Trekking in Nepal in March

Updated on
trekking-in-nepal-in-march

One of the best months for trekking in Nepal is March which is known as the beginning of the spring season. Recently after the freezing winter, the weather and temperature begin to rise and the snow starts to melt in the higher elevated journeys.

March comes with beautiful nature, a sensible atmosphere, and temperature. Scenery lovers will love this trek as they can observe scenic views of snow-capped mountains. As the month of March hits Nepal, it bids goodbye to the cold of the winter season.

The bright sun along with the slightest of precipitation lights up the woodlands and mountains you will trek in Nepal. Trekking in Nepal in March also offers you a break to blemish the unusual and rare wildlife of the region.

Moreover, the wildflowers along trails like Rhododendron blossom all over hills making it one of the attractions of trekking in March. There are traditional village settlements that provide you a cultural insight into the region.

You can rejoice in the beauty of nature and freshness in the air. The bright sun along with the slightest of precipitation lights up the forests and mountains you will trek in Nepal.

Trekking in Nepal in March: Highlights

  • Magnificent view of the giant peaks from the different angles standing in the various vantage points.
  • Moderately difficult, not necessary of any technical climbing experiences
  • A perfect practice before high expeditions
  • Scheduled flight and plenty of teahouse to stay
  • A plethora of accommodation and eateries facilities
  • Astounding rhododendron and cherries bloom; observe the festivals of color-Holi

Trekking in Nepal in March: Why to trek?

Clear weather

The sky looks crystal and the atmospheric conditions remain stable for a long time period even in the Himalayas. The surrounding looks astonishing and the views of the giant peaks become outstanding

During March, the sky is clear and the weather remains stable for a long, even in the Himalayas. Thus, the clear weather makes trekking in March comfortable. The clear weather encourages the perfect views of the surrounding and distant landscapes.

Wonderful flora  and fauna

Most of the trekking destinations in Nepal are under conservation areas or National Parks. Trekking passing those regions, one can sightsee the numerous plants including rhododendron, cherries, pines, and animals as well as birds and some are endangered ones.

Annapurna Conservation Area, Sagarmatha National Park, Rara National Park, Langtang National Park, Shivapuri-Nagarjuna National Park, Kanchenjunga conservation area are some of the best places to spot wilderness vividly while trekking in March.

Encounter with climbers and other trekkers

March is a climbing month in Nepal for the mountains. You can encounter numerous mountaineers and other trekkers and share your experiences and hear about theirs too.

Popular Trekking Trails are in access

All the trekking destinations are opened and can be organized all the treks from lower, easy, and shorts to the challenging ones. High passes treks as Annapurna Circuit, Everest Three Passes, Manaslu Circuit, and the remotest part of the Dolpo regions also accessible this month.

Enjoy some of the festivals

In March Nepalese people rejoice several festivals like Holi, Ghode Jatra, and Chaite Dashain. Holi is the festival of colors. Ghode Jatra is the festival where Horses perform various aerobatics.

Chaite Dashain is a big festival of Hindus.  In addition, the celebration of the festival is rejoicing. You can be a part of the festivals while trekking in Nepal in March.

Trekking in Nepal in March: Weather Conditions

Amid four seasons- autumn, winter, spring, and summer, March falls in the spring season recently after the chill winter. Spring, one of the peak seasons to trek in Nepal welcomes thousands of trekkers from the entire world.

The new life of plants, colorful hills covered by the rhododendron and other flowers, chipping of the birds with their new babies, breath-stopping views of the giant peaks under the crystal skies, and different sorts of other flora and fauna can be witnessed while trekking Nepal in March.

The mountains still fully cover with the snow heaps; the vales look lustrous as it just escapes from the freezing cold.  There is a very little chance of precipitation or snowfall in March After midday, there may be hazy weather and cloudy sky although it does not last long.

The first and last rays of the sun look mesmerizing. The chances of flight cancellations in the mountain areas are less and offer the perfect circumstances for trekking in the higher elevations too.

At the beginning of the month, trekkers witness around 0 degrees Celsius at night but the temperature increases with the sunrise reaching 20-26 °C in the midday.

As the days get longer gradually, trekkers can land in their desired destination with having plenty of time for exploration around.

Trekking in Nepal in March: Popular Trekking Destinations

Everest Base Camp Trek

Mount Everest (8,848.86 m /29,031 ft), the highest peak of the world is a dream destination of numerous adventure lovers worldwide.

