Everest Base Camp in June: Trekking on the Edge of the Monsoon

June is when the clouds roll in and the crowds roll out. If you’re planning to trek to Everest Base Camp this month, you’re entering a world where the trails are quieter, the landscape more dramatic, and the weather more unpredictable.

It’s not for everyone, but for adventurous spirits who don’t mind some mist and mud, Everest in June can be a beautifully surreal experience.

Is June a Good Time to Trek to Everest Base Camp?

Let’s be honest: June is the start of the monsoon season in Nepal. By mid-June, afternoon showers become a regular guest and clouds linger longer than you’d like. But early June? That’s the sweet spot where you might get the best of both worlds—clear mornings, fewer crowds, and a fresh, wild atmosphere.

Here’s why you might consider EBC in June:

• Very few trekkers—enjoy the serenity of the Khumbu without the hustle

• Lush greenery—the lower trails come alive

• Flexible lodge bookings—no need to rush or fight for rooms

• Unique experience—mist-covered mountains and moody skylines have their own charm

But be prepared: you’re likely to deal with flight delays, muddy trails, and the occasional downpour.

Weather in June: Rain on the Radar

The first half of June is generally more stable. You may get away with dry mornings and late-day clouds. By mid to late June, though, expect daily rain (mostly afternoon/evening) and high humidity, especially below Namche.

Humidity is high, and visibility is hit or miss. That said, early mornings can still offer glorious, cloud-free views—if you’re lucky and disciplined about early starts.

Flight Warnings: Lukla Delays Galore

This is where it gets tricky. Flights to Lukla are frequently delayed or canceled in June. The mountain weather becomes harder to predict, and the clouds are stubborn.

Your best options:

• Keep at least two buffer days before and after your trek

• Fly via Ramechhap if scheduled

• Consider taking a jeep to Salleri and trekking in via Phaplu if flights are grounded

Trail & Teahouse Conditions

With the crowds gone, you’ll often have entire trails to yourself. But that doesn’t mean a walk in the park:

• Lower trails (Lukla to Namche) can be muddy, leech-prone, and slippery

• Above Tengboche, it’s drier but cloudier

• Teahouses stay open, but some may operate with fewer staff—expect a slower pace

Still, the hospitality remains warm, and many teahouse owners appreciate off-season trekkers.

What to Pack for a June Trek

This is the month for waterproof everything. Forget ultralight trekking unless you enjoy soggy boots and clammy socks.

Essentials:

• Waterproof hiking boots with good grip

• Rain jacket (Gore-Tex or equivalent)

• Rain cover or dry bags for your gear

• Light fleece for upper elevations

• Moisture-wicking shirts (not cotton)

• Quick-drying pants

• Headlamp (afternoon fog makes things darker)

• Insect repellent (hello, leeches in lower forests!)

Bonus: Trekking poles will be your best friend on slippery descents.

Who Should Trek to EBC in June?

June isn’t for first-time trekkers or those with tight schedules. But if you’ve got a flexible plan, solid gear, and don’t mind rain, this can be a deeply rewarding experience.

You’ll enjoy:

• Quiet trails

• Uncrowded views

• A more meditative trek

Avoid if:

• You hate rain or humidity

• You have tight deadlines

• You’re banking on flights being perfectly on time

Alternate Trekking Options in June

If you’re worried about the rain in EBC but still want a Himalayan experience, consider these June-friendly options:

• Upper Mustang: A rain-shadow region with unique Tibetan culture

• Nar Phu Valley: Remote, dramatic, and shielded from monsoon

• Annapurna Circuit (partial): Do the dry-side routes like Manang or Tilicho Lake

Travel Tips: Reaching the Trailhead

Since Lukla flights are shaky, jeep options to Salleri or Phaplu become more attractive in June.

• Kathmandu to Salleri/Phaplu: 8–10 hours by 4WD jeep

• From there, you trek 3–4 days to Namche, joining the classic EBC route

Road conditions are variable, and landslides can occur, but it’s a great backup plan.

Final Thoughts from TrekHeaven

June isn’t Everest’s most glamorous month, but it’s quietly beautiful in its own way. The cloud-covered peaks, forest trails wet with rain, and the stillness of fewer trekkers offer something the high seasons can’t: a deep, personal connection with the Himalayas.

If you’re okay with a little unpredictability and ready to embrace the mist and mud, Everest in June can surprise you.

So pack your poncho, bring your patience, and find beauty in the calm of a quieter Everest.