With equally stunning mountain views and more flowers and birds, it is strange why April is not the most popular month to do the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Weather for Everest Base Camp Trek in April
April is one of the best months to trek in the Everest Region. The temperature is fantastic, even in the higher altitudes. Thanks to the stronger sun and more extended daylight, most of the winter snow has now melted, and fresh snow clears up pretty quickly.
Precipitation in April, rather than sustained, is erratic. Thunderstorms are very likely, and so are hailstones. But this sudden flurry of rain and snow disappears pretty quickly, sometimes in a matter of a few hours.
Mountain views are still amazing in the mornings as most of the disturbances mostly happen towards the afternoon. At the lower altitudes, the cloud cover that generally builds up towards the afternoon is a welcome relief.
However, please be warned that the pre-monsoon precipitation has been increasing in intensity every year. It is always better to prepare for rain, snow, and UV.
| Lukla (2,860m) | Namche (3,440m) | Lobuche (4,950m) | |
| Max Avg Temp | 17° C | 13° C | 3° C |
| Min Avg Temp | 5° C | 2° C | -9° C |
| Precipitation | 20 mm | 20 mm | 11 mm |
| Precipitation Days | 14.9 days | 14.9 days | 5.6 days |
| No. Sunny Days | 14.9 days | 14.9 days | 20.4 days |
| Sunrise (Apr 15) | 5:33 am | ||
| Sunset (Apr 15) | 6:23 pm | ||
Hazards, Gear and Planning Tips for EBC Trek in April
In addition to the usual environmental hazards and altitude-related illnesses, you will need to be careful about thunderstorms and hailstones in April.
Remember that showers in April usually don’t last too long, and it is a good idea to take shelter rather than put on rain gear immediately. It is also essential not to hang out around tall trees or hilltops during thunderstorms.
Other than those little things, you will be okay as long as you take care of the usual gear recommendations.
Three High Passes of Everest in April
While April is a good time to do the high passes of Everest Region, watch out for weather shifts religiously and do not attempt the passes if the weather is taking a turn for the worse. Prepare for snow and ice with microspikes. Given that navigation can be a challenge with snow lying around, it is highly advisable to have an experienced guide with you.
How crowded is the Everest Base Camp Trek in April?
April is one of the busiest months of the year, with a good 16 percent of trekkers entering the Everest Region in April. In 2018, the number stood at a whopping ten thousand!
Be prepared for crowded trails, noise dining rooms, and jostling for some selfie space at Kala Patthar.
Lukla Flights to Everest Region in April
Chances are high flights to Lukla will operate from Ramechhap Airport, four hours from Kathmandu. What this means for you is that the possibility of cancellations and delays go down dramatically, but you will have to go through the hassle of traveling to Ramechhap Airport. The typical single buffer day is advisable.
Hotels along the Everest Base Camp Trek in April
While all the hotels will be open in April, rooms at the better properties are hard to get. For a few days, it might even be challenging to get a room at busy places like Namche Bazaar. Independent trekkers are especially hard hit, and it is highly recommended to book lodges in advance.
Attractions in the Everest Region in April
April has spectacular mountain views made even more intriguing by the interplay of clouds and occasional showers. Morning skies are usually squeaky clean, but the landscape starts to take on a different personality as the day progresses and clouds build up.
The rain also brings life, with flowers beginning to poke their head out after months of hibernation. You will see a lot of rhododendrons and a few primroses. The birds are also back in Everest for the breeding season, and the air is rich with their calls. Especially noticeable is the eerie call of the Himalayan Monal or Danfe, the national bird of Nepal.
