Everest Base Camp Trek in May

In this article, we are going to talk about Everest Base Camp Trek in May.

Nepal is famous for its natural beauty, high mountains, and the people’s hospitality. A lot of trekkers and climbers visit Nepal each year to experience the Himalayan adventure. Some of them come just to get a glimpse of the pristine view of the majestic mountains and to experience the Himalayan lifestyle and settlements of the local people up in the mountains but most come with the dream of being a part of the legends of Mount Everest, the highest mountain of the world. So, definitely many of these trekkers and climbers pass through the Everest Base Camp Trekking route.

The popularity of Everest Base Camp Trek has been growing ever since its first successful summit. People have started to trek in the region throughout the year as each season has its unique appeal and adventurous experience to offer. Having said that, the best season for EBC trek is during the local autumn and spring seasons. The best month to trek is October due to its superb weather and climate condition.

However, the months of April and May are the best time of the year to summit the mountains in Nepal. These months provide you with a unique opportunity to get a chance to meet the world-class mountain climbers on the way to EBC as well as to enjoy the buzzing energy and spirit of adventure that they are surrounded with.

The trekking route of EBC is rich in flora and fauna. As the month of May lies at the end of springtime, you may get a chance to witness some exotic wildlife along the trekking route. Some of the rare animals you may get a glimpse of are spot- musk deer, leopards, jackals, mountain Thar, gray langur, and birds like pheasant, Lophophorus, and long-tailed birds.

As Spring is followed by summer in Nepal, the temperature is gradually rising up. In the lower hilly region, you may encounter bugs and pests around the trekking route and rest stops. So be prepared and take some bug repellant sprays and ointments.

You might want to pre-book early for your trekking in the month of May as mentioned earlier this is a popular month for trekking. Be ready to experience a once in a lifetime experience here in the Everest Base Camp in May.

Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek in May

• Reaching Everest Base Camp (5380 m)
• Amazing view of the majestic mountains like Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Cho Oyu, and other surrounding mountain peaks.
• Adventurous mountain flight to and from Kathmandu to Lukla
• Visiting the school established by Sir Edmund Hillary at Khumjung village
• Passing through the gateway to Mount Everest and the world’s highest trade market, Namche Bazaar (3450m)
• Visiting Tengboche Monastery (3867m)
• Reaching Gorak Shep (5164m)
• Khumbu Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal.
• Reaching the highest point of the trek at Kala Patthar (5545m)
• Explore the unique culture, tradition, settlement, and hospitality of Sherpas and other local ethnic groups along the trekking trail.

Weather at Everest Base Camp Trek in May

The weather and climate in May are better than summer and winter seasons. There might be some downpour but for the most part, the weather is usually clear. The clear skies will offer you a crystal-clear view of the magnificent and gigantic mountains.

The monsoon clouds can sometimes come early in Nepal. This usually happens around the end of May. So, be sure to check the weather forecast before booking your trekking.

The trekking route will be pretty dry as the humidity is higher in May. Temperature can get a bit high during the daytime, mostly in the lower hilly region, ranging from 20 to 30 degrees. It is quite chilly in the morning and night, mostly in the upper Himalayan region, ranging from 10 to 15 degrees and sometimes reaching below zero if it rains in the lower region.

So, be sure to pack your clothes accordingly. You need light summer clothes during the day yet you might need thick, warm clothes for the nights and rain/windproof outers for when it rains.

Recommended Everest Base Camp Trekking Routes in May

The fair weather and climate in the month of May will make Everest Base Camp trekking more fruitful to trek. If you have decided and looking for the different routes to Everest Base Camp Trek in May, here are some of the recommended trekking routes to EBC.

Everest Base Camp Trek

So far, the best trekking route in Nepal has been none other than the Everest Base Camp Trek. The EBC trekking has been renowned all over the world since the first climbers, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary, summited the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. Ever since the route has been used by both climbers and trekking enthusiasts.

