Everest Base Camp Trek in March

The Everest base camp trek is the best hike in the world. It is naturally the highest base camp in the world located at the foothills of the magnificent Mt. Everest (8848 m). It has picturesque landscapes with rare flora and fauna along with breathtaking views of mountains and small sherpa villages filled with rich culture and cuisines. It is a remarkable trek located in the Khumbu region of Nepal that brings you the closest and clear view of the world’s tallest peak Mt Everest. Don’t miss out on this thrilling experience and contact Nepal Eco Adventure for the best package to Everest Base Camp Trek in March.

Everest Base Camp Trek is a year-round trip. However, the best time to kick off this adventure is in March. The weather is favorable and beautiful as the spring season covers the region with blooming rhododendrons and spreads greenery throughout the trail. The views are much clearer than at any other time of the year. The shining snowy peaks, clear sky, serene glacier lakes, and lush forests bring a new life to this adventurous trek. Also, the ascent is pretty smooth as there are fewer hurdles along the way due to clear weather and a favorable temperature. Nepal Eco Adventure presents you with affordable packages for your Everest Base Camp Trek in March.

Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek in March

An explicit view of the magnificent Mt. Everest along with Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Cho Oyu, and Mt. Ama Dablam
Scenic routes filled with lush forests and vibrant flora
Great hospitality and cultural insights of the local
A taste of famous Nepali cuisines
Discover rare flora and fauna along the way
Explore various Tibetan monasteries and Chotangs
Festivals that fall in March like Holi, Shivaratri, and Ghode Jatra

Why Everest Base Camp Trek in March?

You can trek to Everest Base Camp any time of the year. However, if you want a peaceful trek, filled with scenic beauty and fewer hazards, March is the best time to hike. You get to experience the chill weather and beautiful sunrise filled with picturesque scenery and rare wildlife. Some of the reasons that can valid your trip to Everest Base Camp Trek in March are:

Perfect weather

It is a transition period from the winter season to the spring season. So the weather is warmer during the daytime, however, in the night and morning, it drops to negative. As it is the start of the spring season, the earliest days are colder and the temperature gradually rises from mid march. The weather is a lot warmer at the end of the month.

March has great weather, which makes the trek a lot more easy and accessible. The minimum temperature goes up to -8 Celsius and the maximum temperature raises to 5 Celcius There is very little chance of rain, which brings clear and stunning views along the trail. However, the weather is both hot and cold, so you must pack well for the cold weather as well.

Finest views

The best season also has the best views along the trail. Since March is right after the winter season, trails are still covered in snow, while the vibrant colors of the spring season are filling every corner of the Himalayans. Lush forests, gushing streams, steep hills, picturesque views, and breathtaking mountains mark the trails with majestic experience.

As you pass through Sagarmatha National Park, you also get to see various forms of flora and fauna. Rhododendrons, the national flower of Nepal are just blooming at the time, leaving the visitors in awe of Nepal’s beauty.

Local culture and Hospitality

Along with the scenic routes and stunning views, Everest Base Camp is also popularly known for its Local culture and hospitality. There are various historical and regional landscapes that tourists can visit during Everest Base Camp Trek in March as the weather is clear. Due to extreme weather in winter, most of them are accessible during this time only. The area is covered in Chortangs and Tibetan monasteries. You can utilize your acclimatization days to explore these places

During March, festivals like Holi, Shiva Ratri, Ghodejatra, etc occur but as the majority population on the EBC trek are Buddhists, you can enjoy these festivals in Kathmandu before embarking on your expedition. You will enjoy the popular festival of Holi as it is filled with colors and laughter. Local people are very kind and they offer the best hospitality. You get to enjoy local cuisine like dal Bhat, dihdo, etc

Less Crowded

Trekkers usually hike during the peak spring season. March is at the start of the spring season, so there is much less crowd than anticipated. The winter chill is still present in the atmosphere, so the hikers are a bit skeptical at this time. So they usually avoid the month of March.

Hence, there is less crowd covering the scenic trails and you get to capture the beauty of the Himalayas without any interruptions in a quiet atmosphere. Everest Base Camp Trek in March is undoubtedly the best decision.

Availability of Accommodation

As said, march is not considered the busiest time of the year, so you don’t have to worry about the availability of accommodation. They are easily accessible. Also as there is less crowd, you might get a great deal o your accommodation facilities. You will have enough options to choose from, so you will have a comfortable stay.

However, be mindful of the basic services available at the accommodation facilities as we elevate. So, you may not find luxurious facilities in higher regions.

Rare flora and fauna

You can also discover rare flora and fauna like snow leopards, foxes, red pandas, mountain yak, rhododendrons, blue pines, firs, bamboo, etc After a long winter sleep, many of the wild animals are active at this time.

As spring enters, flowers also start to bloom throughout the Khumbu region. The trail also passes through Sagarmatha National Park which is also the home to most of the rare wildlife found in Nepal.

