Trekking in Nepal in March

Trekking in Nepal in March, the month famous for seeing blooming Rhododendron flowers, marks the best time for trekking in Nepal.

March is the time of spring season in Nepal where you will collect the fondest memories in the pleasant weather and moderate climate.

This is the time when the winter ends officially welcoming the spring season- the season of flowers, birds, and pleasantest views.

During March the days are quite hotter while the nights and morning are chilling, yet bearable. And, you do not have to worry about the rain, nor snow during your travels. All you get is the crisp sky, with the wonderful visibility of the surrounding landscapes.

While in Nepal you experience different type of weather conditions. And, March is a shoulder month which marks the beginning of spring and the end of winter. So, you will have to bear neither the extremely hot temperatures nor the chilling colds.

March is among the dry month where you get the most unaffected views of the surrounding and vegetations you walk into. Plus, it is the best time for the clearest mountain views in the clear weather and low humidity.

While trekking in Nepal in March you have plenty of options. You can opt for easy and short trips like Poon Hill trek, Taste of Nepal Tour, and Bike Paddle Holiday. Or, you can go on longer treks like Manaslu Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Langtang Valley Trek.

Weather Conditions for Trekking in Nepal in March

March is the best of the season where you will find the moderate temperature- neither too cold nor too hot.

Like everywhere else, new buds in trees and flowers bloom in this season. One of the most attractive aspects of the season is blooming of Laliguras (Rhododendron), the National Flower of Nepal that is very prominent in the Annapurna and Langtang regions of Nepal.

The weather is still cold and snow may still fall early in March. The higher mountains in the Everest,  Annapurna, Langtang and Mustang may still have snow on them. While the rest will have theirs melting through the month.

March is a dry season, has really low humidity. This allows for clearer skies and lower chances of precipitation.

This means that March will not only have the best views of the mountains like January and February but also will have better weather conditions than both. Thus, the weather remains clear to give you crystal clear views of the grand Himalayas.

The mountains, on the other hand, are still covered in snow. While the valleys are budding with new growth after the depths of winter. The lakes and the snow will be melting at lower elevations too.

Also, the best part about these clear skies, sunny days and less humidity mean lesser chances of flight cancellation/delay.

As for temperatures, you can still expect sub-zero to 0 temperatures at night, while the average daytime temperatures might range from 9 degrees to a maximum of 20 degrees.

As temperatures slowly increase, so will the duration of the day.

Highlights for Trekking in Nepal in March

The main highlight for trekking in Nepal in March has to be the weather. If not that, then the trekking trails and destinations are still not very populated at the beginning of the month. So if you want to be trekking comfortably, March is an excellent option.

Also, you can witness a few unique festivals in the country. All these festivals are defined by a sect or a culture that gives you a chance you can be a part of and witness. These festivals bring thousands of people together for days of feasting and socializing.

One of the other better highlights of visiting Nepal in March is that you get to be part of Holi, the most colorful festivals of the Hindus. Nepal celebrates Holi with water and color as a way to express love. If you make it for Holi, prepare yourself to be soaking with love! Literally!

Nepal also has the ancient Newari festival of Ghode Jatra (Horse Festival) in March. If you plan on trekking in Nepal in March, be sure you make it for these festivals. Trust me, you’ll have fun.

Other General Highlights for March would be:

• Beautiful snow covered mountains
• The perfect season for trekking in Nepal
• Best Flora and Fauna
• Optimal day and night-time temperatures
• Rhododendron blossoms
• Water and color festival – Holi
• Crisp and clear blue sky
• Beautiful night sky
• Ghode Jatra (Horse Festival)

Best Trekking Trails  in Nepal for Trekking in March

The weather will be absolutely brilliant. With relatively warmer temperatures than winter trekking, March has pleasant weather conditions. March is also quite a dry month and will offer the clearest blue skies to give you the most uninterrupted view of the Himalayas that there is.

March, being one of the best months to be trekking in Nepal, let me introduce to my personal favorite treks in March.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in March

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is also a good option if you are looking for a destination for trekking in Nepal in March. This is a 15-day journey to the lap of the Annapurna range.

This trek will give you the perfect blend of spectacular mountain vistas, traditional mountain village life and thick rhododendron and bamboo forest ecosystems.

