Trekking in Nepal during March

March is the start of spring in Nepal which sees the transition from colder months into a warmer spring season with showers.

Rhododendrons blooming in March which is Spring in Nepal
Rhododendrons (Nepal's national flower) blooming in March which is Spring in Nepal

Nepal has five seasons and March falls in right at the start of Spring. This can be the start of the second most popular trekking season in Nepal.

If your trek runs from late February into March then you may get completely rain free warm days and cool nights with good clear views.

Early rains are usually light which kick start the spring blooms.

For the most part at 2,000m expect day time temperatures of 20+ degrees and temperatures at night around 6 degrees.

March trekking tips

  • Bring a light rain jacket and backpack rain cover
  • Dress in Layers
  • It can get chilly in the shade and evenings

If the light rains have begun then most of the Annapurna Region makes for a great trekking region during Spring in Nepal. Expect lush valley greens along with early spring flower blossoms. Short hikes around Nagarkot or Dhulikhel are easily done. Longer treks to Everest or the Annapurna Circuit remain some of the most popular at this time of year. This is an excellent time of year to visit Upper Mustang.


What is the weather like in March for trekking in Nepal?


Spring is usually quite quick to arrive in Nepal with temperatures falling to around freezing* with ease at altitude. However, lower down on many treks the weather is usually much milder. Occasional hail showers, thunderstorms or rain can occur.

* weather temperatures and conditions change as you go up in altitude or descend. Likewise there are variations depending on the trek. Always expect passes and base camps to have more extreme conditions. The temperatures listed here are only used as rough indications.


Historical weather data for trekking in March


Since publishing my guidebooks we've been keeping an accurate record of both GPS data for trails and the weather to try and help trekkers make decisions.

The following information is correlated based on real trekking guides and trekkers who were in the following areas. The weather data is broken down into the year of the trek, weeks in the month and a note on what a guide or person experienced in terms of weather. We've used EBC, ABC and the APC for weather examples as they cover the widest range of areas.

EBC = Everest Base Camp. ABC = Annapurna Base Camp. APC = Annapurna Circuit.

* Blank years or months just means the guide or data is/was not available. It may also mean we've not had the time to update the data here (we have a lot of data on all treks). We are trying to keep this information as accurate as possible. If you are looking for specific data you may contact us, however you can best support this site by purchasing a guidebook first.

 

Trek / Date
EBC
March 2019
 Snow on on the ground but no issues.
March 2020
Snowing just outside Gorak Shep (light)
March 2021
 Snow at Gorek Shep
March 2022

Mix of cloud and haze but periods of blue sky

March 2023

Cold


Trek / Date
ABC
March 2019

Snow on the way. At ABC there was snow on the ground.

March 2020

Heavy snowfall

March 2021

 Thunder clouds and snowstorm

March 2022

Heavy snow early in the month

March 2023

Teahouse closed due to snow at start of the month



Trek / Date
APC
March 2019
 Light snow at Thorong but good views.
March 2020
 Snowing Throng La making it difficult.
March 2021
WK 3: Clear skies.
March 2022

Snow at Throng La

March 2023

Clear skies with clouds in the evening


 

This historical climate/weather data may be useful to some but do remember that that the weather can change on an hourly basis in Nepal.


What trekking clothing is needed during March in Nepal?


Dressing in layers is recommended in March due to a late winter. Good strong trekking boots with ankle support would be advisable due to any rain you might come across. A windproof jacket and rain jacket will be needed along with rain proof backpack covers. Trekking shirts, pants and a fleece (for the evenings).

Keep in mind that it can get sunny, wet and hot in March when out trekking during the day. So dressing in layers helps as you can peel them off. Meanwhile the evenings can get quite cool so a fleece will help keep you warm.

Blankets are usually available in guest houses along trekking routes but a light sleeping bag is a great addition.


Is trekking accommodation on the trails open during March in Nepal?


All accommodation along the trekking routes will be open in March.

Accommodation rarely gets filled up in March.


Are trekking restaurants on the trails open during March in Nepal?


Just like accommodation all restaurants will be open in March.

Do read my guidebook trekking in Nepal to understand about restaurants when trekking you may not be allowed to stay in your accommodation if you eat elsewhere when trekking!


Are trekking permits available in March in Nepal?


Yes, trekking permits are available year round in Nepal including March. Permits are available in both Kathmandu and Pokhara.


Do you need travel insurance for trekking in March?


Yes you'll need travel insurance when trekking in March. Wet, slippery paths often lead to many ankle strains and slips so do take care.

Do read about getting proper travel insurance for trekking in Nepal.


Find out when is the best time of year for trekking in Nepal


Do read my full article on when is the best time of year to go trekking in Nepal for a full overview which it makes it easy to pick the best season to go trekking. Meanwhile here's a monthly breakdown.

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in January?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in February?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in March?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in April?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in May?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in June?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in July?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in August?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in September?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in October?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in November?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in December?

Again, if you are trying to make plans it'll be easier to read when is the best time of year to go trekking in Nepal first, then the monthly breakdown.


More information on Trekking in Nepal


The above information should give you a brief outline and understanding about trekking in Nepal in March.

I've compiled more detailed articles on the specifics of trekking in Nepal below.

You will find them to be a great place to thoroughly research your trip to Nepal, be sure to bookmark them so you don't forget!


You might find my following free guides helpful:

Trekking in Nepal

My guide on trekking in Nepal

  Trekking Equipment Check out my guide on equipment & gear needed for trekking in Nepal
 
List of treks to hike in Nepal Check out my list of treks to do in Nepal complete with maps   Nepal Mountain range Check out my guide on how to travel overland into Tibet for a lot more!
Trekking in Nepal How to choose a trekking guide in Nepal   Record of Mount Everst Base Camp Trek in the Winter My Day by day account of trekking to Everest Base Camp in the off season (winter)
 
Traveling overland into Nepal Check out my How to travel overland into Nepal guide   Guide to traveling Nepal Check out my country Guide to Nepal

Are you ready to trek in Nepal? If so, then you'll love my trekking books!

These guidebooks are a hands on trekking guidebooks that are better than the rest. Yes, really!

The books contain day-by-day guides with accuracy using scalable maps, photographs and travel-tested up-to-date trekking information. Just like my other guidebooks these have been proven to be the best interactive, or paperback guidebooks to Nepal available anywhere today.

So what are you waiting for? Get your hands on these guidebooks and start trekking in Nepal today!

Trekking in Nepal guidebook Trekking in Nepal guidebook

First Time Trekking in Nepal Guidebook
Perfect for your first trek

 

Trekking in Nepal Guidebook
Dedicated guidebook with 29+ treks for in-depth trekking

 

Nepal Guidebook
Full Nepal Guidebook
Complete country guide that also includes First Time Trekking in Nepal

Discover more guidebooks to Nepal!

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