The spectacular views of the snow-capped mountain peaks, the diverse landscape, glacial lakes, the largest glaciers, and the evergreen lush forests are the main highlights of this trek.

If you go on a perfect season to trek, you might even spot some of the rare and exotic animals on the way like musk deer, leopards, jackals, mountain Thar, gray langur, and birds like pheasant, Lophophorus, and long-tailed birds.

The warm hospitality and gestures of the local people including the famous Sherpas will make this trekking journey even more fruitful. Exploring and experiencing their unique culture, traditions, festivals, and settlements and visiting the Tibetan monasteries in the region are also the highlights of this trek.

Some of the majestic mountains you will get to view while trekking Everest Base Camp are Mt. Everest (8848 m), Mt. Lhotse (8516 m), Mt. Nuptse (7855 m), Mt. Pumori (7161 m), Mt. Changtse (7550 m), Mt. Lingtren (6679 m), Mt. Amadablam (6856 m), Mt. Thamserku (6723 m), Mt. Kantega (6685 m), Mt.Kusum Kanguru (6367 m), Mt.Kongde (6011 m), Mt. Khumbila (5761 m), Mt. Twitch peak (6367 m), Mt. Cholatse (6335 m), Island peak (6179 m), Lobuche peak (6145 m), Pokalde peak (5806 m), and Honku south peak (6119 m).

The trekking route passes through the gateway to Everest, Namche Bazaar (3,450m), a bazaar(market/trading place) at the highest altitude. The Everest Base Camp trekking starts and ends with a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.

Highlights of the Trek

• Up-close view of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest
• Experience traditions, cultures, and lifestyle of the Sherpa people and other local ethnic tribes
• Visiting the famous Tengboche Monastery
• Magnificent view of the mountain peaks like Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, and other famous peaks in the region
• Namche Bazaar (3,450 m), the highest trade center
• Best weather condition and breathtaking views.

Gokyo- Cho La- Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek

Gokyo Chola Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek is the best package as it is a combined trek to the Everest Base Camp (5380 m), the Gokyo valley (4750 m), and the high Chola Pass (5420 m).

Wonderful mountain lakes, amazing glaciers, fantastic views of snow-capped mountains, and picturesque Gokyo valley are the major highlights of this trek. The 360-degree view of the mountain range from the Gokyo ridge will definitely fill you with gratification.

Witnessing the glaciers is one of the major attractions of trekking in the Mountains. Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal, is definitely waiting to be noticed by the trekker. It is situated on the east side of Gokyo Ri (5357 m) Peak so, you should not miss the hike up to Gokyo Ri (5357 m) peak in this trekking.

Hiking to Gokyo Ri Peak, not only offers the view of Nepal’s largest glacier but also the highest magnificent snow painted mountains like Mount Cho Oyu (8201 m), Mount Makalu (8,463m), Mount Lhotse (8516 m), and Mount Everest (8848 m).

You will reach an altitude of 5420 m at Cho La Pass, the highest point of Gokyo- Cho La- Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek. The most adventurous and strenuous journey in this trek is to hike up to Cho La Pass. Yet, the spectacular and up-close view of the world’s highest mountains will make you forget your strains and tiredness.

In May, there is less probability of snowfall, and less snow is deposited on the trails in the moraine trail. So, it is a bit easier to walk since it will not yet be slippery from snow deposits.

The forests in the lower altitude will be full of green vegetation and flowers. In the month of May, lush green forest blooms flowers and becomes colorful. It adds to the joy for trekkers. Exotic wildlife in the forest of Everest region can be spotted in this month as it is late spring and the environment is suitable for the animals and birds to roam around.

Gokyo- Cho La- Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek is a great choice for vacationing to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain. Exploring the area of the world’s highest mountain will be anyone’s dream come true vacation. You will surely be rewarded with a wonderful experience that will last you a lifetime from this trek.

