Spring, from March to May, is Nepal's second main trekking season. Days are warmer, rhododendron blooms at mid altitude, and the climbing season brings activity to Everest Base Camp. The trade-offs are haze, which cuts long views by late spring, and pre-monsoon showers. April is usually the most settled month.
March: cold mornings, early blooms
March is still cold at altitude, with freezing nights above about 4,000 m, but daytime warmth builds in the lower hills. Skies are often clear early in the month, and the first rhododendron flowers appear at lower elevations. Snow may linger on higher routes, so passes can still be difficult.
Trails are busier than winter, though calmer than October. March suits Poon Hill, Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp well. Conditions vary from year to year, so treat the month as a general guide, pack layers for cold mornings and warm afternoons, and keep a spare day in your plan.
April: flowers and busy trails
April is the heart of spring. Rhododendron forests reach their best display at mid altitude, especially on Annapurna routes, and temperatures are comfortable for walking. Views are often good in the mornings, though haze starts to build.
It is also a busy month. Lodges on popular routes fill, and flights book up, so plan ahead. Dates for the flowers shift with the year and the elevation, so treat them as a rough guide, not a promise. Our Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill treks are especially popular in April, and Langtang and Mardi Himal give a quieter alternative.
May: warm days, haze and showers
May is warm, with long days and green valleys, but it brings more haze and cloud. Long mountain views are often reduced in the afternoons, so early starts matter. Pre-monsoon showers and thunderstorms become more likely, especially later in the month, and trails can be wet in the afternoon.
High passes are generally more accessible than in winter, which opens longer routes. Temperatures at lower elevations can be hot at midday, so carry sun protection and plenty of water. Mountain weather changes quickly, so carry a rain shell and keep flexibility for flight or trail delays.
Everest in the climbing season
April and May are the main expedition months on Everest. Base camp areas fill with climbing teams, tents and support staff, which gives an atmosphere that many trekkers enjoy. Our Everest Base Camp trek takes 14 days, and our Gokyo version takes 17 days.
More people use the trails and lodges, so book early. Visibility on the trek can be good in the early mornings, but cloud often builds by afternoon. Altitude illness can occur in any season: headache, nausea, dizziness and poor sleep are warning signs, and the safe response is to stop climbing and descend if symptoms worsen. This is general information, not medical advice.
Choosing treks for spring
Spring is flexible. For flowers, look at Poon Hill in 9 days, Annapurna Base Camp in 10 or 14 days or Mardi Himal in 11 days. For classic Himalayan scale, choose Everest Base Camp. For a big crossing, Annapurna Circuit at 18 days works better once snow has cleared.
Restricted areas such as Manaslu and Upper Mustang need a special permit and a licensed guide through a registered agency; rules change, so confirm before you travel. Fees change; confirm the current figure with us before you book. Our packages include permits, a licensed guide, porters and transfers.
Common questions
Which month is best in spring for trekking in Nepal?
April is often the most settled, with good flowers and warm days. March is cooler and quieter, and May is warmer but hazier with more showers.
Is there haze in spring?
Yes. Haze builds through April and May and can reduce long mountain views, especially in the afternoon. Start early for the clearest views and expect some variation between days.
When do rhododendrons bloom?
Typically March to April at mid altitudes, with timing shifting by year and elevation. Treat the dates as a rough guide, not a promise, and allow a few days either side.
Can I see Everest Base Camp in spring?
Yes. It is the climbing season, so camps are active and trails are busy. Book early, allow acclimatisation days and keep a spare day for flight delays.
