EBC Trek in April: Weather, Crowds and What to Expect
April is one of the best months to trek to Everest Base Camp. Mornings are usually clear, the lower trail is bright with rhododendrons, and Everest climbing teams set up camp at Base Camp during the month. The trade-off is crowds. April is peak spring season, so teahouses and Lukla flights fill up.
Early April is a little quieter but colder, with some snow possible higher up. Mid to late April is usually warmer but also the busiest. MountainKick’s 14-day EBC trek costs USD 1,020 per person for groups of 4 to 9, USD 1,160 for 2 to 3 people and USD 1,440 for a solo trekker.
- Weather: usually clear mornings, cloud building from late morning
- Namche daytime: around 10°C to 14°C
- Gorak Shep and EBC at night: around -12°C to -8°C
- Snow on trail: possible above 4,500m, more likely in early April
- Crowds: high all month, busiest from mid April
- Rhododendrons: blooming in the forests below about 3,500m
- Expeditions: climbing teams arrive at Base Camp through the month
- Sleeping bag rating: around -15°C
- Booking lead time: 3 to 4 months
- Lukla flights: usually from Ramechhap in spring, confirm your airport before you travel
Last updated: October 2026
April is spring at its fullest in the Khumbu. The winter cold is easing, the forests are flowering and Everest Base Camp is turning into a tent city as climbing teams arrive for the season. It’s one of our favourite months on this trek.
It’s also busy. Here’s what April is really like on the trail, and how to plan around the crowds.
April Weather on the EBC Trek
April is part of the dry pre-monsoon season. Days are longer and warmer than in winter, and mornings are usually clear. Cloud often builds from late morning, especially above 4,000m, so the best views come early.
| Location | Altitude | Daytime | Night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Namche Bazaar | 3,440m | 10°C to 14°C | -2°C to 2°C |
| Dingboche | 4,360m | 6°C to 10°C | -6°C to -2°C |
| Lobuche | 4,940m | 3°C to 7°C | -9°C to -5°C |
| Gorak Shep and EBC | 5,164m to 5,364m | 0°C to 5°C | -12°C to -8°C |
These are rough estimates, not a forecast. Nights in early April are usually at the colder end and ease off a little later in the month. Snow can still fall higher up at any point in April, even in the second half.
Compared with May, April is a little colder but usually clearer. The haze that builds before the monsoon is lighter in April, so mountain views tend to be sharper.
Early April vs Late April
| Early April (1 to 14) | Late April (15 onward) | |
|---|---|---|
| Night temperatures | Colder | Usually a little milder |
| Snow above 4,500m | More likely, especially near Lobuche and Gorak Shep | Less likely, but still possible |
| Rhododendrons | Starting lower down | Usually in full bloom lower down |
| Expedition camp at EBC | Filling up | Usually busy |
| Crowds | Busy | Busiest, teahouses near full |
| Teahouse booking | Advisable | Essential above Namche |
There’s no single best week. If you’d rather have slightly quieter trails and don’t mind colder nights, early April works well. For even quieter trails, see our guide to the EBC trek in March. If warmer nights matter more to you than crowds, the second half of the month may suit you better.
Rhododendrons on the Trail
April is rhododendron season. The forests between Phakding and Tengboche, mostly below about 3,500m, turn red and pink. It’s one of the things that makes a spring EBC trek feel different from autumn, when the lower trail is green and brown.
Above Tengboche the trees thin out and the landscape turns to high pasture and rock, so the flowers are a lower trail treat.
Expedition Season at Everest Base Camp
April is when Everest climbing season gets going on the Nepal side. The Icefall Doctors, the Sherpa team that fixes the route through the Khumbu Icefall, usually finish setting it in early to mid April. Climbing teams arrive through the month, hold their puja ceremonies and start their first rotations up the mountain.
For trekkers, that means Base Camp is often full of expedition tents in April, which is very different from the empty moraine you’d see in autumn.
The expedition camps are working areas for climbing teams, and access to them can be restricted. Your guide will show you where trekkers can go and where to stop for photos.
Crowds and Booking
April is one of the two busiest months on the EBC trail, along with October. The section between Namche Bazaar and Tengboche is especially busy, and teahouses at Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep can fill up from mid April.
