
- Warm, cozy, and spacious bed and accommodation
- The hospitality of the locals and the best facilities
- The array of peaks, the Lobuche West and Lobuche East in the northwest
- Fine dining, spa treatments, massages, and great accommodations
Tips for Everest Base Camp Trekking in March
Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. This trail tends to get crowded during peak seasons; spring and autumn. Spring and autumn are a great time of the year in many parts of the world, EBC being one. March marks the beginning of spring in Nepal and you will experience the popularity of Everest Base Camp Trek in March.
If you are planning to explore the Everest Base Camp Trek during March, you can use the following tips.
- You will definitely need to hire a porter. It doesn’t matter if it is a peak season and you are a lot confident in carrying your baggage, you are suggested to get one. This will make your trip a lot easier and enjoyable.
- Pre-plan your trip and learn about the places so that you will be enjoying the present moment being there and exploring the place confidently.
- Trekking is all about endurance, it is definitely not a race, you will have to walk slowly yet steadily at your pace. This way you will not only be on schedule, you will also be overcoming altitude sickness. Your body will gradually adjust to the altitude. Yes, physical fitness has nothing to do when it comes to change in altitude and Altitude Mountain Sickness. But if you let your body adjust to the change, you will feel a lot better.
- Yes, always keep yourself hydrated. It has a lot to do with Altitude sickness too.
- Even if you are physically fit, you will definitely need certain training. This training could be taking short treks in your country, where you will be training with increasing altitude.
- Please do not try to arrange a fixed and tight schedule. The weather condition at higher altitudes is unstable, so you may end up waiting for the weather to clear up so that you can trek for the day or fly back to Kathmandu. The weather is uncertain, so it is suggested to plan for spare days.
- Pack appropriately and wisely. Be sure of what you may require and things that you may not need or can always buy.
- Again, the Everest Base Camp trek is the most popular trek in Nepal. You will have to pre-book the trek. This way you will not only secure the flights but also book at tea houses. You will be thanking later, especially when you will be sleeping for the night at tea houses. Pre-booking will always get you better places.
Recommended Trekking Equipment
Well, there are a lot of things that you may need or may not, this is totally a personal choice. The list below is to give you a hint of things that you might consider that may remind you of things that you will want to take with you. There are no rules to what you should or should not take.
But, yes do make a list of things that you might need later.
Gear List
Foot Wear
- Warm layered socks
- Normal hiking socks
- Camp Sandals
- Hiking Boots
- Gaiters (optional)
Body Wear
- A fleece jacket or pullover
- A thermal layer (shirts and pants)
- Loose comfortable T-shirt
- Long-sleeved T-shirt
- Trousers
- Water and windproof jacket
- Thermal gloves
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Warm fiber or fleece hat
- Scarf
- A warm protective Jacket
- Mid-weight top or /cardigan /a pullover for creating layers
Accessories
Trekking Accessories
- A daypack
- Rucksack/ backpack
- Sleeping bag
- Head Torch
- Trekking Poles
- Crampons
Personal Accessories
- Personal first aid kit
- Personal medications
- Personal Toiletries (shampoo, soap, shaving items, moisturizer, towel, etc)
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Water Bottles
- Camera or Books or earphones(Optional)
Conclusion
Getting close to the Everest Base Camp is an amazing feeling that cannot be compensated by anything at all. The beauty of the place isn’t the only thing that you will be appreciating. You will learn to appreciate your life a lot more. That was what I felt.
The lifestyle of people who are a lot different from you will definitely get you thinking.
Other than that, enjoying nature in its fullest form is worth all the hardships you will put into.
Everest Base Camp Trek in March will make your trip a lot easier and quieter. It is a great time to trek in the Everest Region.
Yes, there are many other treks that are just as great as trekking in the Everest Region, but what makes this place spectacular is the Mountain itself. This ever tall mountain, Mt. Everest is worth all the effort and definitely secure a top position. A must visit place!
The culture and the hospitality of the people will definitely be worth remembering and talking about after you return. Do cherish every moment of your trek!
Changing weather, unpredictable nature, uncertain destination, and life that goes on will definitely get you thinking.
Why wait? Get planning.
Everest Base Camp Trek in March- FAQs
Q1. Is March the best time to trek Everest Base Camp?
- In Nepal, early March is colder like February and as the days move ahead, it tends to get warmer. This is a good thing because it is still a bit cold and almost near the peak season, you will not have to face the crowd that you will see during peak season (spring and autumn). This will get you good deals at tea houses and other daily perks. So, yes, March is a great time to trek EBC.
Q2. Can I just plan a trek to EBC after I get here?
- Planning a trek to EBC will be a lot difficult after you get to Kathmandu because the packages are booked a lot earlier. You can definitely enjoy other trekking packages in Kathmandu or places near the valley but Everest Base Camp Trek requires pre-booking. This is because March marks the beginning of peak season for trekking. And, accommodations will also need to be pre-booked.