Like the Poon Hill Trek, this trip begins and ends at the beautiful Lake City of Pokhara. The ABC route visits Poon Hill, giving unparalleled mountain vistas and some perfect photo opportunities. So if you are feeling a bit more courageous, you can opt for this Annapurna Base Camp Trek in March.

The trek begins the next day from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani and beyond through lush forests and farmland to narrow gorges overlooked by the mighty Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre.

This route will pass through the Gurung and Magar villages,  whilst you enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains of the Annapurna Range, introducing you to their cultures and their warm and welcoming personalities.

Annapurna Base Camp is famous for its diverse species of birds and wildlife. ABC is the final destination where we will be encapsulated in a mountainous wonderland. Surrounded by the icy peaks of some of the world’s highest and most beautiful mountains, you cannot help to fall in love with this region and be blown away by its crisp serenity.

And finally, the highlight of this trek would be the Hot Springs at Jhinu Danda. Relax and unwind yourself at the natural hot water springs, next to the river, at the bottom of the hill.

Everest Panorama Trek in March

If you don’t have much time in Nepal but you want to experience the glory of the Everest region then the Everest Panorama Trek is perfect for you. If you don’t have a fortnight for the Base Camp and don’t want to miss out on the views; the Everest Panorama Trek will take you into the heart of the Khumbu Region, giving you the opportunity to experience spectacular mountain views and alpine scenery.

There are still challenging tracks and steep inclines but this is a shorter trek reaching an altitude of 3860 meters. This trek is just a little ahead of the famous Namche Bazar. Thyangboche, home to the ornate Thyangboche Monastery and an idyllic place that offers breathtaking, panoramic vistas of some of the world’s highest and most beautiful mountains.

The trail follows the beautiful, Dudh Kosi, passing under many impressive suspension bridges, loaded with Buddhist prayer flags through thick rhododendron forests.

The views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku will take your breath away as you trek through the land of the Sherpas. You will pass through the hillside town of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital and gateway to the Himalayas.

Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek in March

If you think the Base Camp treks are too ambitious, try this 20-days trek to the Everest Base Camp all the way from Jiri! From low altitudes, all the way down from Jiri, this Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek is the traditional route to Everest before the Airport at Lukla existed.

This path has been walked by the likes of Sir Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, and many other budding mountaineers. The route dates back to the 1950s and heads eastbound through lush green vegetation to the Lamjura La and Thaksin Do before following the banks of the Dudh Koshi River.

As this route begins at a lower altitude than the conventional routes to the Everest base camp starting in Lukla. Making this route especial favorable for February. You will be able to adapt to the increasing altitude better as you have more time and there is a slow and steady climb up to higher altitudes.

The trek eventually joins the more popular route from Lukla and continues on to the lively and vibrant hillside town of Namche Bazar, which offers stupendous views of Kwangde, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. It then heads up to the beautiful site of Thyangboche where you will experience mesmerizing, panoramic views, before climbing on to Everest Base Camp itself, leaving you feeling literally on top of the world!

Langtang Valley Trek in March

The Langtang Valley is another short and relatively easy trek that I would recommend you to do in the month of March.

A 10-day trek to the beautiful valley of Langtang. Its main attractions are the Kyanjin Gompa and the mountain lakes. The trail to Langtang is nestled in one of the most unspoiled national parks of Nepal, to the north, near the Tibetan border and is the most easily accessible highland sanctuary from Kathmandu.

Snow-capped mountains encapsulate this remote valley with the peak of Langtang Lirung (7246m) dominating the skyline. You trial embarks among thick forests, lush farmland, traditional villages in the deep gorges of the Bhote Koshi while the Langtang Khola gushes at the bottom of the valley.

Langtang is famous for colorful rhododendron forests, oak, maple and alder tree forests. And is home to an array of wildlife; wild boar, Himalayan black bears, ghoral, grey langur monkeys, leopards, musk deer, and the endangered red panda all call this lush, green sanctuary home.

Astonishing Himalayan views, pristine trekking trails through a sumptuous environment and an insight into the time-honored traditions of the Tibetan influenced local people, all make this trek completely unforgettable.

Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek Via Cho La Pass

The Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek, also known as  Cho La Pass Trek, or Everest circuit trek, is one of the most adventurous and challenging 20-day trek around the Himalayas.

The trek follows the Everest Base Camp route, passing through the vibrant town of Namche Bazaar and the spectacular site of Thyangboche where a magnificent Thyangboche Monastery sits amidst a snow-capped mountain panorama.

