Everest Base Camp Trek in March

Everest Base Camp trek is a trekker’s paradise. You might be wondering which are the best months to trek in the Everest region. There are many wonderful months in which you can trek to Everest Base Camp. Everest Base Camp Trek in March is the best thing you can do while you are visiting in Nepal.

Trekking in the Everest Base Camp is one of the most rewarding feelings in the world. The sight of the glorious Himalayas in this region is a sight to behold. Besides, the wonderful culture of this region is something that you should look forward to discovering.

March in the Everest Base Camp is the beginning of the Spring season. In fact, the spring season is a delightful one for trekkers. This season leaves behind the winter cold and welcomes the warm sun. Besides, the rainfall in this season is also quite low. Thus the weather in March is quite awesome for trekking.

Such weather makes way for awesome viewing of mountains. Crispy weather will also delight you to interact with people of this region. Let us take a look at the weather of March, what you should expect in this month while trekking, and other trekking options in the Everest region in this month.

Main Attractions of the Everest Base Camp Trek in March

• The mild amount of sunshine with extremely low probabilities of rain make this month a delightful one for trekking.
• The festival of colors, Holi, falls in this month. This will give you a chance to be a part of the joyous festival and interact with people of this country.
• A 35-minute thrilling flight to Luka is bound to make you get excited about the trek.
• The panoramic views of the mountains from Tengboche Monastery are a sight to behold.
• You will get to view the sunshine amidst mountains like Everest, Nuptse, Changtse while you are in Kala Patthar.
• You will also go to Everest Base Camp, where you can experience Khumbu glacier and icefall.

Weather and Temperature of Everest Base Camp Trek in March

It’s hysterical how people give all their shots to predict the weather at Everest Base Camp but nature doesn’t let spill the beans. And even if it does, the whole credence goes to season and elevation gained after each ascent which helps determine the weather at base camp.

Given the blend of two seasons, March much too makes it hard to unravel what’s the weather like in the camp. As an after-effect of winter, the early two weeks are slightly colder than the one later. But as time passes, the day starts to get scorching hot while the nights remain frigid.

Furthermore, taking the leave from winter night, March embraces spring season with the crisp morning and warm day. Likewise, the lower regions are a bit cozy so you might enjoy taking a break from your jacket. But as you go higher altitude, the weather is again cold with a snow flurry.

Daytime temperatures at Everest Base Camp in March range from 17 to 25 Degree Celsius, causing the region to be warmer. However, when the day falls into night, the temperature gradually drops and reaches as low as -10 Degree Celsius.

After climbing above 4,000 meters altitude, the region becomes frosty cold. As a consequence of winter, there’s a light snowfall happening in some places at a higher elevation. Hence, the first few days of March are crisp due to low precipitation.

Fortunately, the views are still incredibly wonderful in March. There is greenery everywhere, flowers start to bloom after frosty winter, and the sky is clear. The verdant valleys and cliffs look stunning under the shade of blue sky.

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Difficulties of Everest Base Camp Trek in March

1. Altitude Sickness

Altitude Sickness may seem common when you’re scrambling several thousand feet above sea level but that doesn’t connote it’s no harm. In fact, its effect is so bad that you can even suffer from hypoxemia and in the worst scenario pulmonary edema.

Hence, trekkers will have to be more careful when they set off for Everest Base Camp in March. Since the month is a fusion of winter and spring, the weather can be pretty nasty and play a trick with your mind.

In particular, the more you walk higher altitude to reach Base Camp, the more atmospheric pressure decreases, causing shortness of breath. Because it’s quite cold in the camp, the altitude sickness can be even more terrible, provoking pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Altitude sickness in the Everest region can be as mild as a headache or dizziness and extreme like high altitude cerebral edema. To prevent the sickness, you shall fully acclimatize and take proper medications before scaling up.

2. Weather and Temperature

Here, the changing weather of Everest Base Camp is quite a trouble for many hikers. Similarly, it’s immensely tough for them to figure out when the weather gets harsh, and when it warms up the heart. Moreover, somewhat the climate at Base Camp in March is also unpredictable.

In particular, its first few days are dry and cold with temperatures measured in minus. But any time from mid-March is temperate with bright sunny weather. Slowly and gradually, the temperature rises from here, making hikers on the trail feel sweaty.

Usually, the maximum daytime temperature at camp can soar up to 25 Degree Celsius. In fact, this is far too high in comparison to the temperature at night which is normally below 0 Degree Celsius. Hence, this to a greater or lesser extent adds difficulty level and makes it hard to complete the trek.

