Everest Base Camp Trek in April

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Everest Base Camp Trek in April

Doing the Everest Base Camp trek in April is a dream for every adventurous person and nature lover. When the snow starts to melt and the rhododendron blooms, hiking toward the base of the tallest mountain in the world is a visual delight in one of the most beautiful places in the world. 

Trekking to the EBC is best done in April because the weather is stable during this time of the year. The days are generally warm, with low temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 degrees centigrade in the lower levels, thus making the trek a pleasant affair. The nights are slightly cold, as is common with the high altitude, but it is not a big issue if one is well prepared. 

The visibility is particularly good at this time, and the view is uninterrupted by other peaks, including Ama Dablam, Lhotse and, of course, Mount Everest. Most of the time, the climate in the morning is clear and this is a good time to take beautiful pictures and also enjoy the serenity of nature in the Himalayas.

Trek to EBC is reasonable to explore due to the numerous tourists that flood the region in April. The trails are rather energetic, and the teahouses, which may be situated along the way, are filled with anecdotes and stories from other travelers. Also, April is the time when climbers start their attempt to reach the summit of Everest and trekkers, for example, can see expeditions getting ready for their final push. 

The Everest Base Camp trek in April brings you through places like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery and other beautiful places to offer you the exciting trekking experience in the Everest Base Camp. Whether you are a professional hiker or an amateur the idea of having stood at the base of the tallest mountain in the world is something that will make an impact in your life. 

Everest Base Camp Trek in April: Weather Conditions and Temperature

  • Max temp: 15°C (54°F)
  • Min temp: -5°C (23°F)
  • Best week: 2nd or 3rd week
  • Sunrise time: Around 5:30 AM
  • Sunset time: Around 6:15 PM
  • Precipitation: Low, occasional light snow possible

Among all the months, April can be classified as the best time for starting the EBC trek because the weather conditions that prevail at this time are perfect. With the type of temperature ranging to 15°C during the day, the trekkers can have their warm and sunny tramps in the day and the cool evening breeze. Compared to the other months, there are fewer changes in the weather during this particular month. Thus, it makes the journey more comfortable. 

At the Everest Base Camp, the average temperature stands at -12°C, especially when it is night. The climate is cold, with the temperature dropping to as low as -5°C and rising to as high as 15°C depending on the altitude and time of the day. While in Lukla, the temperature is high, Namche Bazaar, at 3,440 meters, has a comparatively moderate climate between 2°C to 15°C. The higher one goes, the cooler it becomes, and what one experiences in Kathmandu is relatively hot. 

April, for instance, avails trekkers with longer hours of the day than what January and February offer. The weather is relatively warm with clear blue skies during the early April, which afford one a chance to get a very good view of the majestic Himalayan range. But it might not be the same case during the late period of the month as monsoon hits the region. Besides, unpredictable weather patterns are possible. It is recommended that trekkers pack enough warm clothing as the treks are quite chilly at some point. 

April can be said as the best time for those who will look for peaceful and transparent trekking conditions along with stunning views of mountains. The probability of rain stays quite minimal; however, it is possible that in the second half, humidity may increase occasionally and haze some of the mountains. Those skies can hardly be as sharp as wintertime even if they are bright. However, the temperatures and other conditions in April are rather favorable for the trekkers planning to traverse the region of Mount Everest.

LocationAltitude (m)Temperature Range (°C)Climate Conditions
Kathmandu1,40015°C – 30°CRelatively hot with clear skies.
Lukla2,8605°C – 15°CHigh temperature compared to higher altitudes, warm during the day.
Namche Bazaar3,4402°C – 15°CModerate climate, cool evenings, clear skies.
Everest Base Camp5,364-12°C (Night) to 15°C (Day)Cold climate, warmer during the day, extremely cold at night.

What is the condition of the Everest Base Camp Trail in April?

