Best Time to Trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
Mount Everest is located in the Himalayas. Climbing to the foot of Mount Everest and trekking through Sherpa communities and mountain scenery every day as you make your way up the mountain includes walking through the Sagarmatha National Park, going through glacier regions, and visiting several amazing places such as Sherpa villages. However, you must work with an organized guide to determine which season will be most enjoyable for your trek. You will be able to see Mt. Everest and many of the other high peaks (including Ama Dablam and Lhotse) but will have to depend on good weather for you to safely reach Everest Base Camp.
Spring (March – May)
The Spring Season months of March, April and May along the Everest Base Camp trek offer visitors ideal conditions for hiking. As the winter snow thaws along the Everest Region the area once again enters an active phase i.e., the weather condition will allow for comfortable temperatures while hiking during the day.
The temperature in spring in lower villages (eg: Namche Bazaar) generally ranges from approximately 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, though temperatures at high elevations may be less comfortable for trekking due to the terrain and altitude. However, there are many areas on the trail where it is possible to trek because of conditions that make it manageable for the entire season of trekking, which is primarily from March to May. One of the many benefits of trekking at this time of year is the spring bloom of the rhododendron trees, which cover the hills between village routes; there are many trails with beautiful views of rhododendrons blooming around Tengboche. The hillsides around Mount Everest during the spring will be painted in the reds, pinks and whites of the blooming rhododendrons giving incredible views as you walk through this region. In addition, spring time is when many climbers are trying to summit Mount Everest, therefore when trekkers arrive at Base Camp there is a good chance that they will see climbers who are preparing to climb Mount Everest.
The area around Base Camp is filled with colourful expedition tents, which creates additional excitement and energy while at Base Camp. Furthermore, September to November is also the busiest time of year for trekking due to the large number of trekkers; therefore, springtime is a great time for older or younger trekkers alike who want to experience the beauty of the land, great weather and a vibrant trekking culture.
Autumn (September – November)
The adventure of trekking in the Everest region is popular. Therefore, the chances of having a safe and enjoyable trekking experience will be improved if you are trekking September to November.
September marks an end to the monsoon rains which clears the sky of the dust and pollution it contains through the monsoon rains, creating some of the most striking and clear views of the Himalayan peaks. Following the monsoon rains, trekkers will benefit from having the dust and pollution removed from the atmosphere, giving them a crisp and clean air quality which contributes to some of the most stunning panoramic views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks while on the trail. Temperatures are very pleasant for trekking during this time of year, with temperatures at night being very cool, and at daytime being very comfortable. Trails are typically dry and stable during this peak trekking season, allowing for much easier hiking than during the monsoon.
Autumn is a beautiful time of year for photography, especially during sunrise at viewpoints such as Kala Patthar when many trekkers come to witness the first light of day touching the summit of Mount Everest. In addition to the beautiful weather and views in the Everest region during the month of September, many important cultural events take place in Nepal such as the festivals of Dashain and Tihar, contributing to the festive atmosphere in the many villages located along the trekking route. With the beautiful weather and unbelievable views of the mountains, Autumn continues to be the most preferred season for trekking in the Everest region.
Winter (December – February)
Trekking through the winter season in the Everest area is often one of the most tranquil and serene experiences possible because you're likely to encounter less traffic. Both tourists and local during this time more than ever before. In addition to being quiet, the trails generally have less traffic than either spring or autumn months, so they are much quieter and this allows for more space and accessibility in the teahouses as well.
If you're looking for solitude in the mountains, winter is often a very good time to go to Everest Base Camp. It is important to note, though, that temperatures can be extremely cold, especially at higher altitudes, and that temperatures at night near Everest Base Camp may drop below -20 degrees Celsius. Additionally, because of the high-altitude environment, the combination of high winds and cold temperatures can create a much colder temperature than just cold air would indicate.
You may also find that some of the teahouses at higher elevations close their doors during the coldest months or have limited operating hours for those who wish to trek but are willing to risk their comfort to do so, but the majority of them will remain open for those who are determined to trek regardless of the weather conditions.
However, despite the fact that you may encounter extreme cold weather conditions while trekking in the winter, many trekkers have found that winter weather generally provides incredible views of the mountains due to the lack of haze in the atmosphere caused by the heavy, cold air. When well-prepared with appropriate clothing and equipment, winter trekking provides a peaceful and magical feeling of the Everest region compared to trekking in warm-weather seasons.
Monsoon / Summer (June – August)
Typically, the monsoon season is viewed as the least optimal time for trekking to Everest Base Camp. There will be extensive rain through most of Nepal and along most of the lower section of the Everest trail. This may cause extensive mud and slipperiness, and clouds may cover the mountains that trekkers wish to see. Rain falls frequently in the forested areas, primarily the lower elevations around Lukla; this is where many of the treks begin after you've flown from Kathmandu to Lukla. Flight disruptions and possible cancellations are common due to weather during the monsoon months; this may disrupt travel plans.
Also, trekking during the monsoon months will be physically more challenging due to increased humidity and wet conditions. However, the monsoon season does have some advantages for adventurous travelers. All of the landscapes will be lush, with vibrant green hillsides and rushing rivers, and provide an entirely different type of beauty in the Himalayas.
There will also be fewer trekkers on the trails; the trails will be less crowded compared to other times of the year. Still, because of the lack of consistent views of the mountains and due to the challenges of rain; trekking in the monsoon is a much less popular option than trekking during the other seasons.
Best Months for the Kala Patthar Viewpoint
The primary focus of trekking to Base Camp is to reach the Base Camp; however, the most well-known view of Everest is from the top of Kala Patthar, which is a rocky viewpoint approximately 5644 meters high, providing a panoramic view of both Everest and the surrounding peaks.
The best times to hike up to Kala Patthar and see the sunrise are from April to May or October to November because those are months when the weather is usually good, so the sky will be clear, giving trekkers the opportunity to see the spectacular moment when the sun rises over the summit of Everest and turns it golden in color.
Because sunrise views of Everest from Kala Patthar depend mostly on having clear skies, trekking in March-May or September-November will improve the chances of enjoying this once in a lifetime moment in the Himalayas.
Conclusion
The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most fulfilling outdoor adventures in the world; however, it is important for all trekkers to know what time of year to complete the trek in order to have the full experience. For the majority of trekkers, the spring (March - May) and fall (October - November) offer the best combination of good weather, good trekking conditions, and beautiful views of the Himalayas.
Whether trekkers would like to see a lush forest in bloom, see an incredible view of the Himalayas, or walk through a snow covered landscape. The trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar will be an experience of a lifetime.