3. Crowded Trek Route

Above all, March epitomizes the start of the spring season. After the long cold winter, days start to spice up from March with lovely weather. In fact, a significant number of travelers from all over the world mobs at Lukla airstrip, hoping to reach the base camp.

In particular, with so many people fleeing the region at once, it’s common for the trail to remain busy. Hence, those who relish exploring nature in their own right and own pace will not go nuts about having Everest Base Camp Trek in March.

Moreover, it’s hard to get time alone on the way to base camp during March due to a lot of folks traveling the region. Thus, if you intend to explore the base camp in tranquility with no traffic jams on the trail then it’s probably not a great idea to visit the region in March.

4. Accommodation

Accommodation is another serious problem that excursionists doing the Everest Base Camp trek in March have to juggle. In brief, with too many people making the trip to the base camp at the same time, it’s hard for trekkers to get the best price hotel with standard service.

Generally, it’s still okay if you travel to the region in early March but after two weeks, most low-cost hotels and lodges are crammed with visitors. Moreover, Employees will be whizzing here and there to get the orders on the table while some guests are waiting on the line for food.

Guesthouses and lodges overrun with guests in March. Henceforth, it’s tough to come by the accommodation that is unoccupied or crowd-free. Besides, last-minute booking is improbable during Everest Base Camp Trek in March so make sure that you reserve the rooms in advance.

Why Trek EBC in March?

It’s insane to come up with one particular reason for why a trekker must do Everest Base Camp Trek in March when there are countless of it. Falling right after winter, March marks the start of a new season, spring as the weather changes dramatically.

The month has got pleasant weather, views are terrifically great, but the best of all is the new kinship formed amongst fellow travelers. That’s not all, they’ll even get to witness Nepalese rich culture and history, people’s way of living, and tradition.

1. Cross-cultural Exchange

March is the perfect time for the Everest Base Camp trek in every aspect. Likewise, it has got amazing weather, an astonishing view, and visitors from all around the world. As the peak season for trekking, March allures hikers from all around the world.

Trails filled with hikers from various parts of the world make travelers bond with their co-companions. In addition, the breakfast table in lodges and teahouses lights up with funny jokes cracked by hikers.

Strong friendships amidst wanders are evident as they open up and share their experience on the trek. Trying to adapt to new cultures and skills, trekkers also interact with locals. Moreover, they visit primeval monasteries, cultural museums, and historic sites to know more about Sherpa culture and their heritage.

Travelers from various countries doing Everest Base Camp Trek in March incite cultural diversity. Therefore, it will also create empathy amongst and treat people of every culture.

2. Picturesque view at Sagarmatha National Park

No trekkers get tired of walking Sagarmatha National Park be it any season. But must say, March is more fabulous of them all due to the delightful weather and an awe-inspiring view. Therefore, the park looks better than any other time with green foliage, blooming wildflower, and scattering waterfall.

March hints at the arrival of the spring season with blooming rhododendron throughout the forest. Similarly, you can always take a glimpse of wild animals in the forest including Impeyan pheasant, Himalayan Serow, and musk deer.

Listed in UNESCO’s world heritage site, Sagarmatha National Park is also habitat to more than 208 species of birds. Overall, you’ll also get to witness subalpine vegetation like lichens, junipers, and mosses at lower regions.

3. Clean and lovely weather

Although March is relatively cold compared to the other two months of spring, in general, it’s the ideal time to visit the base camp. Furthermore, the weather is incredibly appealing in March with clear sky and sunshine.

In addition, there is hardly any rainfall in the month so the camp can be explored whenever you like. Far from the crowd and dust, you’ll get fresh air to breathe during Everest Base Camp Trek in March.

Generally, sightseers will get a dazzling view of Mount Everest as well as Ama Dablam and Nuptse. Besides, the month honors sweeping landscapes of the Everest region, its gushing rivers, and cliffs by putting visual display.

4. Scenic flight to and fro Lukla

By this time, you must have all known how the weather at Everest is during March. Unlike winter or monsoon, the climate is remarkably pleasant in spring. Hence, you can always rely on the flight for splendid views.

There’s little or no chance of flight delays and withdrawal in March due to bad weather or snowfall. In about 40 minutes of flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, you’ll have a mind-blowing scenery to bask in.

From the aircraft, you can catch the sight of rolling landscapes, vast meadows, and ridges that look nothing but spectacular. Thereupon, passengers will even get a chance to glance at an unobstructed view of sky-scraping mountains and luscious hills.

