Everest Base Camp Trek in April

If you love spring season and are planning your next trek, look no further than Everest Base Camp trek. Everest Base Camp trek in April is one of the best opportunities to experience nature at its best.

Nature exposes its true color with lush green forests and flowering season. The sky is mostly clear, the weather is warm and sunny. The pleasant weather makes April one of the best months for outdoor activities. Spring is one of the peak tourist seasons in Nepal.

Trekkers flock to popular trekking routes like Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Everest Base Camp, Manaslu Circuit. However, these routes are less crowded than during the autumn.

This time of the year is preferred for the Everest base camp trek because there are fewer chances of rain and snow. The days are warm and sunny. Even the nights rarely go below freezing in lower altitudes of the treks. The trail to Everest Base Camp is covered with wildflower in April. The forests paint red with Rhododendrons.

April is also one of the best months for climbing expeditions. Trekking to base camps of highest mountains is equally suitable because of weather conditions and stunning views. You will meet expedition teams there and see how they are preparing for the ascent.

Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek in April

• Warm and sunny weather of summer makes high altitude trekking easy and enjoyable. High altitude activities are fun when you do not have to worry about the weather. May has a lot of greenery in the mountains which means more oxygen and less chance of altitude sickness.
• In the summer, there are some chances of pre-monsoon rains. However, the views will quickly clear offering clean and crisp mountain views. Brief clouds create a dramatic atmosphere in the mountains creating beautiful photo opportunities.
• Major highlights of the Everest regions like Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Amadablam, Thamserku, Cholatse, Island peak, Lobuche peaks are visible. As the snow line recedes higher, lower areas are lush green creating a beautiful contrast.
• Everest Marathon is usually organized in May. You can participate in this increasingly popular trail running competition. Runners across the world participate in this annual marathon. Who knows, the trophy for the coming season is written in your name!
• May is one of the flowering seasons in mountains. Variety of Rhododendron flower cover the forests of Everest National Park. Mountain slopes, meadows, and forests are green and covered with wildflowers, unlike in Autumn.

Everest Base Camp Weather and Temperature in April

Even the high altitudes are warmer during this month. Up to the altitude of 2000 meters, the daytime temperature is higher than 22 degree Celsius (71 degrees Fahrenheit). The temperature during the night at these altitudes is around 7 degree Celcius (45 degrees Fahrenheit).

Weather is usually warm and dry with least chances of rainfall. Usually, the weather remains stable with the low precipitation. So, you will get to enjoy the clearest views during this time of the year. However, there are some chances of spring showers. Brief rainfall with thunderstorm can occasionally obstruct the views.

However, higher altitudes can get colder. There are fair chances of rain, thunderstorm, hailstorm and snow in high altitudes. So, warm clothes are required. High passes and base camps remain cold throughout the year with the cold wind blowing. We recommend you not to skip your warm clothes even though the winter is gone further north.

Packing List for Everest Base Camp Trek in April

Spring does not mean you wear just a layer of clothes in the mountains. Always remember to dress up in layers. Trekking during the day may get hot and sweaty. Mornings, evenings and nights are still cold, depending on the altitude. Carry fleece and warm jackets for evenings.

Wear strong and waterproof trekking boots. You never know when you will be walking on summer drizzle or over the flowing water.

We recommend carrying a rain jacket, windproof jacket and rain cover for your backpack. As the humidity is higher, wear trekking shirts and shorts that are airy.

