Going on the Everest Base Camp trek in April is one of the best decisions a trekker can make. Everest region sees hundreds of trekkers each year during this month as it falls in spring, one of Nepal’s peak seasons for trekking journeys. From the weather conditions and scenery of the mountains to the bloom in April, there is nothing you’d want to miss out on as an adventurer. You can also celebrate different festivals in April when you go on the EBC trek.
Many adrenaline junkies go on an expedition to Mount Everest during this season because of many reasons. You will meet experts in mountaineering while you’re on it. Though the base camp is on the world’s tallest mountain, the Everest Base Camp trek is not extremely challenging. If you’re a trained mountaineer, you will likely have a pleasant experience during your trek in April. In this article, we have mentioned everything you need to know about trekking in EBC in April. Be sure to read till the end!
Why Everest Base Camp Trek in April?
We won’t be wrong to say that the EBC trek in Nepal in April is a dream come true for everyone who loves nature. From the enticing Himalayan view to the active local life and the ever-beautiful landscapes and trails submerged in the authenticity of the Khumbu region, one can’t help but fall in love with each aspect. Following are all the reasons why you should trek to EBC in April:
Clear View of the Mountains
The view of the mountains is all the better during spring because of the clear sky and openness of the air. Some peaks you will enjoy viewing are Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. The mountains are not very dangerous, and you won’t have to go through piles of snow and ice to get a good view. In fact, you don’t even have to reach the base camp to enjoy the view. The trails will offer a terrific view of every peak we’ve mentioned.
Festivals
You can celebrate different festivals in April when you’re in Khumbu. Two of the major ones are Buddha Jayanti (the birthday of Lord Gautama Buddha) and Sherpa Losar. Most people in this region are Tibetan Buddhists and Sherpas, who greatly appreciate both festivals. You can also celebrate the Nepali New Year on the first day of Baishak, the first month in the Nepali calendar.
Lively Local Life
The locals you’ll meet at this time on the EBC trails will be welcoming and hospitable, especially at the accommodation points, as it’s peak trekking season. You can learn about the lifestyle of the locals while enjoying their festivities, engaging with them, and going to the landmarks that define Khumbu. Also, the kind locals are always open to having travelers join them during their festivals. Trekkers can even visit the locals’ houses to interact with them and explore their lifestyle.
Wildlife
You will have opportunities to see different wildlife species, such as the Himalayan tahr, snow leopard, black bear, red panda, musk deer, Himalayan monal, Great rosefinch, and mountain yak. Wildlife expeditions become possible mainly because the birds will have shifted back to the region by this time, while the mammals will have come out of hibernation.
Challenges in the Everest Base Camp Trek During April
Though the Everest Base Camp is a moderately challenging trek for almost every type of trekker, you may have to face specific challenges. Such challenges are fixable. As a responsible trekker, you must know these challenges to find remedies or understand what’s in store. Some of the most common challenges are as follows:
Altitude Sickness
No matter the season, there is always a risk of altitude sickness—yes, even in April! You must be careful not to go uphill too quickly when trekking Everest base camp. If you’re going beyond 5000m, remember that the air will be skinny as you ascend upwards. When trekkers don’t acclimatize properly, they may suffocate when they reach EBC and Kalapathhar. The initial symptoms of altitude sickness are usually headaches and nausea, so be careful if you face such issues.
Crowd
April offers stable weather and temperature, which makes the trekking route extremely crowded. If you love to trek in peace, then this may be a challenge for you to tackle. The trail is primarily noisy, and traffic may be on the way to your final destination. Though you can consider April the best month to trek, especially for interactions, the crowd may cause problems when you book a teahouse, especially at the last minute and in the Upper regions of your destination.
Steep Trails
Even with the excellent weather, the steep trails will not be straightforward. You need to be well trained, both physically and mentally, if you want to succeed in completing the trek. The steep trails may cause body aches, headaches, and a lack of motivation among the trekkers. If you are a beginner, the pathway’s nature will challenge you compared to well-trained trekkers with more expertise.
Costly Amenities
The amenities in Everest Base Camp during April will be very costly. The high-altitude trek has some of the most comfortable teahouses, but they will be more expensive due to high demand. You may have to adjust or prebook if you want to travel comfortably, but trekking on a budget may not be as possible. The airfares and the cost of transportation will also be higher than in other months.
Distance
This trek is time-consuming; you may have to spare two weeks to complete it. The distance you’ll have to cover during this journey requires at least 5-7 hours of walking daily. If you are not used to walking distance, despite April being one of the best times to visit Everest Base Camp, you will face difficulties.