Hiding high up in the mighty Himalayas, there is a system of freshwater lakes known as the Gokyo lakes that are immensely sacred and hold important significance for the Hindus and Buddhists. This 15-day trek to Gokyo Lakes takes you to Gokyo, Gokyo Ri through the famous Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital and gateway to Everest.

After reaching Everest Base Camp, the route continues to the summit of Kala Patthar, a spectacular viewpoint to appreciate Everest in all her glory. You will be impressed by the vistas from there, mountains as far as the eye can see, covered in a blanket of snow in February.

We then head out to conquer the Cho La Pass at 5330 meters. Steep inclines and rocky paths await you but your efforts will be rewarded as you walk through a magnificent high altitude mountain pass. If this was not enough, we then carry on further to the glistening waters of the Gokyo Lake, a system of freshwater and sacred lakes, hidden in the high Himalaya.

Buddhist prayer flags adorn huge suspension bridges and we will pass many stone walls and Buddhist memorial sites. We aspire to reach Gokyo Ri, the world’s highest freshwater lake system.

This trip really has it all, high altitude trekking, spectacular views insurmountable anywhere else in the world, the beautiful Gokyo Lakes, the welcoming culture of the Sherpa people and a visit to the iconic Everest Base Camp. You also get the opportunity to summit Gokyo Peak (5483 meters) offering astonishing, panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Everest, and Makalu.

Manaslu Circuit Trek in March

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is another 11-days trek that you can opt for in March. This trek offers beautiful wilderness and surroundings that will leave you absolutely speechless.

As you hike from village to village, tackling the challenging terrains, you will experience an array of indigenous wildlife, geological wonders, the ruins of an ancient civilization, and some of the best mountain vistas and panoramas in the world.

The hills are home to the most wonderful wildflower blooms that transform this landscape into an explosion of color and will definitely an unforgettable sight. Manaslu Circuit Trek is a trek to Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world. Enjoy the marvels of the pristine environment and boundless beauty.

Trekking around the Manaslu Circuit in February will be an amalgamation of diverse cultures, breathtaking scenery and environmental marvels all with clear skies. It will take you on an epic journey into the serenity of the Himalayas with breathtaking views of the highest peaks in the world towering over 8000 meters.

Tips for Trekking in Nepal in March

It is always better to be safe than sorry. As cliche as that sounds, it stands true for trekking in Nepal in March.

Take Proper Gear and Equipment

Be sure to buy all your trekking gears and equipment for your treks. You don’t have to bring everything with you from your home country because you can buy and rent all the general trekking gears from Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Taking trekking poles will make a difference you will be grateful for. As little as a stick can reduce the impact on your legs and knees. Take the right hiking boots. Buy Hiking Specific Socks for your hike. Wear a Base Layer. Invest in an accurately rated sleeping bag. Stay warm.

Book your trip well in Advance

Although Spring season is less busy than the Autumn, Spring still is a prominent trekking season.

March is the beginning month of Spring season which is officially the beginning of trekking season in Nepal. Be sure to start your bookings at least a month in advance so we can adjust a few days here and there as per your convenience.  So we can book your flight and accommodations well in advance.

Let a Professional Guide you

It is recommended that you go with a professional guide. We here at Mosaic Adventures have licensed guides that have all the right information and vast knowledge to keep you entertained through your trek.

If you’re traveling alone, it is always better you have company. You can never be too sure when you will be in need of emergency aid. We will accompany you throughout the trail and help you with whatever you need all the way to and back!

Hire a Porter

Can’t anticipate it now, but even a load of just a few pounds on your bag can make a vast difference to the difficulty of your trek. Hire a porter. You will thank me on this one.

Especially for Spring trekking where you will still require additional clothing and winter gear, you do not want to miss out on any of your necessities. We can get you reliable porters that will take the load off you to make your trip the most comfortable and a memorable one.

Learn How to Hydrate Properly

It is absolutely necessary that you learn to hydrate properly. I know drinking water is not something you want to do without being thirsty in winter, but it is important that you do when you are trekking.

Trekking, in general, will sweat you out. Carry your own bottle, bring water purification tablets with you and make sure you at least drink half a liter of water every hour that you trek.