- Book 3 to 4 months ahead for April departures.
- Start walking early. You’ll beat the crowds on the trail and the afternoon cloud.
- Expect shared spaces. Dining rooms are full in the evenings, which is part of the fun.
When you book with MountainKick, we reserve teahouses for each night of your trek.
EBC Trek Cost in April
April doesn’t change the package price. MountainKick’s 14-day Everest Base Camp trek costs:
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 traveller | USD 1,440 |
| 2 to 3 travellers | USD 1,160 |
| 4 to 9 travellers | USD 1,020 |
The price includes Lukla flights, the Ramechhap transfer when flights run from there, permits, guide, porter and teahouse accommodation. See the Everest Base Camp Trek page for the full list, or our EBC trek cost guide for what to budget on top.
Lukla Flights in April
In recent spring seasons, most Lukla flights have run from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu. When that applies, it means a pickup from your Kathmandu hotel in the middle of the night and a drive of about 4 to 5 hours before a short flight to Lukla. The transfer is included in your trek package.
Airports and times are set each season, so confirm your departure airport and pickup time for your actual flight. We do this with you before your trek. See our guide to Lukla flights via Ramechhap.
Morning flights are usually the most reliable, but cloud can still hold planes. Build in at least one spare day before your international flight home, two if you can. See our Lukla flight delays guide.
What to Pack for April
April needs more warmth than May but less than winter.
- A sleeping bag rated to around -15°C (a good rental is fine)
- A warm down jacket for evenings and the Kala Patthar morning
- Breathable base layers and a fleece for the warmer lower days
- A waterproof and windproof shell
- Liner gloves and insulated gloves
- Good sunglasses and sunscreen, because the spring sun is strong at altitude
- Microspikes only if your guide advises, usually after fresh snow
For the full checklist, see our EBC packing list.
Festivals in April
Nepali New Year falls in mid April. Kathmandu and Bhaktapur celebrate, and it’s a fun time to be in the city before or after your trek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is April a good month for Everest Base Camp?
Yes, it’s one of the best. Mornings are usually clear, the lower trail is full of rhododendrons and Base Camp has the expedition atmosphere. The main downside is crowds.
Is April or May better for EBC?
April is usually clearer, May is warmer. April has less pre-monsoon haze and sharper views. May has warmer nights but more afternoon cloud, especially after mid May. See our guide to trekking EBC in May.
Is April or October better for EBC?
Both are excellent. October usually has the clearest skies of the year. April adds rhododendrons and the expedition camp at Base Camp. If you want flowers and climbers, choose April. If you want the most reliable views, choose October. See our guide to trekking EBC in October.
How cold is Everest Base Camp in April?
Cold at night, mild in the sun. Daytime at Gorak Shep and Base Camp is usually around 0°C to 5°C. Nights are often around -12°C to -8°C, colder in early April.
Is there snow on the EBC trail in April?
Sometimes, higher up. Snow is more likely above 4,500m in early April, but fresh snow can fall later in the month too. Your guide will advise if you need microspikes.
Will I see Everest climbers in April?
You’ll likely see their camps. Expedition teams set up at Base Camp through April. The camps are working areas, so your guide will show you where trekkers can go.
How much does the EBC trek cost in April?
The same as the rest of the year. USD 1,020 per person for 4 to 9 people, USD 1,160 for 2 to 3 and USD 1,440 for a solo trekker.
How far ahead should I book an April trek?
Three to four months ahead. April is peak season, and teahouses and Lukla flights fill up.
Do Lukla flights leave from Kathmandu in April?
Usually not. In recent spring seasons, most Lukla flights have run from Ramechhap. We confirm your departure airport and pickup time before your trek and arrange the road transfer.
Further Reading
- EBC Trek in May
- EBC Trek in October
- EBC Trek in November
- Everest Base Camp Trek Cost
- How to Train for Everest Base Camp
- Lukla Flights via Ramechhap
- Altitude Sickness on Nepal Treks
- Best Time to Trek in Nepal
Last reviewed October 2026. Weather and flight arrangements can change, so check with us before you travel.