Highlights of the Trek

• Picturesque mountain view flight (Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu)
• Visiting Namche Bazaar (3450 m), the highest trade center
• Famous monastery in Tengboche
• Exploring the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of local Sherpas
• Witnessing the up-close view of four of the world’s highest mountain peaks, Mount Cho Oyu (8201m), Mount Makalu (8463 m), Mount Lhotse (8516 m) and the majestic Mount Everest (8848 m).
• Hiking up Gokyo Ri (5357 m)
• Exploring the beautiful Gokyo valley, lakes, and glacier
• Crossing the highest pass, Chola Pass (5420 m)
• High possibility of spotting exotic wildlife in the lush forest

Renjo Pass Everest Base Camp Trekking

Exploring the periphery of Mount Everest is one of the greatest adventures in the world. You will find several routes to reach Everest Base Camp. Among them, the route of Renjo Pass Everest Base Camp Trekking is one of the more thrilling and interesting trekking routes to Everest.

This trekking package is of 20 days and is perfect for those who have much needed time to explore the Himalayas. This is an ideal experience for trekking enthusiasts and photographers as this route provides you with astonishing views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rocky trails of the Himalayas. It provides you with a unique experience of adventure and a fantastic lifetime memory.

In May, there is drastic change of weather in high altitudes and low altitudes since the month falls in between two seasons, Spring and Summer in Nepal. The month of May witnesses flower blooms in the green forests and brings huge numbers of migrating birds. The rejoicing view of the green forest and the chirping of different birds will add to the beauty of the trails and will take your stress and pain away. You may also encounter some exotic wild animals from the trail.

Your walking journey begins after a short and adventurous flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The 20 days trek allows you to freely and leisurely explore beautiful places like Namche Bazaar, the highest situated trade center in the world. You will get to interact with more locals as the local people will be there during this season for work and to live.

Like every other high altitude trek, you must be geared up properly and be ready to face any weather as the weather up in the mountains can sometimes be fickle.

Highlights of the Trek

• A mountain flight with a remarkable view of the Himalayan range from Kathmandu to Lukla
• Witnessing the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest (8848 m)
• Reaching the high altitude passes, Cho-La Pass (5420 m) and Renjo La Pass (5360 m)
• Observe the highest peaks above 8,000m like Mount Cho Oyu (8201 m), Mount Makalu (8463 m), Mount Lhotse (8516 m) and the Mount Everest (8848 m)
• Exploring the culture, tradition, and lifestyle the ethnic group “The Sherpa”
• Visiting Namche Bazaar (3,450m)
• Visiting monasteries in Tengboche and Dingboche

Everest Kalapathar Trek

Among the several routes to the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Everest Kala Patthar Trek route is the most popular one. This trek follows one of the classic trails and witnesses the most number of trekkers and climbers.

After a short exciting mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, your trekking journey on foot starts. When you reach Kala Pathar (5545 m), you will get a remarkable up-close view of the world’s highest mountain “Mount Everest (8848 m)”. The astonishing sunrise view from the 360 degrees panoramic Himalayas from Kala Pathar is one of the main highlights of this trekking package.

You will pass through a number of settlements, green forests, and rocky moraine trails to reach your destination. Several Buddhist monasteries can be seen along the trekking trail including the famous Tengboche Monastery. The locals in this region are mainly Sherpas who follow Buddhism and are influenced by Tibetan culture. You will get to know and experience their lifestyle, culture, and tradition during this trek.

In the month of May, the birch and rhododendron forests on the way bloom with their colorful flowers. Different herbs and shrubs in the forest also bear flowers and decorate the forest. Exotic and rare animals and birds can be encountered if you do this trek at this time.

