Everest Base Camp in April - Travel Tips, Weather and More

April is a great month for visiting Nepal, the Land of Mount Everest. With nature in its finest form, April is definitely one of the most beautiful and charming months of the year. The temperature is quite warm and even higher altitude regions are not very cold. April is thus worthwhile for trekking to the great Himalayas of the country, including the Everest Base Camp (EBC).

April is the peak of Nepal's spring season with clear blue sky and flowers blossoming to life even in the Himalayan foothills. It is in fact just the right time of the year for major outdoor activities in Nepal. Every year, hundreds of travelers head to the acclaimed Everest Base Camp during this month.  The base camp trail is brighter than ever with the flowering red Rhododendrons and rampant terrace fields. The clear weather allows you to enjoy astounding Mountain views. Moreover, April also marks the beginning of the festive season in Nepal.

Recommended Read: Why Is Everest Base Camp Trek Popular?

Here are some important things you must know about traveling to the Everest Base Camp in April.

Main Highlights Of Everest Base Camp Trek In April

• Clear blue sky with unobscured views of some of the highest peaks
• The temperature is moderate and warm offering a comfortable trekking experience
• The weather is usually sunny and dry with rare occasional rain
• The beautiful surrounding view of Sherpa village and Monastries with colorful prayer flags
• Alluring flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
• Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO Heritage Site with rich bio-diversity
• Lush green fields and scenery up to the foothills of the region
• Incredible Panoramic view from Kala Patthar
• Prime month for peak climbing and other outdoor activities

Weather And Temperature Of Everest Region In April

The month of April offers the best weather for trekking to the Everest Base Camp. Sunny and warm days continue with the monsoon rain still weeks away.

The capital cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara are quite hot throughout April with an average daily temperature of 30°C (86°F). However, the Everest region is relatively cooler. You can expect sunshine for about 6 to 7 hours. The average temperature in Namche Bazaar, a historic trading hub of the region hovers around (1°C) (34°F) to 12°C (53°F) during this month. The temperatures will further drop at higher altitudes. There is a slight possibility of rain and haze enveloping the Mountains in late April. The humidity may also increase but the warmth-to-visibility ratio is still favorable.

The temperature in April by Location

Accommodations And Crowds

While in Kathmandu you get a wide variety of accommodation options. You can stay in five-star luxury hotels to standard normal hotels depending upon your budget and preference. However, there are only a few good hotels in the major towns of the Everest Region. The rest of the trek is a tea house trek. You will find comfortable tea houses that offer good basic facilities.

The idle weather condition keeps the popular trek routes to the Everest Best Camp absolutely busy in April.  The accommodations along the trails are filled with travelers. Thus, you have to get the reservations done well in advance to ensure your accommodation in decent tea houses. The cost of lodging and food subsequently increases as you go higher.

To avoid the travelers' crowd, you can also go for lesser taken alternative routes to the Everest Base Camp.

Alternative Routes

April is one of the pleasant times of the year for trekking. The classic trek route to the Everest is quite crowded. You have to prepare yourself for trekking through the busy routes along with many other travellers and climbing groups. Alternatively, you can opt for quieter off the beaten routes to the Everest Base Camp to avoid such crowding.

Here are some Alternative routes to the Everest Base Camp in April.

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek 11 Days

If you are short on time yet don’t want to miss out the glorious Everest, go for the thrilling Everest Base Camp Heli Trek. Trek up to the foothills of the gigantic Himalayas and enjoy a fascinating helicopter ride over the world’s highest Everest region.

Everest Three High Passes Trek -20 Days

The Everest Three High Passes trek is perhaps the best alternate trek route to the Everest Base Camp. This trek crosses through three major challenging passes namely: Renjo La Pass, Chola Pass and Kongma La Pass. At the same time, the trek offers incredible pristine views of Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse and the Everest.

Gokyo Ri and Everest Base Camp Trek 15 Days

Another alternative trek is the Gokyo Ri and Everest Base Camp trek which offers you the chance to witness the glorious Mountains such as Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Lhotse including the Mt. Everest. Moreover, you can also view the sparkling blue Gokyo lakes, Gokyo Ri and the largest glacier lake in Nepal Himalayas, the Ngozumpa Glacier.