Trekkers generally pass picturesque views of the Himalayas, the lustrous woodlands of Sagarmatha National Park, one of the world Heritage sites, magnificent monasteries, and diverse Sherpa settlements.

This adventurous trip begins with the short scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla to start their trek to Everest Base Camp although there are other routes too.

Lukla is the first step for the Khumbu region which comprises several treks as Gokyo Lakes Trek, Everest High Passes Treks, Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek, and Everest Base Camp Trek itself.

Beginning the trek from Lukla, the trekkers pass via mountain trails along the Dudh Koshi River. Continuing the journey, the trekkers encounter some of the indigenous settlements of Sherpa people as Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche are some of the traditional villages where you can explore unique Sherpa culture and traditions.

Moreover, the awe-inspiring views of snow-capped mountains including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Kongde RI, Thamserku, Lhotse, etc can be witnessed.

Mesmerizing sunrise and sunset can be seen from various viewpoints like Kalapatthar (5,545 meters), Nagarjuna Hill, and Everest View Hotel, and others.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Walking in the foothill of the 10th tallest peak of the world- Mt. Annapurna is another desired destination for explorers entire the world. It is a classic adventure that leads you via some magnificent sceneries, cultural settlements, and thrilling rugged trials somewhere.

 Mesmerizing waterfalls, gleaming peaks, ever-smiling people, and different kinds of wildflowers along with rhododendrons make the journey special in March. The perfect climatic atmosphere, fewer chances of rain and snowfall, and stunning views throughout the journey make the journey memorable and enjoyable in March.

As the skies remain crystal clear one can witness perfect views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Manaslu (8,163m), Nilgiri (7,041m), Fishtail (6,998m), and of course, Annapurna ranges (8,091m) in the trek.

The ethnic settlements seem attractive and colorful as they celebrate different festivals as Chaite Dashain, Ghode Jatra, and more. Trekkers can explore local culture by interacting with the locals in the traditional villages.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek can start from either Kathmandu or Pokhara, as either option eventually leads to Nayapul. From there, the trails diverge either towards Poon Hill or a more direct approach towards Deurali.

Just a couple of days of trekking lead you to the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) via the Macchapuchhare Base Camp, while the return journey takes another couple of days.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a very flexible trek that can take anywhere from 9 – 15 days to complete depending on your choice of itinerary.

Manaslu Circuit Trek

One of the off-the-beaten trails of Nepal- the Manaslu Circuit Trek situates in central Nepal. A restricted journey of Nepal- Manaslu Circuit rounds the 8th tallest peak of the world.

The number of visitors is increasing each year as one can witness pristine remoteness, changed wildlife and vegetation, and picturesque mountain views.

A remote journey that is untouched by urbanization offers the glorious views of mountains like Himlung (7126m), Cheo Himal (6812m), Larkye Peak (6249m), Annapurna II (7937 m), and Manaslu (8156m) during the Manaslu trek. Passing Larkey La 5,125 m is one of the best thrilling experiences for your entire life.

As a restricted region, Manaslu Trek cannot be done solo. You need to trek with a guide or a porter while trekking.  

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

An easier, short, and lower elevated journey- Ghorepani- Poonhill is a perfect combination in terms of views and scenery. This trek is popular throughout the year especially in the spring months which offers mesmerizing sunrise and sunset standing at the vantage point of Poonhill.

The scenery on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is certainly stunning with fantastic clear skies, the weather is pleasant and there is little need to worry about rainfall or snowfall affecting the trek. Moreover, the actual trek is quite pleasant as well.

The trail is well marked and the trek is mostly easy all the way to the Poon Hill ridge. Furthermore, the itinerary can be altered to include places like Ghandruk village and immensely increase the cultural value of the trek.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking involves just a couple of days of easy walking from Pokhara to reach the viewpoint at Poon Hill (3,210m).

As one of the best viewpoints in the Annapurna region, the ridge sports a panoramic view encompassing the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, and Hiunchuli among other peaks.

Mardi Himal Trek

A newly opened trekking destination of Annapurna Conservation Area- Mardi Himal Trek is one of the best treks to complete in Nepal in March.

Mardi Himal Trek leads you to an elevation of 4500 meters Mardi Base Camp where a trekker can reach after a few days' walk from Pokhara- a heavenly site.

