Everest Base Camp Trek in May

There is no doubt that the summit of Mt. Everest is the highest point on the planet. Trekking to its base camp is still an adventure, and you shouldn’t miss experiencing this adventure. May is the best time to opt for the Everest Base Camp trek for many reasons.

Everest Base Camp trek is usually at the top of the bucket list for every adventurer.

Trekking to the base camp is packed full of adventure!

The trek begins from Lukla after a 45-minute flight from Kathmandu. On the trek, you walk through rhododendron forests, authentic Sherpa villages, large glaciers, and moraines, and end at Everest Base Camp. It is even more exciting than it sounds!

In Nepal, there are four climatic seasons, and among them, autumn and spring are the best times for trekking in Nepal.

May is the end of the spring season, just before the monsoon arrives in Nepal. It is considered the month for climbing the world’s tallest peak, Mt. Everest. Actually, during this month, the ice melts in the afternoon, and the daytime temperature is above freezing, and it hardly rains.

During May, the days are almost clear, offering you the best chance to see the clear, magnificent view of Mt. Everest.

The trek to the foot of the highest peak in the world will grant you an incredible view of towering peaks.

Along the route, you’ll have stunning views of Mt. Everest and other equally mesmerizing peaks above 8,000m, like Mt. Makalu, Mt. Manaslu, and Mt. Kanchenjunga.

The beautiful clear blue sky and pleasant weather conditions make the Everest Base Camp Tour in May an amazing and unforgettable trip for a lifetime!

Highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek in May include:

• Namche Bazaar, the Khumbu Sherpa Capital.
• Trekking to the base of the breathtaking world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest.
• Hiking to Kala Patthar, one of the best vantage points to get a close-up view of Mt. Everest.
• Stunning views of other peaks, including Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Ama Dablam, and Mt. Cho Oyu.
• Walking through Sagarmatha National Park and witnessing a wide range of flora and fauna.
• Visiting Tengboche Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in the Khumbu region.
• Exploring different authentic Sherpa villages, like Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Pheriche, and Gorak Shep.
• Learning about the culture and lifestyle of the local Sherpa people.

Weather Conditions of Everest Base Camp Trek in May

One of the most unpredictable things during the Everest Base Camp trek is the weather. Normally, there will be an incredible change in temperature during the day and night around the Everest Base Camp area.

You should be fully prepared for the twists and turns of the conditions that may occur in this breathtaking zone.

Sometimes, due to harsh weather conditions, you might face uncomfortable and unpleasant situations.

The nighttime is much colder than the daytime in this area. There is no exact way to learn about the temperature ranges, but somehow we can predict based on the month and season.

During May, the daytime temperature will generally reach highs of around 15°C. At night, the temperature drops down to around 0°C.

In this month, you can expect the sun to shine for an average of 8 to 9 hours a day. May provides brighter and sunnier days compared to rainy days. So, it’ll be comfortable to trek at high and as well as lower altitudes.

Most of the days during this month are fairly dry and stable. Though there is a little chance of rain, at the end of May, there will be more variable weather. Generally, the mornings are clear and the afternoons are cloudy. But this pre-monsoon period invites greenery everywhere.

During the Everest Base Camp trek, the cold temperature and the chill wind are great challenges. But you don’t need to worry; the average wind speed in May is around 15 km/h.

There is also a high chance to meet many other climbers, and the base camp is full of colorful tents.

During this month, different colorful flowers are visible, especially at lower altitudes.

All in all, May offers you pleasant weather conditions for trekking in the Everest region. You can also enjoy the best panoramic mountain vistas. Thus, May is the right time for your Everest Base Camp trek!

Recommended Trekking Routes in Everest Region

The Everest Base Camp trek is a dream trip for many trekkers who dream of walking to the base of the world’s tallest peak.

During the Everest Base Camp trek, you can also do side trips that offer a great opportunity to explore hidden gems of the Everest region, such as the Gokyo Valley, Cho-La Pass, and Gokyo Ri peak.

Likewise, if you want to explore the Everest Base Camp trek in a short time, we also offer the Everest Base Camp Helicopter trek.

Generally, the weather is clear during May, so there is a rare chance of flight cancellation. Thus, you can try the Everest Base Camp Helicopter trek. Another option is to try the Everest Base Camp Trek and Fly Back by Helicopter, which is a few hours’ flight that takes you to Everest Base Camp and offers an amazing experience.

Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek

For avid trekkers who seek more adventure, challenges, and want to enjoy off-beaten trails, the Gokyo with Everest Base Camp trek is the perfect option. Actually, it is more tranquil than other trekking routes in the Everest region.

The Gokyo and Everest Base Camp trek begins with a scenic mountain flight to Lukla from Kathmandu.

This trek is packed with adventure! You’ll first hike to the base of the world’s tallest peak, Mt. Everest, crossing Cho-La Pass, the highest pass in the Khumbu region, hike to the famous vantage point of the best mountain views, i.e., Gokyo Ri, and finally explore the Gokyo valley.

At Gokyo Valley, you’ll visit the stunning Gokyo Lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The hike to the Gokyo ridge offers a 360-degree glimpse of the Himalayas.

Furthermore, the trail joins the Chola Pass, the famous highest mountain pass.

This trek offers ample time for acclimatization. En route, you’ll walk past interesting Sherpa villages and ancient Buddhist monasteries. This place offers you a great insight into the vibrant Sherpa culture and their lifestyle.

This trek also requires a good level of fitness with previous hiking experience, as well as strong determination and endurance.

However, you don’t need to be a serious trekker, but previous trekking experience would be a big asset.

Highlights:

• Enjoy the sunrise over Everest from Gokyo Ri
• Explore the Gokyo Valley
• Visit Everest Base Camp and hike to Kala Patthar for the best view of Mt. Everest
• View the large Khumbu icefall
• Superb views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho-Oyu from Gokyo Ri
• Cross one of the popular high passes of the Himalayas, the Chola Pass at 5,300 m.
• Hike through traditional Sherpa villages and experience their culture and lifestyle.

Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek

The trail of the Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek is infinitely rewarding for a number of reasons. It is the most authentic trek in the region as it follows the same trail that early iconic mountaineers would have used.

It is the longest trekking route in the Everest region, starting from Jiri and ending at Lukla.

Apart from this, if you’re scared of the mountain flight, then you can opt for the Classic Jiri route.

This trek will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as you’ll be walking via the peaceful trekking trail and only accompanied by the mighty Himalayan peaks.

On the trail, you’ll come across some beautiful mountain villages like Dughla and Bupsa. From Lukla, the trek follows the same classic Everest Base Camp trek trail via Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorakshep.

During this trek, you’ll get plenty of opportunities to see wildlife in Sagarmatha National Park. Commonly seen animals are the Himalayan Tahr, Ghoral, Musk deer, and occasionally Jackal. Other rarely seen animals are the Himalayan black bear, wolf, and snow leopard.

In this trek, you’ll get a chance to visit numerous Buddhist monasteries and more culturally rich ethnic villages.

Highlights:

• Walk via the classic trekking route, which was discovered by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary during their expedition in 1953.
• Explore the landscape of the Khumbu region
• Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery
• View the Khumbu Icefall
• Breathtaking view of the world’s tallest peak, Mt. Everest, from Kala Patthar
• Explore the National Park at the highest altitude in the world, Sagarmatha National Park
• Observe the unique Sherpa culture and lifestyle
• Enjoy the panoramic view of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Pumori, and Mt. Nuptse from the base camp.

Useful Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek in May:

Advance Booking for flight and accommodation

May is the end of the spring season, which is the second-best time for trekking in Nepal. Thus, the trail might be crowded but not as much as during the autumn season.

However, it’s a good idea to pre-book your flight tickets and accommodation. If you don’t book your accommodation on time, you might not get a room or have to share a room with an unknown person. Also, you might have to sleep in a communal area or dormitory. After tiring walks, no one wants to sleep on the plain floor only on a sleeping bag without a heater at freezing temperatures. Do you?

Hire a guide or porter

Trekking in the Himalayas is an adventure. Sharing this adventure with someone will make your journey more memorable and enjoyable.

Besides, it’s also a good idea to hire a guide or porter for your own safety. If you trek independently on the mountain trail, you might get lost. A guide or porter will lead you throughout the trail, and there is no chance of getting lost.

A guide will also help you with booking accommodation and flights. They’re also familiar with the local language, so with their help, you can communicate easily with locals.

Learn about weather conditions

Remember, trekking in Nepal covers a wide variety of landscapes and climates. Thus, temperatures will vary drastically with altitude. So, you need to be updated with the current weather situation around the Everest Base Camp area.