While trekking to the EBC in April is generally good, the early part of April has better climatic conditions for the trek. During the spring season, the trail is usually well-defined, more so if it has not rained for some time, thereby making it a good season for the hike. These are clearly marked pathways, and there is usually little or no snow or ice on the ground; thus, one is not likely to slip. The cool weather is also favorable for trekking together, with a clear sky to give trekkers the best experience ever while crossing one of the most famous hiking trails in the world, the Himalayas. 

As the month advances especially after mid-April, sometimes the climate may become rather erratic. The appearance of pre-monsoon showers begins to impact trail conditions. It will begin to show a muddy and less firm path, which has been not so before with the firm and dry paths. This gradual deterioration can present difficulties, particularly on those parts of the trail where the slope is steep, or the width is narrow and where wet conditions could well mean slippage and possible dangers. 

While there might be a worsening of the weather at the end of the month, April is one of the best months to go for the EBC trek. Even today, the trail is passable, and it means that with the necessary equipment and precautions, one is able to overcome the adversities of the climate. Trekkers should be cautious irrespective of the time that they start the trekking expedition, but more so when they start their trekking during the second half of April because the higher they go, the more challenging the trekking conditions will be at the base camp.

Main Festivals in April 

Nepali New Year (Navavarsha)

The Nepali New Year usually falls in the middle of April and marks the beginning of the Nepali calendar year. This festival falls on the first month of Baisakh of the Bikram Sambat calendar. Normally, this festival heralds a new beginning, renewal, and hope for the coming year. It may vary every year according to the lunar calendar but normally falls around April 13-14.

How it Is Celebrated? 

As a part of Navavarsha celebrations, the festival is marked by gathering with families, feasting, worshiping in temples, exchanging gifts, and indulging in cultural activities comprising parades and musical programs across Nepal.

Where it is celebrated? 

Navavarsha is celebrated throughout the country of Nepal and by the Nepali people across the globe. Large events take place in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Bhaktapur on that day. 

Bisket Jatra

Bisket Jatra is a nine-day colorful celebration mainly celebrated in Bhaktapur, one of the ancient cities in Kathmandu Valley. It normally falls around April 10-12 and marks the beginning of the Nepalese New Year.

Other highlights of the celebration include pulling huge chariots through the city streets. The major ones are two chariots symbolizing two deities, Bhairavnath and Bhadrakali, participating in a symbolic tug-of-war. Another interesting feature of this festival is the erecting and falling of a tall wooden pole called lingo. 

Where is Bisket Jatra Celebrated?

The Bisket Jatra is celebrated basically in Bhaktapur, one of the three historic cities of the Kathmandu Valley. While Bhaktapur hosts the main festivities, some festivals on smaller scales are also held in nearby areas like Thimi and Balkot. Trekkers who have taken the Everest Base Camp trek in April can take a day out in Kathmandu or Bhaktapur before their actual trek to join this colorful festival.

Ghode Jatra

The Festival of Horses, Ghode Jatra, occurs every year in early April. Quite an impressive display of horse races and equestrian skills by the Nepal Army is showcased during this event. Hailing from ancient legends, it is also believed to ward off evil spirits.

Where is the Festival held?

The main festivities take place at Tundikhel, a large parade ground in central Kathmandu, but it also continues in other parts across the valley at Patan and Bhaktapur. If trekkers have booked their Everest Base Camp time for their arrival in Kathmandu around early April, they are able to get a view of this unique Festival before they head out on their trek.

Seto Machhindranath Jatra

Seto Machhindranath Jatra is a festival of chariot processions celebrated in Kathmandu of Nepal with vibrant splendor. It is normally celebrated during the month of April every year. The eventful and colorful celebration is held for the worship of a deity called Seto Machhindranath, also known as Janabaha Dyah. The devotees hail along the way to witness the spectacles and raise homage to the deities. Finally, it ends at Jamal, where this chariot rests before returning, and then gets back to its starting point.

Where is it Is Celebrated?