Highlights of the Trek

• Adventurous mountain scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
• Up-close view of Mount Everest (8848 m)
• Witnessing the four highest peaks in the world above 8000 m; Mount Cho Oyu (8201m), Mount Makalu (8463 m), Mount Lhotse (8516 m), and Mount Everest (8848 m) from Kala Pathar (5545 m)
• Experiencing the hospitality and lifestyle of Sherpas
• Exploring Tengboche Monastery

Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek

The classic route to Everest Base Camp from Jiri is one of the most adventurous routes. Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek is the longest route that leads you to your destination. The first climbers of Mount Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary, and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa had used this route to summit it.

The trekking journey is long and strenuous but there are several stations for rest and acclimatization to prevent your body from altitude sickness. It is important for you to acclimatize yourself while trekking in the high mountain regions as High altitude sickness can put a full stop to your trekking journey. Your body needs time to adjust to the changing altitude so that you don’t suffer and can have a successful and comfortable trek.

Your journey starts with a scenic bus drive to Jiri from Kathmandu. Hereon, your actual trekking begins. The trekking trail passes through lush forests, glacial rivers, traditional villages, and famous monasteries. The diverse terrains and varieties of flora and fauna present in this region add to its beauty and lends you energy to continue your trek.

In the month of May, the weather is almost always clear and sunny with the occasional rainfall. So, you get to witness the majestic views of mountains all around you. It is also the most recommended month for summiting Mt. Everest. Hence, you are more than likely to meet mountaineers who are on their way to reach the top of the world’s highest mountain “Mount Everest (8848 m)”.

During the trekking period, you will get to witness the glorious highest peaks such as Nuptse, Thamserku, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Mt. Kwangde, and others. You will also get a chance to climb some of the small and easy peaks.

Highlights of the Trek

• Up-close view of world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest
• Witness the tradition and culture of Sherpa people
• Buddhist Monasteries, prayer flags, and Chortens along the trekking route
• Exploring the base camp of Mount Everest
• Everest panoramic view from Syangboche and Kala Patthar (5545 m)

Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek in May

In May, you will get to enjoy the beautiful lush green forest and the chance to spot some exotic and rare wildlife in the region. There is a chance of some rainfall at the end of May. So, be extra careful on the trails if it rains as the trails become slippery.

Also, be sure to check our list of things you need to take during this trek.

Listed below are some tips to help you in your trekking journey to Everest Base Camp Trek in May.

Train Yourself

No matter what the season is, you need to be fit and fine in order to go through the high passes of the EBC trekking route. Training for trekking in Nepal will always keep you one step above any injury during the trekking journey. You don’t need to do heavy training, just some cardio on a treadmill or walking uphill and downhill will prepare you to comfortably walk around 6-7 hours per day in your trekking journey.

Hire a Professional Guide

The month of April and May is the peak time for mountain climbers. The trekking route will be crowded with trekkers, climbers, and expedition teams. So you need to pre-book to get the best tea houses or guest houses which have the best rooms. The best professional guide has all the links necessary to get this done.

A professional guide will have enough experience to guide you along the trekking trail and give you detailed information about all the places and the surroundings and even help you communicate with the locals They also have a better understanding of the region’s rules and regulations.

Get a porter

The month of May will have sunny and hotter days and the end of May will give you a rough time if it rains. So you need to carry both summer and winter clothes. You will also need to take rain gears and equipment in order to tackle the muddy and slippery trekking trail in case of rainfall. All these things will make your backpack heavy and you might find it difficult to carry on your own.

So you will need to hire the best porter possible for trekking EBC in May. You might think that you can carry your own backpack while trekking. But things really change when you get to the higher altitudes. The air gets thinner and you will have a hard time even carrying your own body weight. So it is best to hire a porter than to regret it later.

Hydrate well and take care of your body

The month of May will have hotter days so you will not have a hard time hydrating your body now and then. But as you ascend to a higher altitude, the cold might make you forget to hydrate yourself. You need to be extra careful of hydrating and taking care of your body. If you get dehydrated, you might suffer from several health complications such as high altitude sickness. So drink enough fluids, rest properly at the acclimatization rest stops and you will be fine.

