Highlights of the Everest Base Camp in March
- Favorable weather and temperature for hiking
- Incredible scenery with clear sky and fresh air of spring
- The rich vegetation of Sagarmatha National Park with thriving wildlife
- Panorama of snowy mountain peaks visible from a great distance
- The forests are decorated with gorgeous wildflowers in varied colors
- Less likelihood of Lukla flight cancellations or delays
- Celebrating exciting March Festivities with the locals
- Fewer trekkers on the trail with more accommodation options
What is the March Weather and Temperature like in the Everest Base Camp?
It's hilarious how everyone tries to forecast the weather at Everest Base Camp, but nature keeps her secrets. Even if you can predict the weather, it is largely influenced by the season and height reached after each ascent. Winter's aftereffects include a modest difference in temperature between the first and second weeks. However, the days grow hotter and hotter as time passes, but the night stays icy cold. March also welcomes the crisp mornings and pleasant days of spring as it bids farewell to the cold winter nights. The lower regions are a little warm, so you could hike freely wearing light clothes in the daytime.
Everest Base Camp experiences warmer weather in March since daytime highs there vary from 17 to 25 degrees Celsius. The temperature, however, progressively decreases as the day turns into night, reaching a low of -10 degrees Celsius. The Everest region is extremely cold after rising above 4,000 meters in elevation. Light snowfall occurs in certain locations at higher elevations because of winter influence.
How are the accommodation and food services in the EBC trail in March?
The Everest region, especially the Everest Base Camp route, has numerous hotels, mountain lodges, and tea houses for accommodation ranging from budget stay to 5-star services. The availability of such variety is due to its popularity. The trek is well known among the trekkers and is a dream destination of many. So, trekkers flow the Everest Region in the peak season of spring and autumn. Since March is an early spring month, the trail is yet to get crowded, meaning you'll have choices and good deals on your stay. Even if you're traveling solo, you might get a single which isn't the case otherwise. Booking the trek with a trekking agency is even better for good food and accommodation in the Everest region.
The food items available on the menus of restaurants and tea houses on the trail are more elaborate than most trekking reasons. You'd find local Sherpa delicacies, Tibetan cuisine, traditional Nepali meals, and international food as well. You'd most probably have dinner and breakfast at the tea house you stay the night and lunch on the way during the hike. We suggest you have Nepali Daal Bhat at least once a day, as it fuels your body for long hiking hours. Make sure to drink enough fluids and stay away from alcoholic beverages while you're at high altitudes.
Why trek to Everest Base Camp in March?
Everyone agrees that the greatest time to visit Nepal is spring! Nevertheless, it is also one of the busiest periods to trek to the Everest Base Camp. Rhododendrons blossom all over the mountain routes in the spring when you go trekking in Nepal, illuminating the landscape with a rainbow of hues. Depending on the month you decide to trek to the Everest Base Camp, you should expect various conditions, including varying temperature ranges, meteorological conditions, and popularity.
March is a spring month and marks the start of spring in Nepal, followed by April and May. But the month of March has a unique experience since the winter has just ended and it is the beginning of spring. Thus, it has some elements of a cool wintery feel, with a mix of summery hues making the weather favorable to stroll around during the day.
Let's explore some perks of trekking to Everest Base Camp in March.
The Himalayan panorama at its best in March
When the weather is stable and favorable, you naturally get to see the Himalayan Mountains all day long. Regarding the sight, March never lets its visitors down; instead, it gives you plenty of chances to enjoy the surroundings. Your journey to EBC will largely consist of mountain vistas. Wouldn't it be the best hiking day if you could spend the entire day admiring peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, and others?
In March, the clarity speaks for itself. The vision is clearer and crisper since there are fewer clouds in the sky. Your journey will begin with a picturesque flight to Lukla. You'd see the entire Himalayan range spread in a panorama from the flight itself. After leaving Lukla, you'll head toward Namche Bazaar. The mountain views start to get closer and clearer as you trek past Namche. Walk slowly and admire the view. Make sure you make every moment count!
No worries about Lukla's flight delays and cancellations
One of the most common obstacles of the Everest Base Camp hike is the bad weather in Lukla, resulting in flight delays and even cancellations. As the airway is the only means of transport to Lukla, the trailhead, you pretty much rely on commercial, domestic flights to get to Lukla. In March, the weather starts to clear up after the cold winter, and there's still some time to monsoon, so you won't be blocked by heavy rainfall or snowfall. You'll be able to travel safely on commercial flights from Kathmandu to Lukla, enjoying the views of the epic landscape from above.
Wildflowers of Sagarmatha National Park
If you didn't know, you would be hiking through Sagarmatha National Park during the EBC trek. Sagarmatha National Park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including some rare ones specific to the region. The new leaves, buds, and flowers of the spring season make the evergreen forests even more lively. The sight and smell of wildflowers make the trip enjoyable. If you're lucky, you may spot some animals in the national park.
