Spring, from March to May, is Nepal's second trekking season, with warm days, long daylight and rhododendron in flower. The best spring treks are Poon Hill and Mardi Himal for flowers, Annapurna Base Camp, Everest Base Camp for the expedition season, Langtang, and the high passes of Manaslu, Annapurna and the Three Passes from April.
The short list
- Poon Hill and Ghorepani: 4 to 5 days, high point 3,210 m. The rhododendron trek.
- Annapurna Base Camp: 7 to 10 days, high point 4,130 m. Warm days and flowering forest.
- Everest Base Camp: 12 to 14 days, high point 5,364 m. The climbing season.
- Langtang Valley: 7 to 8 days, high point 3,870 m. Flowers low, snow peaks high.
- Manaslu Circuit: 12 to 16 days, high point 5,106 m. From late March.
- Kanchenjunga: 20 to 24 days, high point about 5,140 m. The east in bloom.
- Annapurna Circuit: 12 to 16 days, high point 5,416 m. April and May.
- Upper Mustang: 10 to 14 days, high point about 4,300 m. May, for the Tiji festival.
The treks in detail
Poon Hill and Ghorepani. The forest around Ghorepani turns red and pink from mid-March to mid-April.
Annapurna Base Camp. Best from late March, once the winter snow above Deurali has settled.
Everest Base Camp. In April and May base camp is a tent city of expeditions, and the trail is lively.
Langtang Valley. Quiet compared with autumn.
Manaslu Circuit. The Larkya La usually opens as the snow consolidates.
Kanchenjunga. Eastern Nepal has the richest rhododendron forest in the country.
Annapurna Circuit. The Thorong La is generally open from late March.
Upper Mustang. Dry and clear when the hills further south are turning hazy.
Spring month by month
March is cool and clear high up, with winter snow still on some passes and the first flowers low down. April is the heart of the season: warm, settled and in full bloom between 2,000 and 3,500 m. May is hot in the lowlands and hazier, with afternoon cloud and the first pre-monsoon showers, but it is excellent at high altitude and is the month climbers go for Everest's summit.
Spring or autumn?
Autumn has clearer distant views. Spring is warmer, has longer days and far more colour, and is a little less busy on most routes. Haze from dust and fires can soften views from lower viewpoints in April, though above 3,000 m the air is usually clear, especially in the morning.
Things to plan for
Afternoon cloud is common, so walk early and expect the best views at dawn. Carry a rain shell from mid-April. Snow lingers on north-facing slopes and passes into April, and microspikes are worth having. Lukla flights are busy in April with expedition traffic, so book early.
Festivals in spring
Holi falls in March, Nepali New Year in mid-April, Buddha Jayanti at the full moon of April or May, and Tiji in Mustang in May. See festivals of Nepal.
What to pack
Layers for a wide range of temperatures: T-shirt weather at midday below 3,000 m and well below freezing at night above 4,000 m. Sun protection matters more in spring, when the sun is high and snow reflects it.
Wildlife and birds in spring
Spring is the breeding season for Himalayan birds, and forests are loud with song. Danphe pheasants display on open slopes, and in the high valleys yaks are driven up to summer pasture. Lower down, new leaves and flowers make the forest sections some of the most pleasant walking of the year.
Crowds and prices
Spring is a little quieter than autumn on most routes, and restricted area permits for Manaslu, Tsum and Nar Phu are cheaper than in the autumn months. The exception is the Everest trail in April and early May, which is busy with trekkers and expedition teams.
Common questions
Is April a good time to trek in Nepal?
Yes. It is the best month of spring.
When do rhododendrons bloom?
From late February at low altitude to May near the tree line, peaking in late March and April around 2,500 to 3,200 m.
Is May too hot?
In the lowlands, yes. Above 3,000 m it is pleasant.
Are passes open in March?
Often from mid or late March, depending on the winter's snow.
Heights, days, fees and rules are approximate and can change, so confirm the current details with us before you book.