Advance Booking

The spring and autumn seasons are the best seasons and regular season to trek EBC. As the month of May is in the spring season, you will need to pre-book your trekking seats. May also marks the time for climbers and expedition teams to explore Mount Everest. So, you may have a hard time getting a proper place to stay and eat if you don’t pre-book your seats. So, it is best advised to pre-book everything if you are thinking of Everest Base Camp Trek in May.

What to Wear for Everest Base Camp Trek in May?

Clothing essentials are a tough decision to make for Everest Base Camp Trek in May. During this month, the days are hotter but the nights are cold and windy. There are also chances of rainfall.

So you need to take both summers as well as winter clothing. You will also need to take rainproof outers and windcheaters.

Here’s a list of things that you might require for the Everest Base Camp trek in May:

Head and Hands

• Sun hat
• Hiking around hat
• Sunglasses (Polarized UV)
• Bandana or scarf
• Waterproof and windproof gloves (optional)

Jackets

• Windstopper jacket
• Synthetic insulated jacket
• Waterproof shell jacket
• Down jacket (optional)

Clothing:

• Moisture-wicking tops
• Loose comfortable T-shirt
• Long sleeve shirt
• Thermal innerwear
• Convertible hiking pants
• Hiking undergarments

Footwear

• Normal socks
• Woolen hiking socks
• Hiking boots
• Hiking sandals
• Hiking gaiters (optional)

Equipment and Gear List – Everest Base Camp Trek in May

The list of Everest Base Camp Trek packing list regarding the equipment that you may need while doing Everest Base Camp Trek in May is mentioned below. The list is provided so that it can be helpful to make your own list of things to take on your trekking journey. Pack things that you absolutely need but do not miss out on anything important on the list.

If you have specific brands for the equipment that’s available only in your region, then you might need to bring it from there. Otherwise, it is best to travel light as there are a lot of places in Kathmandu where you can get the necessary equipment and gear.

Toiletries and Personal Hygiene

• Antibacterial sanitizer
• Sunscreen cream
• Moisturizer
• Tissue or toilet paper
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Quick-drying towel
• Feminine hygiene products
• Shampoo and conditioners

Accessories

• Headlamps with extra batteries
• Trekking poles
• Insulated water bottle
• Small waist bag
• First aid kit
• Extra plastic bags (to collect your own garbage and to keep your things dry)
• Sleeping bag (optional as some of the people feel uneasy sleeping in the local beds)

Additional Recommended Items

• DSLR Camera with extra batteries
• Binoculars (optional)
• Map of route and mountains
• Polar blanket and pillowcase (for personal hygienic stay)
• Personal documents

FAQS – Everest Base Camp Trek in May

How difficult is it to trek EBC in May?

Regardless of the month, the trek to EBC will be tiresome as you will be walking for days at the higher altitude. But this is doable if you exercise and get your body prepared for this trek. Just train your body to walk at least 5 to 7 hours per day uphill and downhill or run on a treadmill and do some cardio exercises to make your body fit. I hope that answers your question on how difficult is it to trek Everest Base Camp.

Talking about the difficulty of trek EBC in May, the month of May has two sides. Early May is an ideal time for trekking whereas in the latter part of May, you might experience some rainfall which makes the trail muddy and slippery adding to the difficulty.

Also, above 3,000 meters the air gets thinner so you need to acclimatize well along the route and climb as per the instruction of your guide or team leader.

How is the weather and climate at Everest Base Camp in May?

The Everest Base Camp weather in the month of May will remain mild to moderate. The daytime will be pretty hot as summer is nearly here. So, take summer clothing for daytime trekking in EBC. The beginning to mid-May will be a perfect time to trek whereas the end part might bring some downpour. So it is best to go prepared with rain gears and equipment in case of heavy rainfall while you are trekking. So you need to be careful and get updates on the weather forecast before you book your trekking.