Pack these things while you are trekking to Everest Base Camp in April

Clothing

• Quick drying long base layer shirts.
• Trekking shirts short sleeve
• Thermal underwear – base layer.
• Socks
• Woolen blend trekking socks.
• Trekking pants convertible to shorts
• Fleece sweaters
• Sandals

Outer Layers

• Wind/rain proof overlayer- jacket and pants
• Down jacket
• Warm hat
• Gloves
• Pair trekking boots.
• Headlamp with extra batteries,
• Sleeping bag
• Sunglasses ( UV protection )
• Sunscreen

First Aid

• Diamox – for altitude sickness
• Vicks vapor rub
• Chapstick
• Antinauseant
• Diarrhea medicine
• Bandaids
• Nasal moisturizer
• Q-tips
• Your prescribed medicines

Toiletries

• Foot powder
• Toilet paper
• Shampoo
• Soap
• Microfiber towel

Read more about clothings for trekking here.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Lukla then Trek to Phakding

Flight Duration: 25 to 30 minutes

Maximum Altitude (Lukla): 2810 m

Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Maximum Altitude (Phakding): 2640 m

Before beginning your Everest Base Camp Trek in April, you can add a day or two to go sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. This city offers various cultural and historical sites you can visit. Also, do not forget to enjoy the nightlife in Thamel while you are here.

Waking up early, you pack your bags and wait for the guide to pick you up from the hotel. Then boarding the bus, you head towards the airport to catch your flight to Lukla.

The flight is quite a short one but full of exciting views and thrilling adventure. As you soar into the sky, you can see the beautiful city below. Leaving the wonderful sights when you enter the Himalayan region, you get the marvelous view of various peaks.

Viewing these mesmerizing scenarios, you arrive at Lukla. This place is well-known for its thrilling runway standing between the cliffs. After reaching your destination, you have your breakfast and begin your trekking journey.

Phakding is located at a lower altitude than Lukla, so you will be making descend this day. You walk to the north side of the town and head out of the village. Then making a slight descend in the trails you cross a suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi River.

Walking a bit further, you enter a forest path filled with beautiful flora and fauna. You can also get a glimpse of peaks during clear days. Following the paths, you make a slight climb and reach your destination.

Phakding is a beautiful village that lies near the Rimishung Monastery. This day you will have walked bumpy roads and crossed several bridges and small settlements.

Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Maximum Altitude: 3450 m above sea level

On the second day of this trek, you will be trekking towards Namche Bazaar. After a healthy breakfast, you pack your bags and get ready to begin the trek. You start by walking on the northern banks of the Dudh Koshi river viewing majestic scenarios around you.

Then entering a lush green forest you walk past traditional Sherpa village on your way. This route has many suspension bridges and among them, it includes the Hillary Suspension Bridge.

Following these trails, you reach the Sagarmatha National park Checkpoint. After completing the procedure, you walk further and make a climb through a dense forest.

Making the ascend, you get your first glimpse of Mt. Everest. Seeing the marvelous view, you arrive at Namche. The walk must have been tiring so you can rest in one of the tea houses.

Day 3: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar

On the third day, your first acclimatization is held in Namche Bazaar. This beautiful town is home to the Sherpa community. You have the whole day off so you can roam around and visit nearby attraction sites.

This place has numerous cafes and restaurants that offer wifi to visitors. If you like to hike then you can visit an old monastery in Khumjung. Or hike to a small Sherpa village nearby to look at their culture and lifestyle that carries decades of their ancient history.

After a wonderful day, you must be tired so you return back to your hotel where you have your dinner and rest for the night.

Day 4: Trek to Tengboche

Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Maximum Altitude: 3864 m above sea level

After a relaxing day, you again continue on your Everest Base Camp Trek in April journey. Today you will be trekking towards Tengboche from Namche Bazaar. On your way, you get to see many marvelous peaks like Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Mt. Everest, etc.

You begin by following a narrow hilltop trail and passing various stupas and gompas. Viewing beautiful scenarios and after several twists and turns, you descend the trails and reach Phunki Tenga.

From here, you make a climb walking through a forest of rhododendrons and various wildlife. If you are lucky you might spot musk deer, Himalayan Tar, red panda, etc.

This day you will have made several ups and downs before arriving at Tengboche. This beautiful village lets you witness the panoramic view of several peaks. Like Kantega, Kwangde, Everest, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, and many more.

You will stay in one of the lodges for the night.

