Everest Base Camp Trek in February

Hey!

Are you planning to visit Nepal in February? Do you want to trek to Everest Base Camp? Are you confused if you should be trekking in February in Nepal?

We’ve got all your answers!

Mount Everest is one of the most popular destinations for the travelers. Well, why would it not be?

It is the highest peak in the world. You will be closest to the sky!

The magnificent peaks, the breathtaking scenery, lakes, and glaciers will give you a lifetime of memories.

Usually, the peak season for Everest Base Camp Trek is March, April, May, September, October, and November. But, February is also not a bad time for your journey.

Signaling the late winter, February is cold in the morning and evenings but warm during the day.

There are few people who trek this time of the year. So, the trail is free of the crowd and the lodges are free of the crowd.

If you are good in the cold and want to avoid the crowd throughout your journey, February might be right for you.

Why trek Everest Base Camp in February?

This late winter month is considered as “off-season” but there are plenty of perks to trek in February.

No crowd

Since February is the offseason, there will be a very less number of people on the road with you. You don’t have to deal with the crowd at all.

You will have the sceneries al to yourself and there won’t be people photobombing your selfie.

Clear skies

It snows in higher altitudes when the precipitation is high.

In February, the air is dry, so the precipitation is less. This means that there is less chance of snow.

The sky is mostly clear and you can enjoy the spectacular view.

Better rooms

Since there will not be many people in the lodge, you can get the better rooms there.

During the season, the lodges and tea houses are full of people. There is a chance that you might not get proper service and facilities.

In February, you can get best of the services and if you are lucky, a special service for being one of the few customers.

Off-season offers

Traveling to Nepal during offseason is usually budget-friendly. You can get cheaper flights and cheaper hotel rooms.

The tea-houses and lodges usually have fixed prices because they have to transport necessities to the higher altitude. But if you are coming to Nepal in the off-season, you will definitely be in luck for money.

Everest Base Camp Weather in February

February announces the month of late winter in Nepal. The temperature starts to warm up. But, it is still very cold at the night.

The maximum temperature reaches to 6℃(43℉) and the minimum temperature falls to -16℃ (3℉).

You need to pack warm insulating clothing and sleeping bags.

The days are usually clear with few clouds in the late afternoon.

But, it’s the mountains in high altitude so be prepared. There could be some snowfall.

Make sure you check the weather forecast at times. If the weather worsens, you should better descend to the nearest lodge and wait.

Packing List

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Sun Hat
• Moisturiser
• Lip Balm
• Thermals
• Trekking Tops
• Trekking Trousers
• Trekking Poles
• Whistle
• Waterproof Trekking Boots
• Down and Fleece Jackets
• Sleeping Bag
• Warm Cap
• Thin Insulating Gloves
• Warm Socks
• Water Purifying Tablets
• Thermal Flask
• Personal Hygiene Kits: Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Shampoo, Sponge, Towels, Toilet paper.
• Washing Powder
• Camera
• Medical Kit
• Notebook and Pen

Tips for Trekking in February

Sun Protection

It is a necessity to use a strong sun protection up in the mountains. As the sun is strong up there and the snow reflects the sunlight, you will get burn in a snap.

You need to use high SPF sunblock. Be sure to apply at times during the day because applying only once will not do the work.

Along with your skin, you need to protect your eyes and scalp from the sun. Use hiking sunglasses or dark shade sunglasses.

Use a sun hat during the day.

Hire a guide and a porter

The quiet trail is a perk but it could also have a negative side to it. You might get lost or you might get injured.

So, we highly recommended for you not to travel alone. Take a guide and/or porter with you.

They can help you communicate with the local people and people in the lodge. They can show you the way. They can give all the information you need. They can help you if you are sick or injured.

Also, do not underestimate the power of the porters. They might seem thin and weak, but they are as strong as an ox. They can carry the luggage of their body weight even in that kind of path.

In winters you will have to carry extra clothes and gears which will be really heavy. Just hire a porter and walk without any weight.

Medication

Are you having any kind of medication? If so, be sure to pack that enough for your travel.

Keep some anti-cold medicines with you. You might catch a cold if you aren’t careful enough. You can also keep other medicines for allergies, upset stomach, etc.

Wear in layers

February nights and mornings are cold. Rather than packing a big bulky jacket, you should try to carry layers of clothing.

Big jackets are hard to pack and you cannot wear it during the day. So, wearing the clothes in layers will make you easy to pack and carry and it will also keep you warm.

Travel insurance

You can never say what can happen while traveling. Be sure to get a travel insurance covering the height of 5545 meters.

Your insurance will cover your treatment if you need any.

Alternatives to Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest View Trek

Everest view Trek is best for the people who don’t have two weeks to spare for trekking. Also, this trek is ideal for a lower altitude Everest Trek.

The final point of this trek is Tengboche which is at the elevation of 3956 meters. This 7-day journey will show you the alpine forest, rivers, monastery, and panorama of mountains including Mt. Everest.

Jiri to Everest Base Camp

If Everest View Trek is for people with less time, this “Classic Everest Trek” is for people who have more time and want to go on a different trail.

This 18-days trek starts from Kathmandu and uses the Jiri route. As many people use the flight to Lukla, this route is not very busy.

You will go through various sceneries like alpine forests, glaciers, Sherpa villages, suspension bridges to reach the Everest Base Camp.