Everest Base Camp Trek With Gokyo Lakes - 18 Days

For those of you wanting a rawer rugged, adventurous trek to the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek With Gokyo Lakes is just the right one for you. The trek offers unspoiled splendid views of the giant peaks of the Khumbu region of Nepal; Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. Reward yourself with the astounding view of the sparkling high altitude freshwater system of the beautiful Gokyo Lake.

Island Peak Climbing With EBC Trek - 19 Days

On the more adventurous side, you can also opt for Island Peak Climbing With EBC Trek. The trek provides a perfect adventurous climbing and trekking experience. Nestled in the Khumbu region of Nepal, Island Peak offers picturesque view of some of the highest peaks in Nepal surrounded by spectacular glaciers. Moreover, the trek takes you directly below the frozen summit of Everest, which offers some unforgettable view.

Lobuche Peak Climbing with EBC Trek - 18 Days

Alternately, the Lobuche Peak Climbing with EBC Trek also provides you the ultimate peak climbing and trekking experience. The popular Lobuche Peak encompasses two high summits. This trek is perhaps the best option for the mountain adventure lovers.

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

The Everest Base Camp trek is a moderately difficult trek. The trekking hours per day depends on the itinerary. Mostly, the average trekking period in a day ranges from 5 to 8 hours. If you are in good health and have an ability to walk a couple of hours every day, then the trek can easily complete this trek. However, preparing for the trek in advance is helpful.

The trekking peaks such as Island Peak Climbing with EBC Trek is quite strenuous. You need to be utmost fit physically and mentally for the peak climbing trek.

As the Everest region is a high altitude area, there is a risk of altitude sickness. The altitude increases by 400 meters to 600 meters each day. Kala Patthar is the highest point of the trek at an elevation of 5550 m.

Packing List For EBC In April

The altitude during the trek ranges from approximately 1380m to 5550m with varying temperatures. Hence, it is better to pack a mixture of light clothes to warm winter clothes. Some of the must haves for the Everest Base Camp Trek in April include a proper sleeping bag, a down jacket, a rain jacket, light-weight hiking boots and a backpack. Other necessary items include a water bottle with at least 1l capacity, a sun hat, polarized UV sunglasses, windproof gloves and toiletries.

Check out the complete packing and gear checklist for trekking to the trekking in Nepal.

In case of the peak climbing along with the Everest trek, additional climbing gears and equipment may be required. Check out the complete packing list for peak climbing in the following article: Packing List for Peak Cimbing in Nepal.

How To Get EBC

The quickest way to get to the Everest region in April is to take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla /Ramechhep to Lukla. Pre-booking must be done as the flights are fully occupied at this time of the year. There is always a slight possibility of delay or cancelling of flights due to the unpredictable and varying weather conditions of Nepal.

You can also drive from Kathmandu to Jiri and trek up to Lukla from Jiri. Famous as ‘Pioneer’s Route’ the iconic trail from Jiri to Lukla takes you from the lower countryside of the Solukhumbu region to the highlands of Lukla.

Alternatively, you can also take a flight from Kathmandu to Phalpu and further trek to Lukla via the Solukhumbu region.  

Events And Festivals In April

In Nepal, the New Year is celebrated on the First of Baisakh which falls in April. While in Kathmandu before or after the trek, you can get an exceptional chance to witness the entire country rejoice and welcome the upcoming Year. In the Himalayan regions, most of the people follow a Tibetan Buddhist Culture and are quite apart from the Hindu festivals. However, you can also celebrate the Nepali New Year on the lap of the colossal Himalayas with other Nepali trekkers’ on the way to the Everest Base Camp.

Nepalese people celebrate different festivals on the basis of the Lunar Calendar and not the actual date. Thus, some festivals that sometimes fall in April include:

Bisket Jatra

Bisket Jatra is celebrated in the Nepali New Year every year. Jatra (similar to a street festival for a few days) is an inevitable part of the divine Newari culture of Nepal. The chariots are pulled through the crowded street by the natives of Bhaktapur.