Day 5: Trek to Dingboche

Trek Duration: 5 hours

Maximum Altitude: 4360 m above sea level

Today you will be heading towards Dingboche from Tengboche. Taking an uphill trail and passing several Chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags you reach Pangboche village. This place gives the best view of Mount Ama Dablam.

From here, taking an uphill climb you enter the beautiful forest of rhododendron. Passing the forest you cross a wooden bridge over the Imja Khola. As you walk further alongside the Imja river, you arrive at Imja Valley.

From you make a slight descend towards the river then make a steep climb until you arrive at Dingboche. This beautiful village has a fantastic arrangement of fields surrounded by stone walls.

You stay in one of the tea houses for the night.

Day 6: Acclimatize in Dingboche

On the sixth day of the trek, you have your second acclimatization in Dingboche. Acclimatization is done to help your body adjust to the current climate and environment.

This day you will roam around the village and hike to nearby places. This village has one famous viewpoint that gives the marvelous sight of mother nature. You get to see snow-capped peaks such as Island peak, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, etc.

You can also see Khumbu Khola valley and Dingboche village from up there. The beauty of scenarios will mesmerize you. After exploring the areas, you return back and rest for the night.

Day 7: Trek to Lobuche

Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Maximum Altitude: 4930 m above sea level

You again embark on your Everest Base Camp trek journey after the relaxing time in Dingboche. Today you will be heading towards Lobuche from here. This day’s trek is quite fascinating as you will be accompanied by mountain views along the way.

Following the trail, you make an uphill climb that opens up to a wide valley near the ridge. Then cross a glacial moraine from whereas you climb higher the clearer the view gets.

Slowly making the climb and enjoying the view, you reach Lobuche. On this trail, you will have to walk past several memorial statues kept in the name of climbers that passed away.

This village gives an amazing view of Khumbu Glacier and Mt. Pumori. You stay here for the night.

Day 8: Trek to Gorakshep then hike to Everest Base Camp and Back to Gorak Shep

Trek Duration (Gorakshep): 4 to 5 hours

Trek Duration (EBC): 2 to 3 hours

Maximum Altitude (Gorakshep):

Maximum Altitude (EBC): 5364 m above sea level

Finally the day you have been waiting for has arrived. Today you will be heading towards Everest Base Camp. First, you trek towards Gorak Shep from Lobuche. Heading north you head out of the town and pass the prayer stupa.

You walk enjoying the magnificent view of Mt. Tawache, Kongma Tse, Nuptse, Pokalde, etc. Then following a rough moraine, you see the icy glacier. The paths are quite challenging from here. Making a short descend through rough moraine you arrive at Gorakshep.

From here, you now hike towards Everest Base Camp. Slowly making ascend in the trails and walking through narrow and rocky paths, you reach the base of Mount Everest.

The view of the world’s highest mountain looks awesome from here. After spending some time, you return back to Gorak Shep retracing your steps. You will be spending your night here.

Day 9: Hike to Kala Patthar then trek to Pheriche

Trek Duration (Kala Patthar): 2 to 3 hours

Trek Duration (Pheriche): 6 hours

Maximum Altitude: 5550 m above sea level

Maximum Altitude: 3420 m above sea level

Today you will be waking early and heading towards the highest point of this trek, Kala Patthar. This viewpoint is well-known for the breathtaking view of several peaks and sunrises. As the sun shines upon the white peaks, it looks amazing.

After viewing the marvelous scenarios, you head back to Gorak Shep. From here, you trek towards Pheriche. Walking through the moraines you pass Lobuche and make a decline to Pheriche.

You stay here for the night.

Day 10: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Maximum Altitude: 3450 m above sea level

Today you will be heading towards Namche Bazaar from Pheriche. Making a slight descend, you enter the forest of rhododendron. The view of white peaks looks quite amazing from between the trees.

Viewing these scenarios, you trek past Tengboche and cross several bridges. After a few hour’s walk, you arrive at Namche Bazaar. This place is a huge settlement of the Sherpa community.

You can visit the souvenir shops or cafes located here. You stay here for the night.