Likewise, the higher you go, the colder it gets. Roughly, the temperature drops by 6 degrees Celsius for every 1000m rise in altitude.

Choose your Travel Clothing Wisely

When preparing your Everest Base Camp Trek packing list, you need to be a bit tricky. As you have to match all your clothes with your travel activities. In this situation, layering is a must.

It’ll save your time, make you as comfortable as possible in changing trail conditions, and weather conditions. During May, the daytime temperature is hot, so you can hike in light t-shirts and trekking shorts or convertible pants.

At night and early morning, the temperatures are below freezing level, so you’ll require a heavy down jacket, sweater, fleece jacket, and heavyweight pants for high elevations.

Hiking boots, camp shoes, wool socks, and lightweight socks are also essential. You also need gloves to keep your hands warm and comfortable. At the same time, you need waterproof lightweight gloves.

Pack some rain trekking gears

At the end of May, the pre-monsoon rain starts, especially at lower altitudes. So, it’s better to carry an umbrella, raincoat, waterproof jackets, and trousers for yourself.

Also, to be on the safe side, you need to invest a few dollars in good waterproof boots.

Prepare for Altitude sickness

Everest Base Camp is situated at an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level. Acclimatization to the altitude of EBC is not always possible, so staying at the base camp can reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

So, it’s always a good option to descend to a slightly lower altitude for a night when ascending high. To prevent and avoid altitude sickness, you need to drink plenty of water, about 2-3 liters per day.

Best Reason for Everest Base Camp Trek in May:

The Best Reason for Everest Base Camp Trek in May is the pleasant weather conditions, low chance of rainfall, and bright sunny days. During this month, you do not have to wear heavy trekking gear since the temperature is fine, and you will be comfortable enough to walk with light trekking gear. The clear skies will reward you with stunning mountain vistas.

May is the month of climbing expeditions, and you will get a chance to meet a few inspiring summit attempters. The mostly clear skies also mean a lower chance of flight cancellation while getting into/from Lukla. Additionally, the terrain is colorful, and the trails are not overcrowded. If you want solitude, then May might be the best time for you.

Furthermore, Dumje, a masked festival, is celebrated in various places like Junbesi of Solukhumbu and Tengboche, Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, and Pangboche of the Khumbu region. It is one of the major festivals celebrated in the highlands of the Khumbu region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the weather like in May on the Everest Base Camp trek?

May is a good time to trek to Everest Base Camp as the weather is usually mild and dry, with clear skies and warm temperatures during the day. However, temperatures can drop to freezing at night, so warm clothing is essential. May is pre-monsoon season, so you should expect some light rain till Tyangboche. Be prepared with rain gear to avoid getting wet.

Is May a good time to avoid crowds on the Everest Base Camp trek?

May is one of the popular months to trek to Everest Base Camp, so you may still encounter some people, particularly in the area between Namche – Dingboche – Gorakshep. However, it’s less busy than the peak trekking season of October/November or March/April. To avoid crowds, you can also take an alternative route going via Gokyo Lakes. You will need four more days to take this route to reach EBC.

How hard is the Everest Base Camp trek in May? What is the difficulty level of the Everest Base Camp trek in May?

Everest Base Camp Trek in May is pretty much similar to other months. The good thing about doing it in May is that the temperature is lower and it is still considered one of the best months to do it. The Everest Base Camp trek is very achievable with proper preparation in advance and led by an experienced local guide. In May, you may also be able to see people around the EBC area preparing to climb Mount Everest itself.

Start cardiovascular work, which will help the most while trekking. Lots of cycling, running, and swimming are recommended exercises.

What is the cost of the Everest Base Camp trek in May?

Like the trek in other months, the cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek in May is USD 1330 per person for our 14-day trip.

What are the permits that I need to obtain to do the Everest Base Camp trek in May?

Whatever month you choose to trek, you will need similar permits throughout the year. You need to have two permits for the Everest Base Camp trek, which are the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit along with the Khumbu Village Municipality entry permit. These are included in the tour cost of USD 1330 per person.

How safe is it to trek to Everest Base Camp in May?

May is one of the safest months to trek to Everest Base Camp. It is generally safe to trek to Everest Base Camp throughout the year. You must be aware of the dangers that can arise if you trek without proper acclimatization. It is really important to follow the advice of your guide to ensure a safe adventure and an enjoyable trip.