Holi - Festival of Colour

Regarded as the ‘Festival of Colors’, Holi is a spring festival celebrated with great solemnity all over the country. The festival is celebrated to embrace the victory of the good over the immoral. The entire country is set to get all colorful with different colors and water. Celebrating Holi in the lap of the Himalayas is once in a lifetime experience.

Buddha Jayanti

Buddha Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of the Baisakh. Baisakh is the first Nepali month. Acclaimed as ‘The Day of Triple Bliss’, this auspicious festival marks the birthday of Buddha and the day of enlightenment attainment by Buddha. This festival is an important festival of the Buddhist people but is celebrated with great ardor all over the country.

Recommended Read: 7 Major Festivals Of Nepal

Travel Tips

• Since, April is the peak time for trekkers and expedition teams heading to Everest, plan your trip accordingly to avoid the crowd.
• Book your tickets, accommodations and tour well in advance.
• Select the off-beaten trails to the region to avoid busy trek routes and crowds.
• Prepare yourself for sunny days as well as mild rain and snow.
• Start your day at the earliest to reach the night resting point for the day as there is an increased possibility of rain in the late afternoon.
• Prepare yourself physically as well as mentally for the trek as traveling right to the base of the world’s tallest mountain is not very easy.
• Always walk at your own pace without any rush. Unnecessary hurry may lead to Acute Mountain Sickness.
• Take rests and get proper sleep every night during the trek.
• Make sure to bring medicines such as Diamox pill for altitude sickness which may hit you hard otherwise. Take plenty of time for acclimatization without any hurry.
• It is wise to dress in layers so that you can take the clothes off when needed.
• Ensure that you pack only the things that are crucial for the trek. Overpacking your backpack may pose significant difficulties while walking.
• Drink plenty of water at regular intervals to keep yourself fully hydrated. Dehydration may lead to altitude sickness. At least four liters of water in a day is a must.
• If you experience any discomfort during steep climbs, consult your guide immediately and descend at the earliest.
• Carry all the essential and right climbing gear for the peak climbing trek. Also, bring the necessary first-aid kits.
• Get some physical training and exercise your body well for the difficult peak climbing trek.
• Make sure you carry extra cash (Nepali Rupees) with you during the trek. Extra cash can come handy even in case of an emergency.
• The flights to/from Lukla are likely to be delayed and cancelled. As far as possible, keep a couple of additional days in your trip.
• Acquire all the necessary permits beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Everest Base Camp Trek in April?

April has the most suitable weather with greenery and vibrant surrounding for trekking to the Everest. The clear blue sky during April provides unobstructed panoramic views of glistening snow-capped mountains. Moreover, April is a desirable month for outdoor adventures, climbing and trekking.

How cold is the Everest Base Camp in April?

The weather in Everest Base Camp in April is mild. The days are hot while the nights are quite cool. There may be occasional rainfall.

What safety measures are ensured for the peak climbing treks?

We highly value our customer's safety and security during the treks. We have well-trained and experienced guides who will be present with you throughout the trek and provide the necessary guidance. More than 15 years of experienced climbing guides will provide you pre-climbing training before any climbing expeditions. Our guides also carry standard first aid kits and safety gears. We are in constant communication with our assigned guides so that medical evacuations can be organized in case of emergency.

How can I communicate during the trek?  

A mobile network will be available during the trek. You can get a local sim card (NTC/NCELL) to communicate during the trek for your mobile phone.

What about the internet facilities during the trek?

Wifi hotspots are available during the trek. Sometimes, there may be low signals due to the topographic barriers.

What if the flight gets cancelled?

In case your flight gets delayed, you’ll have to stay an extra day. You must bear the accommodation and other costs for the day by yourself.

Useful links and Information

Getting Flight From Ramechhap To Lukla
Getting From Kathmandu To Lukla Everest Base Camp Trek In October