Everest Base Camp Trek in May

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Everest Base Camp Trek in May

While planning the Everest Base Camp trek in May, you can expect warm and sunny days. The days get longer and warmer as the monsoon season approaches in mid-June.

You can expect some rains for a couple of hours in a few days, but that is it.

There will be many travelers from all over the world on the journey.

Why do you believe so? Because the weather at Everest Base Camp is favorable in May. The skies are mostly clear and sunny. There might be a few clouds in the evening, but it will not obstruct the views.

Rhododendron forests, gorges, and various types of wildlife to glaciers, lakes, and mountains. May is ideal month for the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Even though there will be a large number of people for the Everest expedition, May is not as crowded as it is in the autumn. You can still make many new friends along the journey.

Why Trek to Everest Base Camp in May?

Here’s a list of reasons why you should trek to Everest Base Camp in May.

Long Sunlight

In May, you can expect to have 8 to 9 hours of daylight. It means you can take your time enjoy the scenery.

You can take your time to get to the lodge for the night. You’ll be in no hurry to reach the lodge because you’re afraid it’ll get dark and cold soon.

You can go at your own pace. The daylight is there for enough hours.

Rhododendron Blooming

This could be the last month of rhododendron blooms on the trail to the base camp.

Many rhododendron species in Nepal bloom in the spring. This might be your last opportunity to see the red flower-filled hills and mountains.

Popular Time of Year

May is a famous season for hiking in Nepal. Travelers from all over the world come to join this epic journey.

You won’t be need many hiking gears like in the winter. You don’t need to bring a lot of clothes. During the day, shorts and t-shirts is enough. May will be less crowded than the autumn season.

Everest Base Camp Weather During May

The first half of the may is spring season. Summer season, begins in the mid of the May.

The temperature rises during the day and drops at night. At higher altitudes, the temperature at night may drop to 0°C.

For May nights, a zero-degree sleeping bag would be enough.

The maximum temperature at base camp reaches to 15°C – 17°C and the lowest falls to 0℃. As a result, you can camp out in the tents without fear of the cold.

The mornings are clear, but the evenings may be cloudy. However, the clouds would not cover the entire sky. It will give more dramatic effect to the landscapes.

Around late May, you might experience showers. So bring a raincoat, a backpack rain cover, and waterproof shoes.

Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek in May

Advance Booking

Even though May is not as busy as autumn, you should still book everything in advance to be safe.

If you do not book, everything will be done on a first come, first served basis. So, you may have to spend hours searching for a lodge with available rooms.Make all of your booking ahead of time for the ease of mind and body.

Hydrate

It’s summer, so you’ll be walking in the sun most of the time. Keep on hydrate yourself. Along the way, drink plenty of water. Water is also important in preventing altitude sickness.

Everything is more expensive at higher elevations due to the cost of transportation. Water bottles can be purchased for a high price up there, but they adds to the pollution.

So, get your own water bottle and bring water purifying tablets with you.

Bug Spray

As summer approaches, there will be different types of bugs along the way. Mosquitoes and other insects may be present, especially along the forest trail.

Carry a small sized of bug spray or ointment with you.

Waterproof Clothes

Rain is possible in late May, so be prepared. There will be no heavy rain days or rain for an entire day. It might only rain for a couple of hours.

Bring a rain jacket, rain trousers, and a waterproof backpack cover.

Alternatives to the Everest Base Camp Trek

Gokyo Lake Trek

The Gokyo Lakes’ sparkling, pristine blue and green waters are one of Nepal’s most memorable sights. At around 5,000 meters, they comprise the world’s highest freshwater lake system.

The Gokyo Lakes Trek is perfect for those who want to trek in the Everest region and want to see the Mt. Everest but want a more diverse range of views and fewer nights spent at high altitude.

Everest View Trek

Do you only have a week to see Mt. Everest? Then you can choose the Everest View Trek.

You will not go higher than 3,956 meters in altitude. So, this trek is ideal for those who do not want to deal with altitude problems.

You pass through a different trail to see the mountain panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Thamserku.

Jiri to Everest Base Camp

This “Classic Everest Trek” begins from Kathmandu to Jiri / Bhandar drive, unlike the other Everest Base Camp treks.

This 18 to 20-day trek is designed for people who have enough of time and want to try something different.

If you want to avoid the crowds, this is a good choice because many people will take the flight to Lukla.

You will trek through alpine forests, glaciers, Sherpa villages, and suspension bridges to reach the Everest Base Camp.

Final Say,

There are several options for Everest Base Camp Trekking in May. If you don’t feel like trekking, you can always try flying. What a treat!  This is what makes trekking to Everest Base Camp in May so enjoyable.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions and we will be more than glad to assist you in planning your next big adventure!

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"I was born and raised in Nepal, nearby Everest region. I am proud to be a native Sherpa, and I have been a Mountain guide over a decade now. Following my passion, I decided to start helping travelers with their travel plans! I think life is a journey, a trip where you collect experiences when you share with other people and with nature."

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