Other general tips on March Trekking would be:

• Start your trek early
• Dress appropriately for the season. It is absolutely necessary that you have the best hiking clothes for a spring trek. Always better to have more clothes than less.
• Take all the trekking equipment that you may need.
• Hire a porter to share the load. Even if you are somebody who is fit, trekking will demand a lot of mental and physical strength. Carrying a fully equipped bag will get heavy for anyone after an extended duration.
• Take a well-experienced guide and be sure to check in at every stop
• Be sure to spare a few days regardless of the season. Unpredictable weather and enexpected injuries may cause delays.

What to Wear for Trekking in Nepal in March?

Preparation is necessary when trekking in Nepal at any time of year and it is especially more important if you are trekking through early March. Like I said earlier, if you are appropriately dressed, trekking in Nepal in March (or any other time of the year) wouldn’t really be a problem.

It will be warm enough to be trekking ia n minimal amount of clothes during the day, while the temperatures will drop down to an average of 10 degrees C at higher elevations.

Almost all winter equipment can be bought or rented at the shops in Thamel, Kathmandu. So you don’t really have to bring them from your country. Prices are also almost the same for the branded clothing, while there are many counterfeit branded clothing.

Unless you are picky about the quality. Be sure to check for the websites online before you purchase from the shops in Thamel.

Here’s a checklist of essential winter gear to have for trekking in Nepal in March:

Clothing:

• Moisture Wicking Tops
• Convertible Hiking Pants
• Hiking Undergarments

Footwear

• Hiking boots
• Hiking Socks
• Hiking Sandals

Jackets

• Down Jacket
• Synthetic Insulated Jacket
• Windstopper Jacket
• Waterproof shell Jacket

Head

• Sun hat
• Polarized UV Sunglasses
• Warm headgear or a hat
• Bandana or scarf

Equipment List for Trekking in Nepal in March

Here is a list of items other than your clothing that you may want to tick off your checklist. To ensure the most comfortable hike, consider carrying all of these items. Although I would recommend you to not carry a load over 7 Kilograms, you can always hire one of your porters to carry your hiking bag.

You can find all of these items in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Unless you are particular about the brand of your toiletries, you do not have to bring all of these from your home country if you already have an excess baggage.

Toiletries and Personal Hygiene

• Sunscreen
• Tissue/Toilet paper
• Mini Personal bathroom set (shampoo, body wash, cream, conditioner, etc)
• Moisturizer
• Antibacterial Sanitizer
• Wet Wipes
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Quick drying towel
• Feminine Hygiene products

Accessories

• Day pack (for personal valuable items)
• Trekking poles
• Sleeping bag
• Headlamps
• Personal Water bottle
• First Aid Kit
• Extra plastic bags (to store your garbage on your way and another to keep your things dry)

Other Recommended Items

• Camera
• Binoculars
• Pillow case
• Map of Everest Base Camp Trek
• Sleeping Bags

FAQS

Q1. Is March a good time to go for a trek in Nepal?

A. Yes, March falls within the spring time in Nepal which means it is one of the best times to be trekking in Nepal. Also, early March will be colder like February while temperatures will get more pleasant as the month goes on.

Q2. How cold will it be?

A. March in my opinion, isn’t cold at all. Especially if compared to winter trekking, March is a lot warmer than January and December.

It is also a  relatively dry month, so typically, there will be little rain and snow, not to be taken for granted of course. And there are fewer clouds and the humidity is low too so the mountain views are clear and sharp.

I have trekked with a single layer, a t-shirt, shorts and sandals up to 3500 meters later in the month and here I am offering this invaluable information.

Summary

Trekking in Nepal during March is ideal, especially for witnessing the blooming Rhododendron flowers.

This month marks the start of Nepal’s spring season, offering pleasant weather and moderate climates. As winter fades away, spring brings forth its beauty with blooming flowers and lively festivals like Holi and Ghode Jatra, under clear skies.

March provides excellent conditions for trekking, ensuring clear mountain views and minimal rainfall. Trekkers have a variety of routes to explore, from shorter trails like Poon Hill to longer journeys like Annapurna Base Camp or Manaslu Circuit.

Nepal’s diverse flora, fauna, and cultural celebrations enrich the trekking experience. Essential preparations include proper gear, early bookings, experienced guides, and staying hydrated.

March in Nepal guarantees unforgettable adventures amidst stunning landscapes and cultural festivities.

If you seek specific treks or recommendations, feel free to contact us, and our coordinator will assist you in planning your trip according to your preferences.