Majorly, the activities of the festival are located in the heart of Kathmandu, Asan, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Jamal. The chariot then taken into processions through the narrow street of the old city across diverse neighborhoods like Indra Chowk, Makkhan Tole, and Hanuman Dhoka.

Chaite Dashain

Chaite Dashain is the junior version of Dashain, Nepal’s number one festival celebrated in late March or early April according to the lunar calendar, marking the beginning of the new year according to the Bikram Sambat calendar. It comprises merely the goddess Durga’s worship and her victorious killing of evil. In some locations, a family member makes an animal sacrifice as part of the festival. This festival, however, is only celebrated for a day, whereas the main Dashain is a long festival.

Ram Navami

Ram Navami, celebrated typically in April as the birth of Lord Ram, a major god in religion with temples and scriptures. This festival day is spent fasting and praying in the temples to Ram. People read about Ram’s life from the Ramayana, which is an epic about him. Special pujas and prasads are arranged for and taken at temples. In some of the selected areas, marches with idols of Ram are taken around. The day is marked with decorations in homes—devotional songs are sung in homes and temples.

Where is the celebration observed?

Ram Navami is celebrated in Nepal with a lot of religious zeal. The key celebrations are held in Janakpur, located in the Terai, which incidentally happens to be the birthplace of Sita, Lord Ram’s wife. Tempe towns, like that in Janakpur’s Ram temple, will be centers of activities.

The key places where celebrations will be held in Kathmandu are the Ram Temple at Battisputali and Bangemudha. Other places where this festival is very dear include cities like Birgunj, Biratnagar, and Nepalgunj. Special celebrations in relation to Ram Navami can be noted in the Terai region of Nepal since it shares its cultural affinity with northern India.

Dumji Festival

Dumji Festival is the main festival of Sherpas from SoluKhumbu in Nepal. It is one of the most important festivals of Sherpas and comes in April/May. Colorful ceremonies, masked dances, and religious rituals associated with the Dumji festival offer a unique peep into Sherpa traditions. It is a period of communal assembly, spiritual revival, and merry making which give an extra, truly rich cultural experience to the trekkers with their mountain adventure.

Where Is Dumji Celebrated?

It is celebrated in most of the Sherpas villages in the Solukhumbu district, beginning from Thame, Khumjung, Pangboche, Junbesi, and Namche Bazaar. Trekkers heading for Everest Base Camp in May have a special opportunity to experience this pulsating festival of the Sherpas, particularly if they happen to pass on the route at Namche Bazaar. 

Is April The Best Time To Go For The Everest Base Camp Trek?

April would really be the best time in the year for the Everest Base Camp trek, as this spring month will give the perfect conditions for such activity due to the fairer temperatures and clarity in the sky. The weather also makes it facilitative for many climbers attempting the Everest summit, which can add to the excitement of the trek. You’ll witness the rhododendrons in bloom, consistently good weather, and upbeat energy throughout the climbing season. Some of the reasons why we favor April to be one of the best months for the EBC hike are as follows: 

Ideal Weather Conditions

April is one of the best months to do the Everest Base Camp Trek because of its perfect weather. The weather is perfect: the sky is clear, with very little precipitation. Therefore, one can view the Himalayan peaks very clearly. The fairly stable weather predicts a much lower chance of delays in flights to Lukla, the starting point of the trek.

Stunning Scenery and Blooming Rhododendrons

Spring brings the Himalayas to life. The landscape is dressed in the many colors of the vibrant rhododendron forests in their full bloom, which, against the snow-capped mountains, make for quite a colorful spectacle. With so much color, it makes for a great trekking experience with a lot of photo opportunities.

Peak Climbing Season Atmosphere

April marks the beginning of the main Everest climbing season, allowing trekkers to feel some of the atmosphere and hustle around Base Camp as expedition teams prepare to start their climb to the summit. It adds that extra dimension to the trek.

Stable Trails and Lower Avalanche Risk

Most of the trails are dry and easy to walk on during April, following the winter snows, hence less prone to avalanches compared to earlier months and much safer compared to other times of the year. Well-maintained paths mean a more comfortable time hiking.