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How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek in March?

Everest Base Camp Trek in March is not that difficult in comparison. But you need to pass some hurdles along the way to reach the summit.

Unpredictable weather

Winter is just leaving and spring is blooming at the time of March. It is also a pre-monsoon season. Weather is favorable but at the same time, it is equally unpredictable. The weather is unpredictable in the Himalayas Even though the weather seems fine at one moment, there could be a strong snow blizzard coming on the next moment.

There is a chance for extremely cold temperatures or even rainfall. So you must be prepared to face the unpredictable weather. Carry warm clothes and extra layers

Altitude sickness

Since the base camp is located at an altitude of 5644 m, altitude sickness is possible. You may feel headaches, dizziness, nausea, and more as a symptom of altitude sickness. The oxygen level is low and if you don’t give your body time to acclimatize, you may suffer from severe altitude sickness. The symptoms are likely to expand if you don’t take proper medication and rest.

You should always listen to your body’s requirements on such high-altitude hikes and take as much physical endurance as you can handle. It is not a time to test your limits. Instead, you should be focused and rational.

Trek distance and duration

Everest Base Camp Trek is a moderate hike with minimum technical difficulties.

However, it is a 130 km hike, with 5-6 hours of climbing up and down the rocky mountain trails, which is a lot of physical endurance. This makes the journey very challenging.

Also, climbing up and down steep trails and rocky hills, crossing suspension bridges and high passes, and traversing through remote valleys and dense forests, adds a lot more difficulty to this already challenging adventure.

Some tips for Everest Base Camp Trek in March

Physical Training

Everest Base Camp Trek is a physically demanding trek with a lot of steep trails and high ascends. You need to be physically fit to successfully reach the summit.

Your strength and stamina will predict how much physical endurance you can take. You need to have proper training and preparation before embarking on this thrilling adventure.

Many trekkers, start training for 3-4 months in advance before the actual climb. The journey is difficult for hikers without prior experience and training. So we highly recommend you practice and train yourself for this expedition.

Early hike

The days are short in March, to reach the resting place before dark you need to start the hike early. Also if you start the hike before dawn, you can witness the beautiful sunrise in the Himalayas.

Additionally, the temperature lowers at night and it will be difficult to continue your walk. So it is best advised to start the early hike as you can reach your destination before dark.

Healthy Diet

Your diet is the most crucial aspect while climbing such high altitudes. You need to have a balanced meal rich in carbs and protein. While trekking in EBC, there are basic food options like dal Bhat, which has high nutritional value. Also, potatoes are easily accessible in the Himalayan Terrain and are rich in carbohydrates. In the high slopes, you need to eat food for its nutritional benefits. Food should be taken in proper amounts and we advise never to leave your stomach half empty.

Along with proper meals, proper hydration is also essential. Dehydration is also a common difficulty while climbing. You need to carry clean drinking water along the trails and hydrate yourself as much as you can.

Porters and Guides

It is a long trek with lots of hurdles along the way. It is nice to have someone along the way to help you with your baggage. You might think you are capable enough to carry your belongings, but after a few days of hiking continuously for 5 to 6 hours, you might want to change your mind. Porters will help you share your load. Also when you hire a porter you are supporting the local economy.

In terms of a guide, solo trekking is banned in Nepal, so you must have a guide to trek EBC. Guides will help you with navigation, logistics, and technicalities, to talk with local people, and to understand their culture. They are highly trained and are capable handle the various hurdles in the mountains.

Everest Base Camp Trek in March is less crowded and you can easily find guides and porters.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a must for hikers, climbing through steep paths of the mountains. There are various health hazards and obstacles around the way. You could suffer from altitude sickness or dehydration. You might also suffer from serious injury while passing through the various obstacles on the way. And the medical assistance might cost you a fortune.

So it is a rational decision to get travel insurance before embarking on this challenging journey.

Take proper gear and equipment

You must do proper research before your hike and bring the necessary equipment and gear accordingly. As Everest Base Camp Trek in March is moderately warm but the weather is highly unpredictable. So carry extra layers as well.

Everest region has unpredictable weather, so you must be very conscious about your packing list. It must include the following items:

Sleeping bag
Winter fleece jackets
Warm down jackets
Trekking trousers
Thermal
Short and long-sleeved shirts
Waterproof trousers
Woolen gloves
Mittens
Water-resistant trekking shoes
Sunscream
Moisturizers
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Water purifying tablets
Basic first aid kit
Water bottle
Snacks
Extra Batteries etc

March is the mixed season of winter and spring. So be mindful of what you pack. Don’t pack unnecessary items that will heavy your load.

Route to Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world. There are more than 30000 visitors on the various routes to Everest base camp every year. Before the construction of Tenzing Hillary Airport in 1964, there were only two routes to the base camp. Today, there are various routes to Everest Base Camp found by modern trekkers based on their convenience.

