March is among the best times to do the Everest Base Camp Trek. The start of the spring season in Nepal marks a peak trekking season in the Himalayas. Start the trek in early March instead of later to avoid busy times. As the March begins, the cold gradually subsides, and the trees are back in life with yellow and green leaves.
The flower buds are thriving, and the trail's lower part will be covered with rhododendrons and magnolia by the end of March. The trekking route looks exceptionally beautiful. Those who left the trail because of the cold would have returned home in March. The region is now open and ready for hikers to visit.
As the day passes, the climate settles, and the weather becomes much more stable. You can feel the fresh air warmth, indicating the climate is warming up.
Weather and temperature
The weather and temperature vary along the Everest Base Camp trail in March. The weather is slightly cooler on nights and mornings. The Everest Base camp trail becomes more difficult as you go from Namche Bazaar to Dingboche. Temperatures drop to 0°C (32°F) above Dingboche on the upper part of the EBC trail.
March has a lovely balance of hot and cold temperatures, and you will neither feel cold nor scorching hot. Layering the clothes is essential because you can remove or add them as the climate demands. The stable weather, with bright days and clear visibility, results in no delays and less chance of Lukla's flight cancellation.
Likewise, dryness decreases, and humidity levels become balanced. The wind is also not stormy in March, and Evenings are cold, so keep a couple of warm pieces with you. The average temperature ranges from 12°C to -5 °C (53.6°F to 23°F). As the blog continues, you will learn more about the temperature in the main villages along the EBC trail.
Average temperature at different points along the Everest Base Camp trail in March:
Lukla
Maximum temperature: 10°C (50°F)
Average temperature: 7°C (44°F)
Minimum temperature: 0°C (32°F)
Namche Bazaar
Maximum temperature: 9.6°C (49°F)
Average temperature: 3.5°C (38°F)
Minimum temperature: -5°C to 0°C (23°F to 32°F)
Tengboche village
Maximum temperature: 12°C (53°F)
Average temperature: 5°C (41°F)
Minimum temperature: -5°C to -0°C (23°F to 32°F)
Dingboche village
Maximum temperature: 8°C (46°F)
Average temperature: -11°C (12°F)
Minimum temperature: -1°C (30°F)
Lobuche village
Maximum temperature: 2.1°C (37°F)
Average temperature: -13°C (8.6°F)
Minimum temperature: -5.6°C (22°F)
Gorak Shep
Maximum temperature: 1°C (34°F)
Average temperature: -14°C (7°F)
Minimum temperature: -5.6°C (22°F)
Everest Base Camp
Maximum temperature: -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F)
Average temperature: -10°C (14°F)
Minimum temperature: -15°C to -20°C (5°F to -4°F)
Kala Patthar
Maximum temperature: -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F)
Average temperature: -10°C (14°F)
Minimum temperature: -15°C to -20°C (5°F to -4°F)
Reached Everest Base Camp in March
Why the Everest Base Camp Trek in March
There are many reasons that one should do the Everest Base Camp Trek in March, and some of them are:
Less crowd and more chances to enjoy the journey
The trekking season starts in March, but it's open now. If you go early, you can enjoy the peacefulness of the Everest region. Likewise, accommodations will be no issue. However, to be safe, we still recommend booking accommodations along the trail in advance.
March offers the perfect weather conditions for the Everest Base Camp trek. The weather is stable, with a clear sky and bright days. The mountain views are stunning, and the chance of Precipitation is relatively low.
Your Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary does not need a contingency day. You will enjoy the trek and experience the best of the Himalayas.
Scenic trails
As the rhododendron flowers bloom, March brings vibrant and colorful landscapes to the Everest region.
The excellent visibility allows for spectacular panoramas of iconic mountains such as Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Streams, rivers, and waterfalls begin to unfreeze, adding more beauty to the region. The scenery is surreal, from the lush valleys to glacier moraines.
No worries about Lukla's flight delays or cancellations
The Lukla airport's location makes it quite vulnerable to the slightest change in weather. The weather remains predictable in March, keeping the Lukla flights on schedule. There could be occasional 15-minute to half-hour delays, but 99.99% of flights fly. Moreover, the aerial mountain views are clear and breathtaking.
Wildlife and birds of Sagarmatha National Park
Watching wild animals is difficult due to the rough terrain and many hikers on the famous Everest trail. In early March, however, fewer people are on the trail, making it an excellent time to see Himalayan tahr, musk deer, pheasants, and birds.
Festivals in March
March provides opportunities to experience local Sherpa culture and witness festivals and religious ceremonies. Along the trail, hikers can visit monasteries like Tengboche and Pangboche to learn about the region's unique traditions.
Below are some of the festivals you will come across if you do the Everest Base Camp trek in March:
Holi: Holi, the "Festival of Colors," is one of Nepal's most joyous and vibrant festivals. It typically falls in March and marks the arrival of spring. The festival occurs during the full moon during Falgun, the Nepali month. Falgun falls in February or March on the Gregorian calendar.
Holi is a two-day festival in Nepal, with the main celebration on the second day. One of the most popular stories associated with Holi is the tale of Prahlad and Holika. The burning of Holika's effigy on the eve of Holi represents the triumph of good over evil.
The heart of Holi lies in the playful splashing of vibrant colors on family, friends, and even strangers. Traditional folk music and dance accompany the celebrations. People gather in public spaces, play drums and other musical instruments, and dance.
Maha Shiva Ratri: Maha Shivaratri, also known as the "Great Night of Shiva," is a major Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal and worldwide. It honors Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism.
Maha Shivaratri falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Falgun in the Hindu lunar calendar. A night dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva symbolizes the union of Shiva and Parvati.
Worshippers observe daytime fasting and participate in all-night vigils at Shiva shrines. The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu is significant for Lord Shiva worshipers, especially during the Maha Shivaratri festival.
Ghode Jatra: Ghode Jatra is a traditional festival celebrated in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. It started during King Pratap Malla's rule in the 17th century as a military parade to show the army's strength.
Ghode Jatra is now a cultural celebration to protect against the demon Tundi. Ghode Jatra features a military parade and horse racing at Tundikhel, a large open area in Kathmandu.
Walking towards Everest Bsae Camp
Everest Base Camp Trek in March: Tips
Start your trek early: Begin your trek early to enjoy clear skies and stunning mountain views. Early starts increase your chances of seeing beautiful views, even if there are clouds in the afternoon.
Be prepared in advance: Ensure you possess the appropriate equipment and are suitably prepared for the journey. Follow our team's advice to prepare for the EBC Trek. Engage in consistent physical activity and purchase your hiking boots in advance. Break them in and familiarize yourself with them. Include the smallest essentials in your packing, such as paper soap and toilet tissue.
Regular acclimatization and hydration: Take your time to acclimatize to higher altitudes. Follow a gradual ascent, take rest days, and listen to your body. If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, descend to a lower altitude and drink plenty of water and other fluids daily to stay hydrated.
Pack snacks and high-energy foods: Carry snacks like energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits to maintain energy levels during the trek. Trekking at higher altitudes requires additional calories, and having easily accessible snacks can be helpful.
Book in advance: Trekking in Everest in March is popular, so book Accommodation early in places like Namche Bazaar and Gorak Shep. Plan your Itinerary to secure a spot in tea houses and lodges, as they fill up quickly.
Stay informed about weather conditions: Keep an eye on weather forecasts, as mountain conditions can change rapidly. Be prepared for occasional snowfall and bring waterproof gear to stay dry in case of unexpected weather changes.
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