Comfortable Temperatures for Trekking

April is a great time when some of the days can be really warm, but the nights are cool. The days will be warm and long enough for you to take your trek, and the nights will be cold but not extreme. So, the climate would be just about right for all forms of physical exercising and acclimatization purposes connected with trekking.

Everest Base Camp Trek in April: Accommodation Facility

You can choose from simple teahouses to plusher guesthouses in April. Most of them offer simple but clean rooms with shared facilities, warm blankets, and also pillows. The facilities, obviously, cannot be luxurious, but they are cozy enough after a long trek throughout the day. Most of the teahouses are family-run, allowing one to have some interaction with the local hosts; possible price negotiations are available.

Early April Week

With the onset of the Everest Base Camp trek season, the accommodation facilities start filling up. Teahouses are available and much in demand by backpackers for which advance booking is highly recommended. Trails are moderately crowded with an expected constant flow of trekkers willing to start their journey. You can get a place to accommodate you at the last minute, but it is better to book in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Mid-April Week

This is the peak time for hiking, and the accommodation en route becomes unavailable with no previous booking. The trails are likely to be full of people, and you will meet many fellow trekkers on your way. You quite often might find that the teahouses or guesthouses are already occupied, most notably at famous destinations such as Namche Bazaar and Gorak Shep. Accommodation is to be booked in advance as they get occupied quickly. 

End April Week

While the month starts to end, they thin a bit. Accommodation is still in demand, but you might have a bit more flexibility than in mid-April. You should definitely be booking ahead. The crowds have thinned out on the trails now and offer a lot more peaceful trekking conditions. Generally, the weather is stable and provides excellent views with comfortable temperatures for treks.

Transportation Availability in April Everest Base Camp Trek

Lukla Flight

April is high time for treks to Everest Base Camp, so cancellations and delays of Lukla flights are more common than usual due to higher demand. But then, the flight from Lukla to Ramechhap can be taken to bypass this problem, to an extent, since the Ramechhap airport faces fewer delays and cancellations. One-way flights from Lukla to Ramechhap usually range from $180 to $220 per head.

Kathmandu to Lukla Helicopter

Helicopter flights are available during the peak trekking season, like Spring and Autumn, for trekkers aiming at a more flexible and guaranteed option. Obviously, the trip is more expensive, but quicker and not so easily affected by the weather change. Helicopter services are also readily available during the peak of the trekking season and offer a great alternative for people who do not have much time on their hands.

By Road – From Jiri and Thamdanda

Transportation options are available from Jiri or Phaplu for adventurers who like an experience on the road. This route has both shared and private jeeps for transport.

The cost of a shared jeep transport generally falls between $15 to $25 per person, depending on the precise route and condition of the vehicle. When collocated in relation to what has been paid for, it is very cheap; however, it can also be very time-consuming because of the multiple stops along the way.

Whereas private jeep hire might be more comfortable and flexible, which costs from $150 to $250 for the whole jeep, depending on the type of jeep and route chosen, in this case, there is an added advantage of a customized itinerary. This is also good for small groups/ families.

This does add several days to the road journey, but it does offer gradual acclimatization and a great opportunity to experience the culture of lower-altitude villages. 

Is The Meals Facilities good in April on EBC Trek? 

During April, meal facilities on the Everest Base Camp trek are quite fine, and there is sure to be quite a good choice of wholesomely great meals to attend to. You will find teahouses or lodges catering to various kinds of dishes from local Nepali foods up to international favorites. The most common meal is Dal Bhat, a mixture that is nutritious because it contains lentils and vegetables with rice. Other foods that trekkers can expect to eat are momos, dumplings, thukpa, and even Sherpa stew.

In April trekkers get to eat the special festive food on the occasion of the Dumje festival. Food may include Sel roti, which are sweet bread rings, and a plethora of mixed meat dishes that are prepared on this day. 

