The trek around the spectacular Mt. Everest (8848m) is a once in a lifetime experience. The trail of the Everest Base Camp trek passes along the UNESCO listed World Heritage site of the Sagarmatha National Park. The trek runs along the most popular and well-marked routes in the world.
Are you struggling to decide the best time for your trekking adventure in the Himalayas? In that case, let me help you. There is no better time for trekking in the Everest region other than the month of October. The Everest Base Camp Trek in October provides an exciting and pleasant experience.
Autumn season in Nepal is at its peak in October. You can trek the Himalayas in a perfect trekking condition with favorable temperatures. The daytime temperature is moderate between 12 °C to 16 °C. The nights are colder in the range of 2 °C to -5 °C but not freezing.
Do you enjoy a good company while trekking? A lot of fellow trekkers will trek the route in October as it is the peak season. However, side trips and alternate routes are available if you want to travel in a solitary environment. The tea houses get packed with fellow travelers from all around the world. The friendly Nepalese people provide the best service with broad smiles on their faces.
The monsoon season ends well before October. There are almost no risks of precipitation during October. The spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains on the backdrop of the clear blue sky are the main attraction of the trek. October is also the festive season in Nepal. A lot of cultural and religious festivals like Dashain and Tihar fall in October. Cult
ural exploration and exchange is another essential aspect of this trek.
There is nothing more precious than spending your vacation trekking the foothills of the Himalayas. Beautiful scenery and moderate weather conditions make the month of October the best time for trekking the Everest Base Camp. Book your trip now!
Highlights of The Everest Base Camp Trek During October
- The gorgeous view of the sunrise from Kala Patthar
- Walking through the conservation area of Sagarmatha National Park
- Trekking in the most pleasant and stable weather conditions
- Experiencing the surreal atmosphere of the Everest Base Camp
- Exploration of the culture and traditions of the local people and their incredible hospitality
- Breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Mt Ama Dablam, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse and other snow-capped mountains
Outline Itinerary
Day 01 :Arrive at Tribhuwan international airport (TIA) Kathmandu
Day 02 :Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (30 mins) and trek to Phakding (2652m/8699ft) duration: 3 hrs
Day 03 :Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11283ft) duration: 6 hrs
Day 04 :Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar
Day 05 :Trek from Namche to Tengboche (3,860m/12660ft) duration: 5hrs
Day 06 :Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m/14464ft) duration: 6hrs
Day 07 :Acclimatization at Dingboche
Day 08 :Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4940m/16105ft) duration: 6hours
Day 09 :Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5364m/17594ft) and Gorakshep (5164m/16994ft) duration: 8hrs
Day 10 :Trek from GorakShep to Pheriche (4210m/13809ft) via KalaPatthar (5643m/18188ft) duration: 7hrs
Day 11 :Trek from Pheriche to Namche (3440m/11283ft) duration: 7hrs
Day 12 :Trek Namche to Lukla (2,840m/9184ft) Duration: 7hrs
Day 13 :Fly back to Kathmandu(1,400m/4593.17ft), Flight duration: 30 mins
Day 14 :Final Departure
The Weather around Everest Base Camp in October
The weather around the Everest Base Camp region is very unpredictable. Moderate temperatures in the months of March to May and September to November make them the best time to trek the Everest Base Camp. Within these periods, the month of October presents the best weather conditions for trekking.
The weather change is less frequent in October and mostly remain stable. The temperatures around the daytime from 12 °C to 16 °C, which is moderate and the perfect temperature for high altitude trekking. During the night time, the temperature drops down from 2 °C to -5 °C.
The temperatures are no doubt cold but not as freezing as during other months in the high altitude Everest region. However, it is almost impossible to predict the exact weather of Everest Region. The change in wind pattern and clouds leads to changes in weather every hour or so in the Everest Base Camp.
If you need any information regarding this trek, feel free to contact us.
Food and Accommodation in Everest Base Camp Trek in October
Many tea houses offer food and accommodation services along the trail of Everest Base Camp. October falls under the peak season, and the massive inflow of trekkers will make it hard for you to find an excellent place to stay.