Itinerary For Everest Base Camp Trek in March

It’s common knowledge that Everest Base Camp is the most popular trekking destination worldwide. In particular, adventure enthusiasts invoke to get there and explore the overwhelming landscapes, shimmering mountains, and slow-moving glaciers.

However, due to severe weather conditions and long-stretched trails, hikers might have difficulty doing the trek in winter and monsoon. But during March, the trek will ease up with the climate beginning to warm but you’ll still have to walk more than 60 hours to finish the hike.

Generally, the trails are relatively easy to navigate during March with no rainfall and mist. Likewise, you can simply commence the hike from Lukla and walk along the way to Phakding. Scrambling the trek route from the hillside and along the bank of Dudh Koshi River, you’ll reach Phakding.

The following day, you’ll ascend uphill, pass several quaint villages including Manjo and enter Sagarmatha National Park. Thereupon, the trail clambering up the steep hills and crossing suspension bridges will take you right to Namche Bazaar.

Here, trekkers stop at this town for a day or two and let the body adapt to the temperature. Besides, altitude sickness becomes a key challenge for trekkers after Namche so most of them take a short hike to Everest View Hotel.

In the next two days, you’ll be scrambling the hillside, passing over stone walls and a wooden bridge over Dudh Koshi River to get to Tengboche as well as Dingboche. Thereupon,  climbing above the valley and aside Pheriche through steep hills, you’ll reach Lobuche.

From here, you’ll traverse on a rugged route with rocks and debris all the way to Gorak Shep. This part of trail ascends upward and takes a considerable time to complete before approaching Everest Base Camp.

Perched at 5,360 meters elevation, Everest Base Camp provides a fascinating backdrop with a soul-stirring view of Mount Everest. In addition, you’ll also get a sneak peek of the landscapes, vibrant valleys, and Khumbu icefall.

Prior to descending down the base camp, you’ll also dash to Kala Patthar which may take anywhere from one hour to two. Leaving the camp, you’ll retrace the step back to Lukla wandering through Pheriche and Namche Bazaar. Finally, at Lukla airport, you’ll board the flight and head back to Kathmandu. With all that, you’ll come to the end of Everest Base Camp Trek in March.

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Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu

Second Day: Kathmandu Excursion and Sightseeing

Day 03: Flight to Lukla, Trek to Phakding

Maximum Altitude: 2,860 meters

Flight Distance: 138 km

Flight Duration: 40 minutes

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Maximum Altitude: 3,440 meters

Trek Distance: 7.4 km

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

Day 05: Acclimatization at Namche

Day 06: Trek to Tengboche

Maximum Altitude: 3,860 meters

Trek Distance: 9.2 km

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

Day 07: Trek to Dingboche

Maximum Altitude: 4,410 meters

Trek Distance: 10.7 km

Trek Duration: 3-4 hours

Day 08: Rest day at Dingboche

Day 09: Trek to Lobuche

Maximum Altitude: 4,940 meters

Trek Distance: 17.5 km

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

Day 10: Trek to Gorak Shep, Hike to Everest Base Camp

Maximum Altitude:

Trek Distance: 15 km

Trek Duration: 7-8 hours

Day 11: Hike to Kala Patthar, Trek to Pheriche

Maximum Altitude: 5,643 meters

Trek Distance: 13 km

Trek Duration: 7-8 hours

Day 12 Trek to Namche Bazaar

Maximum Altitude: 3,440 meters

Trek Distance: 14.3 km

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Day 13: Trek to Lukla

Maximum Altitude: 2860 meters

Trek Distance: 13 km

Trek Duration: 8 hours

Day 14: Flight to Kathmandu

Maximum Altitude: 1400 meters

Flight Distance:138 km

Flight Duration: 40 minutes

Other Popular Treks in the Everest Region in March

Besides the classic Everest Base Camp trek, there are plenty of trekking opportunities in the Everest region that you can be a part of in the month of March. I have tried to enlist some of them for you.

Gokyo Valley Trekking

Gokyo Valley trekking comprises trekking to the awesome valley of Gokyo in the Everest region. Similarly, the fantastic views of the Himalayas of the Everest region make for wonderful viewing in the month of March in Gokyo Valley.

Gokyo Valley comprises of the famous Gokyo lakes. The six lakes that form the Gokyo lakes are the highest freshwater lake system in the world. Besides, the fifth and sixth Gokyo lakes are wonderful spots for viewing the mountains in this region. Further, you will also go to the top of Gokyo Ri Mountain.

