Everest Base Camp Trek in March
March is a transition period from winter to spring on the iconic Everest Base Camp hike. The trekking season picks up pace in the latter half of the month and continues till mid-May. The heavy rains are still a few months away, and a lovely spring bloom makes it a beautiful trek. With the snow starting to melt, larger numbers of people trek the Everest Base Camp in March.
- Palsang Sherpa
- From Swaziland
Everest Base Camp Weather in March
Snow is more common at higher altitudes on the Everest Base Camp trek in March, but you are likely to get excellent views of the mountains. When it comes to the temperature of the Everest region in March, it is a mixed bag. At Lukla (2,860 m), temperatures range from an average high of -0.4°C to an average low of -11.8°C. It is the same at Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). Lobuche (4,950 m), however, can be much colder in March, with an average high of -8.6°C and an average low of -20.1°C. There are 19 to 23 days of sunshine on the route to Everest Base Camp in March.
For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time for a trek to Everest Base Camp.
Why Trek Everest Base Camp in March
March is a great month for the Everest Base Camp trek. Here’s why:
- Pre-peak season: While March sees a significant rise in the number of trekkers in the Everest region, it is still not the peak trekking season in Nepal(that happens in April). This means you might land a discount and the route is less crowded. Check out our guide on the cost to trek Everest Base Camp.
- More accessible: With plenty of sunshine and the temperatures rising, snow along the trekking trail has more or less thawed out, making it accessible and pleasant.
- Spring time: Rhododendrons and wildflowers along the trekking route start blooming in March and the terrain becomes less stark. Towards the end of March, spring does its quiet magic in the Himalayas.
- Better accommodation: Many teahouses along the Everest Base Camp trekking route reopen in March after winter break. So you will get better accommodation and food options on the route compared to the previous three months.
Recommended Routes
Being spring season, trekking during this month is amazing. Here are the routes we recommend:
- Classic Everest Base Camp Trek: A majority of trekkers opt for this route in March. This is the most popular route to Everest Base Camp which will take you around 16 days. The main points on the route include Lukla (start of trek), Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Deboche, Dingboche, Lobuche. You will find teahouses at regular intervals along the route.
- Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri: If you are keen on a longer trek, start from Jiri. You will see additional peaks like Ganesh, Langtang Lirung and Dorje Lhakpa from this route. You will also cross many rivers, forests, monasteries and farmhouses before reaching Lukla. In between your Jiri and Lukla trek, you will get to learn about the culture of local people and visit the Sherpa Art Center in Phugmoche Monastery and the cheese factory in Ringmo.
- Gokyo Lakes Trek: A variation of the classic route to Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes Trek offers an opportunity to see the world’s highest freshwater lake system along with other stunning sights. This route diverges from the classic Everest Base Camp trail at Namche Bazaar, then goes west towards Dudh Koshi valley, Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri peak. After climbing the Cho La pass, you will connect with the main route via Gorak Shep.
The Everest Base Camp trek in March is accessible to everyone with basic fitness levels. It is one of the best times to be trekking in the Everest region as the winter is effectively over. Reach out to our travel experts who will assist you to find the perfect customized trip in Nepal based on your budget and interests.
