March is the start of the spring season. Mornings and nights at height are still cold, the lower forests begin to flower late in the month, and the trails are busy but less crowded than April and October.
Weather
Early March can still bring snow and hard frost above Namche, with cold nights at Dingboche and Lobuche. Days are usually clear and the air gets warmer through the month. See temperature by month and altitude.
Views and scenery
Mornings are often clear. Rhododendrons start to flower on the lower trail, mostly from late March, with the full colour usually in April. Haze is less than in late spring.
Crowds and lodges
March is a popular month but quieter than October and April. Rooms in Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep still fill on busy dates, so book early.
Flights
Spring is a busy flight season, and some flights have run from Ramechhap. Cloud is less of an issue than in the monsoon, but delays still happen. Keep a spare day. See the Lukla flight guide.
What to pack
A warm sleeping bag, a down jacket, insulated gloves and a hat. Nights are at their coldest in March of the spring months. See keeping warm at night.
A week-by-week feel
The first week of March still feels like winter above Dingboche, with frozen streams in the mornings and snow patches on the shaded trail. By mid month the sun is noticeably stronger, lower villages warm up and the first buds appear on the rhododendron trees near Phakding. The last week is the most comfortable, with longer daylight and fewer frozen mornings, although nights at Gorak Shep are still well below freezing.
Why trekkers choose March
Many people pick March because they want clear mountain views without the busiest crowds of April. The air is dry, the trails are firm and visibility in the early hours is often excellent. The trade-off is cold. If you feel the cold easily, aim for the second half of the month and bring a sleeping bag rated for deep frost.
Who March suits
Trekkers who want settled weather with fewer people than April, and who can cope with cold early mornings. Compare it with the other seasons.
What our guests say
Excerpts from trekker reviews on our reviews page.
“Everything was handled professionally and with great attention to detail, from permits to on-ground support.”