You can take a classical route starting from Lukla, passing through Phakding, Namche Bazar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche, to Everest Base Camp Trek. This route is pretty convenient compare to others. And if you embark on Everest Base Camp Trek in March, you can enjoy picturesque views and chill weather while climbing the mountain trails covered in rhododendrons

Everest Base Camp through the Gokyo Chola Pass route is also very popular among trekkers. It is a much more advanced and adventurous route in the Khumbu region. You can take this route for a much more thrilling experience on Everest Base Camp Trek in March. This route also starts from Lukla passing through Namche Bazaar, Tyangboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Everest Base Camp, and Kalapatthar. But from there, you deviate towards Dozangla, taking a route to Thangnak passing Chola La pass and entering Gokyo Valley, instead of returning through Periche.

This route passes through much remote and quieter places of the Himalayas. You can enjoy the majestic view of the Himalayas and a quieter atmosphere in the lovely weather of March.

You can also take several other routes and design your itinerary accordingly. The 14th-day itinerary following the standard route is below: You can also customize your itinerary with Nepal Eco Adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,345 m).

Day 2: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840 m), then hike to Phakding (2,610 m)

Day 3: Trekking to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

Day 4: Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar

Day 5: Trekking to Tyangboche (3,860 m)

Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4,360 m) from Tyangboche

Day 7: Acclimatization at Dingboche

Day 8: Trek to Lobuche (4,940 m)

Day 9: Hiking to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)

Day 10: Ascend to Kalapatthar (5,545 m), then descend to Pheriche (4,270 m).

Day 11: Return back to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

Day 12: Trekking downwards to Lukla (2,840 m).

Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,345 m)

Day 14: Departure day

Events

Along with hiking, you also get to enjoy the rich culture of locals during your Everest Base Camp trek in March. You get to explore the rich Sherpa culture and their new year festival known as Sherpa’s Lhosar. There is traditional music, local cuisines, and music. You will have a great time celebrating the various festivities of the mountains.

Some other popular festivals during the time of March that you could get a chance to explore are:

Ghode Jatra

It is a famous Newari festival which is only celebrated in Kathmandu Valley. It is regarded as the festival of horses where the Nepali Army participates in horse races to scare off the demon Gurumapa. It is a festival full of laughter and pure enjoyment.

Holi

It is a popular festival of Hindus, celebrated all around Nepal. It is the festival of colors. People throw color powders and water over each other. There is music, dance, and laughter all around Kathmandu Valley at the time.

Shiva Ratri

It is a festival of Hindus where we worship lord shiva. Pashupatinath temple located in Kathmandu Valley is a major attraction of this festival. People all around come here to worship lord shiva and sing bhajans and dance in the light of festivities.

It is truly joyous to be in Nepal during the time of festivities. You get to experience traditional music, dances, and cuisines. Also, the people are very delightful at the time. So Everest Base Camp Trek in March is a perfect time to soak up the delightful festivals of Nepal.

Food and Accommodation

Food and accommodation on the Everest base camp trek are mostly basic. Since it is a teahouse trek, the most common form of accommodation service available is tea houses. You will find a tea house throughout the trail, even at the most remote places of the Himalayas. If you are on Everest Base Camp Trek in March, you can easily get accommodation services as there is less crowd at the time. So the accommodation is easily accessible. There are also lodges and hotels available in the lower regions but tea houses comparatively cheaper.

Tea houses have basic facilities which include, shared rooms, a bed, pillow, blanket, towels, and other necessities. You need to charge extra for hot showers and charging electronics. These services may not be available in the upper regions.

In terms of food, tea houses serve hot meals which are very basic. They serve you a wide variety of Nepali cuisine like rice, vegetables, potatoes, lentils, pulses, etc. These food have high nutritional value. However, you can also have options for other food items like mo mo, chowmein, thukpa, and more. These varieties of food may not be available as you ascend. We advise you to carry some snacks with you along the trail for keeping up with the high elevation.

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Conclusion

If you are someone looking for a peaceful trek with thrilling adventures, Everest Base Camp Trek in March is for you. Many trekkers have recommended March as the perfect time for embarking on Everest Base Camp Trek. You get to experience the spring’s vibrance with winter’s snow. Also, there is less crowd, so you can have a peaceful walk without interruptions.

To sum up, Everest Base Camp Trek in March brings you an ideal trekking experience. Perfect weather, clear skies, stunning views, rare wildlife, and various festivities are the major highlights of trekking in March. It is an excellent time to soak in panoramic mountain views that will captivate you. You can also participate in various festivals in Nepal.

Nepal Eco Adventure is here to help you to make your trekking experience memorable. Contact us for our affordable packages and customizable itineraries and have the best March of your life in the Himalayas of Nepal.