EBC in April?

[matt]

Hello,

I will be flying into KTD in early April.Can anybody tell me what the hiking will be like at this time.EBC in particular.And if you would recommend any other hikes instead that will also have a nice view of Mt. Everest.Thanks, so helpful.

[yakshaver]

weather should be good in april, especially before lunch. Some clouds may obscure visibility in the afternoon.
You will get the mildest weather you are likely to enounter at the altitude.
I suggest you definitely do the Gokyo trek if you have the chance. I enjoyed it much better than EBC, and the views from Gokyo and Gokyo Ri, where you see Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Lotse, are phenomenal.
The way to Gokyo is also more interesting in my view. You can do them both if you have the time, by crossing Cho La (not too dificult, but forbidden if there is no visibility) between Gokyo valley and the Everest valley. It would only add 3 days or so to your journey time.

[Kimme]

Would like to have more information about the weather in the period around mid March to mid April,

1) Is it good season to trek base camp and Kala Pattar at that period?
2) Will there start melting of snow create more difficulties for trekking?
3) Can I see nice flower and plant along Jiri to Lukla?
4) Have heard that government will block the trek to base camp when the weather situation is not good, is it common to happen at that period of of time?
5) Do I need to prepare special equipments like ice axes?

Thanks for yr help!