Everest View Trekking

If you are not sure that you will be able to complete the Everest Base Camp trek in March, there is also the option of Everest View trekking. This trek takes you places in the lower regions of the Everest region like Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, etc.

This trek drastically reduces your risks of altitude sickness as the highest point during your trek is 3870 meters in Tengboche. Moreover, you still can enjoy the wonderful views of mountains like Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, etc. from this temple in the month of March.

Furthermore, as this trek won’t take you to very high altitudes, you won’t have to deal with whatever cold you might encounter in the nighttime in the high altitudes of the Everest Base Camp trek during March.

Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek

The classic Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek is an alternative way of getting to Everest Base Camp. In short, this trek helps you to acclimatize with the altitude of the Everest region by making slow and steady altitude gains.  Likewise, this trek is also a very good way of adjusting to whatever cold you might experience while trekking in the month of March.

Moreover, this trek is longer than other treks in the Everest region as it takes around 22 days to complete. However, you can get an excellent view of the mountains on this trek in the month of March as you will trek to places like Tengboche, Gorak Shep, and Kala Patthar. All of these places are well-renowned for the majestic views of the mountains you get.

Pikey Peak Trek

If you are worried that the trekking trails in the Everest region might be crowded in the month of March, you can go for a newly opened trekking destination called Pikey Peak Trek. This trek is a great way of viewing rhododendron forests, wild orchids, and Mongolia flowers in the Everest region.

Pikey peak Trek is one of the best options to view the Everest Panoramas including Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Gauri Shanker, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Thamserku, Mera peak etc in a serene way.

The trekking gear for a 12-day EBC trek is the same as that of any other EBC trek.

Packing List for Everest Base Camp trek in March

Here is a list of things you need to pack for completing the Everest Base Camp Trek in the month of March.

Clothing

• Couple of long base layer shirts that dry quickly
• A couple of short-sleeved trekking shirts
• Couple of Thermal underwear
• 2 liner socks
• 3 pairs of woolen blend trekking socks.
• A pair of waterproof trekking pants with zip-off bottoms
• A couple of fleece sweaters (one lightweight, one heavier)
• 1 wind/rainproof outer-layer jacket and pants
• 1 down jacket. ( -20 D.C )
• 1 warm winter hat
• 1 lightweight thermal layer hat
• A pair of woolen gloves
• A Pair of trekking boots
• Umbrella
• Raincoat

Toiletries

• Foot powder (for stinky feet)
• Toilet paper
• shampoo
• Soap
• A quick-dry Towel
• Gold Bond – this just feels good all the time

First Aid

• Diamox – for altitude
• Vicks vapor rub
• Sunscreen
• moisturizers
• anti-nauseant ( if you get nauseous a lot at altitude)
• Immodium – (in case of diarrhoea)
• Mosquito repellent

Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek in March

Here are a few things you can do to have a safe and comfortable Everest Base Camp Trek in the month of March:

Watch Out for Altitude Sickness

In fact, this is a serious threat for every person trekking in the Everest region. So you need to train properly for the EBC trek. Also, training properly is a good way of keeping altitude sickness in check.

Besides, you must watch out for symptoms of altitude sickness along the way. If you show any signs of altitude sickness, make sure that you descend to lower altitudes.

Another way of keeping altitude sickness is to maintain the level of water and food in your body. In addition, you should trek slowly so that you don’t exhaust yourself while trekking.

Book Early

Although you might not see many trekkers in the earlier days of March, the latter days are full of trekkers. This might result in the accommodation getting full. So you need to make advance bookings in the places that you are going to visit. A good trekking agency might help you with that.

Get Updated with the Weather

There is no better way of preparing for the next day’s trek than getting regular updates of weather. Also, weather updates will give you some hint as to whether you have to halt your trek if the probabilities of rain are quite high.

Hire a Guide and a Porter

Hiring a guide and a porter for the Everest Base Camp Trek in the month of March is very important. Occasionally, it snows quite heavily in the month of March in the high altitude of the trek. So a guide’s assistance will be very valuable in case you get confused with the trekking trails.

Furthermore, a porter will help you preserve your strength during the trek. Hence, this makes you feel quite free and less likely to be affected by altitude sickness.

Conclusion

March is one of the best months for trekking to the Everest Base Camp. Similarly, there is a mild amount of sunshine. Also, dry conditions result in an unobstructed view of the mountains. However, you have to watch out for the weather as the weather in the mountains can play some tricks on you. As long as you keep suggestions for trekking to EBC in March in mind, you will have a wonderful time trekking in the Everest region in March.