Trekkers are welcomed by the majestic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Machhapuchhare (6,993 m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441 m), and Annapurna South (7,010 m) during the Mardi Himal trek.

Langtang Valley Trek

Travelers with a short time period in Nepal and are keen to view the mountains doing an easy trip from Kathmandu, Langtang Valley Trek is an ideal destination for you.

A journey, that leads to the lush greeneries, rhododendron, and alpine woodlands, passing some ethnic villages and some river vales.

March, the initiation of the spring season offers an eye-catching view of the tantalizing Himalayas.

The Langtang valley looks like a hidden valley of glaciers. Being near Kathmandu, there can be seen fewer trekkers than that of some other popular destinations, and trekkers can walk peacefully and will not suffer from the accommodation and eateries problems.

March brings a sunny and longer day which brings out winter-hibernating wild animals in the sun. Therefore, there is a big chance to discover exotic fauna and bird species like Himalayan black bear, Himalayan Thar, Langur Monkeys, Wild Boar, Red Panda, and more.

The majority of the population living in the Langtang region are descendants of Tibetan origin. You will have the opportunity to get a close glimpse of Tibetan influenced Buddhist culture and tradition

Trekking in Nepal in March: Altitude sickness

In high elevated journeys, it is always possible for altitude-related problems regardless of any season. Trekker walking above 2,500 m above the sea level should be acclimatized properly in order to be adjusted in the lower oxygenated areas.

Trekkers planning for Everest High Pass Trek, Tilicho Lake Trek, Kanchanjunga and Dolpo region, and Upper Mustang need to be careful as they may get suffer from altitude sickness.

If you are doing high-altitude treks in March, make sure you take the necessary precautions. Trek slowly, don’t get exhausted. Make a proper acclimatization schedule and don’t skip them.

Train your body well. Also, the training should focus on physical strengthening, cardiovascular exercises, and proper dietary patterns. Therefore, eat a healthy diet on the trek. Besides, maintain a steady pace of walk while trekking.

Trekking in Nepal in March: Gears and Equipment list

March is the representation of the beginning of the spring season after the chill winter. The weather and temperature begin to rise gradually from the early days. However, trekking in the Himalayas, you always should be well prepared and equipped too.

Here is the general list of trekking gears and clothing, any trekker needs to consider packing while trekking Nepal in March.

  • Jacket (Softshell / Hardshell / Down Jacket)
  • Waterproof and windproof gloves
  • Sun Protection and Sunglasses
  • Warm scarf
  • Hiking pants
  • Moisture-wicking t-shirts
  • Proper Footwear (Hiking boots and socks)
  • Trekking Poles
  • Sleeping bag
  • Headlamps and extra batteries
  • Water bottle
  • Your camera and extra batteries
  • Maps of route and mountains
  • Your personal documents  

Final say

One of the peak months for trekking in Nepal- March attracts thousands of travelers from the entire world. Stable weather conditions, colorful blooms of wildflowers, favorable atmosphere, warm and long days, different festivals, etc. make the journey in March special.

As all the trekking destinations are opened, all the teahouses are in motion and trekking trails are filled with explorers, March assures you an incredible mountain experience that will last forever in your memory.

Krishna Sapkota

Krishna is a content writer and tour guide of Holy Mountain Treks. As a guide and a writer, he has paid a visit to almost all the touristic destinations in Nepal. He has also been to major Trekking termini in Nepal. By means of his personal knowledge and experiences, he responds all your interrogations, creates blogs, articles and develops itineraries for your trips.

Krishna has been working in tourism sector since 2017, as he was running his Masters' degree. Afterward the accomplishment of his graduation, he is fully keen in this industry.

Leave Your Comment

Harry Gibbs | Dec 30, 2020

Hi, there Greetings! We wanted to trek Everest Base Camp Trek in March 2021. Is it possible? Are there still travel restrictions? What do we need to do beforehand?

Comment Reply

Krishna Sapkota | Dec 30, 2020

Hello Harry Namaste. You are welcome to Nepal. Of course, it is possible. We are organizing several trips in spring and some are already booked as well. There are not any travel restrictions in Nepal and most of the trekking destinations are already opened. For an arrival visa, you need to send your flight ticket, hotel quarantine itinerary( at least 7 days), and trip booking email to a trekking company. Afterward, your trekking company processes your visa. While traveling you need to get their Covid test done within 72 hours (three days).

Comment Reply

Archive