Weather in Everest Base Camp During April
The weather in the Everest base camp during April can be described as pleasant and fresh throughout the month. It may get slightly hotter in the lower Khumbu region. However, as you ascend to the base camp, the weather will be cooler, making it suitable for treks. There is almost no chance of rainfall during this month. Therefore, trekkers need not worry about delaying their journey. If you’re looking to trek up to Kalapathhar, you’ll have a worthy experience due to the less challenging journey on your way to the top.
April is also when the accommodations are primarily open because of the good weather during spring. The average temperature there is 10°C. The daytime temperature in April may range from -5°C to 15°C. Nights will possibly be colder. But, even the nights will be more bearable in April than during the colder months.
You can also begin your journey earlier because not only is the ideal weather for treks from the earliest hour of the day, but the sun also rises by 5:30 am, and it sets pretty later than in winter months. Furthermore, as you trek through the trails of Khumbu, you will see the most precise possible view of different mountains around the region, as the sky is also very clear.
Food And Accommodation In Everest Base Camp Trek in April
The food and accommodation you find in Everest Base Camp Trek in April is impressive. You can expect a standard-sized bedroom with twin beds or a single bed in each room with good ventilation in the Khumbu teahouses. The toilets have sufficient water and traditional toilet pans. You can also request a bucket of hot water for the shower. Besides that, you can gather with fellow trekkers in a living room, where you will likely find a fireplace.
From when you start your trek to when you’re in the higher altitude, you will relish over tasty and energizing food. Don’t be mistaken if you think it is only traditional foods you’ll enjoy during the trek! The weather conditions in April allow local teahouse and eateries owners to quickly grab food items and drinks from the marketplace. You will get a good range of options from Tibetan breads, soups, momos, pizza, pasta, and the staple Nepalese diet, Daal Bhaat. You can also get both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks during the trek.
Preparation Tips For Everest Base Camp Trek in April
Trekkers can prepare for the Everest base camp trek in many ways in April. You will be surprised by the magic clear weather can do. So, take it from us: there will be fewer things for you to take care of in April compared to the off-season months. The tips below are all you need to simplify your journey:
- Book in Advance: You need to be mindful about booking your trek. Be sure to book in advance. Your bookings will proceed just in time regardless of when you book. Contacting one of our Nepal Base Camp Treks representatives will do the work for you hassle-free!
- Learn the Importance of Acclimatization: Don’t go on this trek unless you have appropriately acclimatized. All you have to do is take a day off to rest in your teahouse between your treks. Your body needs oxygen, and you won’t be able to function at the higher altitude unless you habituate your body to the change.
- Hire Experienced Trek Guides: Hire professional guides with experience guiding treks. To begin with, it is no joke that you’re trekking to the Everest base camp. So, always remain safe by relying on those who know the location better and ones who will educate you.
- Hire Porters: You must hire porters to make your trek as simple as possible. You can enjoy your trek despite the challenges better when you have someone to carry your bags from one location to another safely.
- Stay Hydrated: Don’t let the trek make you restless. Taking water breaks in between your journeys will only simplify it. It is impossible to complete a whole trek without drinking water, but it is just as vital to hydrate your body continuously.
- Plan the Itinerary: Opt for a planned itinerary. When you go for a destination randomly, even with a group, you will go missing or face unnecessary challenges. Trekkers must be well aware of the landmarks to follow a smooth trail.
- Pack Sufficiently: You need to pack sufficiently. Don’t overpack or underpack. Doing either will lead you to problems you don’t want to face. When you unpack, you may not get a trekking partner with whom to share essentials. Also, there is a lack of stores at the trekking destination. Overpacking will increase your burden. To avoid such problems, list all the things you need.
- Mental and Physical Preparation: This is one of the most important things to remember before you schedule your trek! Even the beautiful April season demands good physical fitness and mental soundness. If you don’t train yourself well either way, delaying the trek until you’re prepared enough would be best.
Conclusion
Have you decided to go on the Everest Base Camp trek yet? If you have, we hope we’ve given you an insight into one of the peak months in the spring season. Going to the Everest Base Camp Trek in April is suitable even for those who have not gone on challenging treks at a high altitude. Because the weather is perfect, the surrounding visibility is just as impressive for trekkers, and you will have more aspects of the Khumbu region to explore without compromise. And, as you read and (hopefully) follow this guide, we assure you of a seamless journey. Happy trekking!