Other food items available to visitors are cheese from yaks, tsampa, that is, flour of roasted barley, and butter tea. Some of the teahouses can make available just harvested spring vegetables, in case one comes in April, for a variation in the menu. Though the food is in general good, the fact is the prices of the food rise along with the rising altitudes. This is generally because of the transpiration problems. 

Difficulty Level of Everest Base Camp Trek in April

Everest Base Camp Trek in April can be described as a challenging trek. It is one of the most famous treks in the world and has a level of difficulty that is mostly attempted by experienced hikers, especially in April when the monsoon season starts mid of the month. The weather turns wet and rainy and short periods of rain make the trail very slippery and muddy. This can transform a reasonably challenging trail to a dangerous expedition especially when the terrain is steep and rocky; navigation is then important to prevent accidents. 

It takes one an average of 6 hours of trekking in a day on steep and sometimes slippery slopes. What is depicted in this daily plan might look quite realistic and easy on paper, but it requires a lot of physical and psychological efforts. The altitude plays a very important role here as the air is very thin and one would feel that he has climbed a mountain each time he takes a step and this is so especially to people who have not hacked the high altitudes. These conditions coupled with physical activities make this trek not everyone’s preference as a holiday activity. 

This is compounded by the fact that the weather at this time of the year is relatively erratic especially in the Himalayan region. In the morning, the weather may be very clear and inviting to trekking but in the afternoon, the trekkers may be caught up in rain and on some parts of the trail, the trekkers will be required to trek through snowy and icy terrain. These conditions do not only stagnate progress but also pose dangers of falls and slipping.

The weather conditions are rather volatile; it is raining one moment and sunny the next and this means trekkers need to be very equipped for the conditions and have a schedule that is very flexible due to the likelihood of disruptions on account of the unpredictable weather.

Most Asked Questions Answered on Everest Base Camp Trek in April

Is April a good time to visit Everest Base Camp?

April is the finest time to visit Everest Base Camp, and this happens to be the most populous time. Climatic conditions are pretty fine, and temperatures are relatively warmer. Most days are clear, with views of the Himalayas being outstanding.

Is there snow at Everest Base Camp in April?

Although snowing at higher altitudes is possible, the chances of snowing at the base camp of Everest are fewer in April. The weather is generally stable and temperatures at higher points come from -5.5°C to -14.7°C in places like Lobuche. You might find some lying snow which has fallen during the previous months but fresh snowing is less common during this time.

Can you climb Everest in April?

April is the spring climbing season and usually the prime time of the year when climbers attempt to climb Mount Everest. Weather conditions turn comparably bearable during these months, in the wake of the passing winter season, thereby quite safe and controllable for the climbers. Actually, summit attempts take place in the month of May, but April is giving a very important role while acclimatizing and preparing through the lower camps.

What is the temperature on Mount Everest in April?

From top to bottom, Mount Everest’s temperature range is quite vast. In April, the day temperature could rise as high as 1°C to 12°C at Base Camp, which is at 5,364 meters, but it may fall as low as –5°C –15°C at night. On top of this, it becomes even colder than this on the upper parts. At the very top of 8,848 meters, temperatures can even in April drop as low as –60°C (-76°F), and literally become unbearable when adding wind chill factors.

Final Say

Everest Base Camp Trek in April is when the weather comes out best; the sky is blue with great visibility, and views of the Himalayas are simply astounding. More than this, trekkers can get rhododendrons in full bloom and be part of the thrill of peak climbing season. While this is a highly demanding trek, with proper preparation and acclimatization, one can quite easily do it. Generally, the weather is excellent, but there’s no need to be surprised by the odd rain and some pretty chilly nights at camp.

For April you can have your pick from several Everest Base Camp trek packages and itineraries according to your interest and fitness level. These EBC hikes range from the normal 12-14 day treks to more extended journeys that have more acclimatization days or side trips included. For more information or inquiry about the booking facilities, available packages, and EBC prices, please contact us directly.

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