The Everest Base Camp Trek in May. The trekking season in Nepal is in full swing now that spring has arrived. If you didn’t know, the best seasons for trekking are spring and autumn.

May brings a large number of eager trekkers to the world’s most popular trekking region.

Weather

May is considered late spring in Nepal. Dry and sunny days characterize early May, but rainy days characterize mid-to-late May. Rain, on the other hand, is unpredictable. As a result, you should pack a raincoat as well as a backpack cover.

The temperature at the Everest Base Camp in May averages around 0°C. Since it is late spring, the weather is quite warm and cozy.

However, the temperature plummets dramatically at night. The temperature in the Everest region will vary greatly between night and day.

The minimum of which averages 2°C, and the maximum temperature averages 15°C. 

This month you will be greeted with warm days with a slight chill at night. There are little to no clouds early in the day however, clouds form and there are chances of rainfall later in the day. 

Make a note that the weather is unpredictable in the Everest region. Sudden wind chills and rainfall might trouble you. But a little adventure always spices things up.

Why the Everest Base Camp Trek in May? Pros and Cons

Pros:

You can witness people who are going to summit Mt. Everest

May brings in the humid and fresh weather of spring. The morning sky is bright and clear. You will even be able to witness the trekkers going to summit Mount Everest. 

Although some clouds may cover your view, it does not diminish the picturesque view of the Everest region.

Perfect Weather

The view is grand on the trails of the Everest Base Camp. The May sky is fresh and breathtaking. You can see the mountain ranges in the full bloom of spring.

You will find that May is one of the best times to trek. You get to observe different species of mountain plants, especially Nepal’s national flower, Rhododendron. 

Also, the weather is perfect and so is the view.

Cons:

Too Busy

May is the optimal time for trekkers to explore the mountain ranges of Nepal. Therefore, trekkers from all around the world gather to accomplish their most awaited trek.

This results in bustling trails leading up to the Everest Base Camp. To avoid getting stressed, we advise you to walk at your own pace.  

Hence, you will be able to relax and relish your trek optimally.

Numerous tents around the Everest Base Camp

Similar to the previous point, there are plenty of trekkers on the Everest Base Camp in May. 

You will discover many trekkers already on the Everest Base Camp, and more pouring in. Moreover, trekkers have to wait their turn to take a photograph among the prayer flags in the Everest Base Camp.

Recommended routes in May 

If you are considering trekking in May, these are the best routes suitable in the Everest region.

Everest Panorama Trek

The Everest Panorama Trek is a 10-day trek. It is one of the easier routes to take in the brilliant view of mountain ranges. The apex of the trek is Tengboche (3,873m). 

Hence, you will be able to relish in the glory of Everest, Lhotse, Kwangde, Tawache, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.

Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek is of 15 days. It is the world’s most popular trekking destination. The highest point of the trek is Everest Base Camp (5,364m). 

Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri

The Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri is a 24-day trek. If you want to experience the fresh spring views among the mountain ranges, this trek is for you. 

You’ll pass through high passes like Deurali, Lamjura, and Trakshindo. Similarly, you will be able to see Ganesh, Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, and other peaks.

Everest Three Passes Trek

The Everest Three Passes Trek is a 19-day trek. It is one of the more challenging and most rewarding treks in the Everest region. Trekkers find it rewarding because of its natural and cultural beauty.

This trek in the Khumbu region of Nepal grants one of the greatest experiences of incredible scenery while surmounting the altitudes of the three high passes: Renjo La (5,360m), Cho La (5,420m), and Kongma La (5,535m) along with Kala Patthar (5,545m) and the Everest Base Camp (5,364m). 

Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake 

The Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake is an 18-day trek. This trek takes you to four different high altitudes in the Everest region.

Gokyo Ri (5,360m), Cho La Pass (5,420m), Kala Patthar (5,550m), and Everest Base Camp (5,364m).

It provides you with excellent views of Mt. Everest along with Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, and other mountain ranges rising above 6000-8000 meters above sea level.

Ultimate Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek

The Ultimate Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek is a 13-day trek. As the name suggests, you will be provided with the highest quality of services and accommodations. This includes a helicopter ride back from the Everest Base Camp.

Travel Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek in May

Although May treks are not difficult, there are several factors to consider in order to have the best experience.

Stay Hydrated

One of the most critical aspects of trekking is to hydrate. As May is warm and humid, you will sweat profusely after walking for hours. Bringing your bottle and carrying water purifying tablets is a must.

You should make sure to drink about half a liter of water every hour. We also don’t recommend the consumption of alcohol and meat on the trek.

Alcohol’s effects get amplified at high altitudes resulting in less oxygen to your brain. Similarly, the consumption of meat might result in diarrhea.

Book in Advance

As it is springtime, you will experience difficulty in finding accommodations while on the trek. It is not as packed as the Autumn season, but precaution is better than cure.

Moreover, flight tickets are relatively cheaper when booked in advance. 

Insect Repellent and Rainproof Clothes

The month of May is warm and humid. As a result, insects are seen more often. Make sure to carry an insect repellent or ointment with you.

Similarly, since rainfalls are occasionally expected this month, make sure to carry waterproof shoes, a bag cover, and a raincoat.

Things you need to pack for the May Everest Base Camp Trek

Since you will be trekking during late spring, you should be ready to pack strategically.

The basic needs for your May trek are mentioned below:

• A good quality sleeping bag
• Fleece Wind-stopper Jacket 
• Warm Down Jacket
• Raincoat/ waterproof jacket and trousers
• Trekking tops
• Trekking trousers/ shorts
• Trekking Poles
• Snacks
• Water Bottle and water purifying tablets
• Moisturiser
• Insulating gloves
• Sunscreen, sun hat, and sunglasses
• Warm socks
• Hiking Boots/ Waterproof trekking shoes
• Rucksack Bag with a waterproof shell
• Basic First Aid Kit (Include Diamox – for altitude, anti-nauseant, and Immodium – (in case of diarrhea))
• Trash bag, Insect Repellent, and Whistle
• Toiletries (soap, shampoo, tissues, wet wipes, Moisturizers, sanitizers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, washing powder, etc.) 

Click here for the Everest base camp trek packing list

Events in May

Buddha Jayanti rejoiced on the full moon day of either April or May. It is the commemoration of the day Buddha was born.

Siddhartha Gautam/ Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini, which is also a UNESCO world heritage site in Nepal. Many devotees visit the site on this day.

If your visit to Nepal coincides with Buddha Jayanti, but you can’t visit Lumbini on this day, you can alternatively visit the Swayambhunath and Boudhanath stupas in Kathmandu.

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