Blooming Rhododendron on the route to Everest Base Camp
Nepal's national flower, the Rhododendron, begins to blossom this month, ringing in the arrival of spring. From 1,200 meters to 3,600 meters above sea level, many rhododendron species bloom. Rhododendron's crimson contrasts beautifully with the green of the surrounding alpine woodland. Along the journey, you can take in the varying kinds and colors of rhododendrons, especially red. Visualize the white, snow-covered mountains with a crimson, green-hued path leading up to them. You probably feel like booking your flight to Nepal already.
Less crowd and more chances to enjoy the journey
March is a non-busy month, as it is the beginning of the peak season. So, there won't be a huge influx of trekkers in March. This offers you plenty of time and space to enjoy your solitude on the trail, which trekkers otherwise line. Fewer people on the trail also indicate a calmer atmosphere. Furthermore, there won't be a need for a food line at tea houses just yet. Fewer people will be at places like the Tenzin Norgay Sherpa Monument, Gorak Shep, the Khumbu Glacier, and Kala Patthar. Since there will be more room for you, you may concentrate on exploring the location rather than the crowd.
Festivals during March
Nepal is a blossoming mix of Hinduism and Buddhism, among several other religions living in harmony. Hindu festivals such as Holi, Ghodejatra, and Shivaratri can fall in March, and that can help you get closer to the Nepalese way of life. You must know that most traditional Hindu holidays in Nepal follow the lunar calendar; therefore, some celebrations that occur in March one year can occur in February or April the following year.
Many of Nepal's most fascinating March festivities are derived from Hindu customs and are, therefore, not generally observed in the mountains. The Everest region is predominantly Tibetan Buddhist in terms of culture and religion. You can attend some festivities in Kathmandu before or after your trek when you plan a trek in Nepal in March.
You cannot miss Holi in March!
Speaking of festivals, The Holi celebration is just another excellent reason to visit Nepal in March. Holi, the festival of colors, celebrates the beginning of spring. Devotion, equality, compassion, and modesty are other significant qualities that it embodies.
People splash you with dry or wet colors, and it's definitely a moment worth enjoying! The festival's marijuana-infused beverage is another intriguing feature. Oh, for real! Cannabis is crushed up and added to milk along with other flavors and spices. If you are into recreation and you want to try something unique and cultural, March is the ultimate month for you!
What are the difficulties of trekking to Everest Base Camp in March?
As we know, every coin has two opposite sides, the March Trek to EBC has its own pros and cons. Since you already have enough reasons to book the trip, let's focus on what to consider before booking the trek.
Since EBC is a high-altitude trek, there's always the possibility of some trekkers experiencing altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The symptoms of AMS, like headache, light-headedness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, etc., can be managed by taking preventive measures like frequent hydration, ascending at a slow pace, and appropriate acclimatization days.
For extrovert trekkers who like to meet new people and get to know about them and their trekking experience, the March trek to EBC can be a little disappointing as you'd see fewer people on the trail. However, you can interact with the local tea house owners and get some legends about the place that dates back centuries.
As March is just the end of winter in Nepal, the temperature at higher altitudes can still be very cold due to winter aftereffects. It can be difficult for someone who isn't used to the cold. So, it's recommended to carry warm clothes like thermal wear, down jackets, and sleeping bags for the evenings and nights.
Some Tips to Trek to Everest Base Camp in March
Here are some important pieces of advice you cannot miss before you embark on an Everest adventure!
- Be careful to get yourself emotionally and physically ready.
- If at all feasible, make sure to use a knowledgeable tour operator.
- You won't have to carry your bulky bags if you hire a porter!
- Pack carefully and double-check everything.
- Start early in the morning because evenings can get cold as it's just the end of winter.
- Take frequent breaks and walk slowly to combat altitude sickness
- Drink plenty of water and fluids like tea, hot lemon, garlic soup, etc.
- Prepare yourself for any unfortunate situations.
- Make sure to carry enough cash so you don't go broke in the mountains.
Essential trekking gear for Everest Base Camp Trek in March
Here's a rough idea of what you might need to trek to EBC. You can add items according to your needs but make sure your luggage is under 10/12 kg as the potter would only carry 10 kg per person, and the rest you'll be carrying in your daypack.
- Backpack
- Daypack
- A good quality sleeping bag for nights
- A pair of comfortable trekking shoes (waterproof)
- Trekking pants (waterproof)
- Trekking shirts
- Jackets (Down and fleece)
- Caps or Hats for head
- Trekking socks
- Moisturizer and sunscreen
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Hydration bladder or water bottles
- Trekking Poles for ascends and descends
- Solar Torch Light (headgear)
Toiletries, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, dry and wet tissues, soaps, shampoos, Sanitizer gel or hand wash gel, a lightweight towel, etc. We suggest you carry your toiletries as those are common to use for all guests in the tea houses.
First aid kit with essential medicines.
We have attempted to provide you with as detailed information as possible regarding why March is an excellent month for your upcoming venture to the Everest Base Camp. If you want to make the most out of a trekking experience in Nepal, it's for the best that you embark on your trek in March. It's not just us who say that; this is a testimony of thousands of trekkers who visit Nepal every year! We hope you get to experience the best trek no matter what!
To book your next departure to the Everest region with Outfitter Nepal, please reach out to us via mail, WhatsApp, or a direct call. We are flexible and reliable and keep your convenience our utmost priority. Happy trekking!
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