Day 11: Trek to Lukla

Trek Duration: 7 to 8 hours

Maximum Altitude: 2810 m above sea level

This is the second last day of your trip and the last day in the Everest region. Today you will be heading towards Lukla from Namche Bazaar. Making a descend in the trails, you cross several small villages and suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi river.

Finally making a steep ascend in the trails, you arrive at Lukla. You stay here for the night.

Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu

Today your Everest Base Camp Trek in April will be finishing. Waking up early you will be flying back to Kathmandu. Also, viewing beautiful scenarios you arrive at your destination.

Alternative Routes to Everest Base Camp Trek in April

There are a number of routes to Everest Base Camp. You can take any of the routes depending on your available days, fitness, and appetite for adventure.

Three Passes Trek

Everest Three Pass Trekking is one of the most adventurous and stunning treks in the Everest region. You will reach Everest Base Camp crossing three high passes above 5,000 meters. Kongma La pass (5,535 meters), Cho La pass (5,360 meters), Renjo La pass (5,385 meters) are the major highlights of this trek along with Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.

The spring filled weather in April eases your treks while crossing these high passes of the Khumbu region than in other seasons.

This is one of the most strenuous and longest treks in the Everest region. As it involves crossing high passes, do not compromise your level of fitness and acclimatization during the trek. Furthermore, when you complete this spectacular trek, you will have something to brag about.

Gokyo- Cho La – Everest Base Camp Trek

If crossing all three high passes is daunting for you, you can skip one or two of them and trek to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Cho La Pass. Trekking to Everest Base Camp via stunning Gokyo lakes is another spectacular treks. Likewise, you will cross Cho La pass (5,420 meters).

Additionally, you will trek across other highlights of this trek like Kalapathar (5,400 meters), Khumjung village, and Gokyo Peak (5,360 meters).

You will cross one of the three high passes while trekking this alternative route while enjoying the glistening views of Gokyo lakes in April’s sun.

Gokyo-Renjo La Pass Trekking

If three passes are too much for you and one high pass, too little, Gokyo-Renjo La pass trekking is a middle way of adventurous trekking in the Everest region. Also, this is much adventurous than a straight-forward trek to Everest Base camp and returning from the same trail. Moreover, you will cross two of the high passes, the Cho-La pass, and the Renjo La pass.

In particular, these routes have lesser footfalls than the main trail to Everest Base Camp. These trails are less crowded throughout the year than the shortest route to Everest Base Camp. However, this route will need more time and fitness as you will be climbing frequently over 5000 meters.

Furthermore, you will get to walk in the rhododendron blossoms to reach these high altitude treks and Gokyo valley in April.

Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek in April

• Do not compromise with dressing up in layers as the weather may get worse any time
• Pack light and airy clothes as the humidity is high and the hikes may get excessively sweaty
• Wear waterproof and strong hiking boots.
• April is a flowering season. If you are allergic to pollens, take precautions.
• Carry a rain jacket, poncho, or umbrella.
• Hydrate well and acclimatize before gaining altitude.
• Start your trek early to avoid the midday sun.
• Hiring a guide is recommended but not mandatory.
• Get travel insurance before you plan trekking anywhere in Nepal.
• Do not miss sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Work out in advance to prepare for the trek. You can contact us for guidance on pre-trek training.
• Respect the local culture. Also, be careful while entering the monasteries on the trekking trails.
• In most of the trekking trails, locals do not accept foreign currencies. So, carry enough Nepali cash during the trek.
• Carry insect repellents. You may encounter bugs, leeches, and other insects in the lower altitudes if the monsoon arrives early.
• Do not forget to carry water purifiers/ purification tablets before you go for the treks.
• Learn about the symptoms, preventive measures of altitude sickness. In fact, it saves you in high altitudes.
• During the time, the number of trekkers in the region will increase as it overlaps with the expedition season. So, you may have a difficult time finding a place for accommodation. So, it is a good idea to pre-book for the food and room.

If you are planning to trek to Everest Base Camp this coming April, contact us here for more details or book your next trek here.