Early booking in advance save you from any inconvenience. The Himalayan tea houses on the trails offer healthy and nutritious meals. The meals might not be fancy, but it will surely fuel you with enough energy to complete the trek.
You will have to wait in queue for your meals as the October brings hundreds of tourists in the region.
Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek in October
Book early
Search, compare and decide the best trekking package available in the region and book early. The peak season of October sees tourists flocking over the Everest Base Camp Trek.
There is a struggle to get the best packages, food, and accommodation services. Pre-booking your trip as early as possible helps you to get the best trek packages and proper accommodations on the trail.
Prepare well
Proper preparation before the trip never goes to waste. For a trek in October light, sweat absorbing clothes would suffice for trekking in the day time. You may require a warm jacket and comfortable sleeping bags to cope against the cold temperature during the night time.
Beside these trekking gears and equipment like trekking poles, shoes, gloves, sunscreen, and others are essential. The Everest region is notorious for the swift weather change. Dressing in layers is a good option.
You can take off clothes or add layers according to the weather condition. You might get stranded in Lukla for days as the flight delays are quite frequent here. So an extra pair of clothing always comes in handy.
Start Early on the Trek
Start walking early during the trek. This way, you can stay away from the harsh sun and can spend more time in nature. The trails require 7-8 hours of trekking each day, and starting early helps to reach the destination before dark.
The swift weather changes in the Himalayas increases the risk factor of unexpected rain and snowfall during the trek. Hence arriving at the destination early is always better and safe.
The Items You Need for Everest Base Camp Trek In October
You do not require heavy packing in October. The favorable weather conditions and moderate temperatures make a light packing enough. The list of trekking gears and equipment that you need for the Everest Base Camp trek in October are:
Trekking clothes
Light, breathable, and waterproof jackets combined with a fleece jacket and hiking shirt.
Warm Down Jacket
Most of the tea houses in the trail do not have a system of central heating. Hence, a warm down jacket keeps you warm when idle and during nighttime.
Wet wipes
You will not be showering for ten odd days. Wet wipes are the best alternative to keep you clean.
First aids
The first aid kit must include bandages, sanitary napkins, antiseptic creams, and others for safety reasons.
Sleeping bags
Nothing is more important than a good night's sleep during your trekking journey. A warm and fuzzy sleeping bag helps you sleep well at any conditions.
Trekking shoes
An excellent sturdy trekking shoe works as a companion on your trek. An outstanding waterproof boots in case you need to walk on a snowy path.
Pair of Sunglasses
The sun is intense in the mountains, and a pair of right sunglasses will protect you from the sun and dust.
Toiletries
Tissues, wet wipes, Moisturizers, sunscreen, and sanitizers, toothbrush, toothpaste, and others for toiletry purposes.
Trekking Poles
The trekking poles aid in maintaining rhythm and stability while trekking.
Water Bottles and water purifying tablets or purifiers
Do not drink water straight out of a tap. The water resources don't have clean drinking water. Thus, a water purifying tablet or purifiers will purify the water and make it suitable for drinking.
Large backpack (60l)
A large backpack of around 60l is enough for you to carry all the necessary items required in the trek.
Traditional Maps/ Google maps offline download
Maps are necessary for hassle-free trekking. You can get a traditional map available at the information center or download offline maps.
Snacks
Protein bars and other snacks are quite expensive in the region. You should have an ample supply of snacks during the trek.
Why Trek Everest Base Camp in October?
The picturesque beauty and scenic views
During October, the environment around the mountains is fresh and clean. The weather is stable, and there are relatively fewer disturbances. The days are bright and sunny. The magnificent mountains are visible in all its glory including Mt Everest, Mt Ama Dablam, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse and others.
You can trek in the serenity of nature and make memories for a lifetime. You can also pass through the charming Sherpa villages covered in Buddhist flags and monuments.
Green vegetation
The monsoon rains provide ample rain to turn the hills green. The forests become lush and green. The green grasslands and the remote valleys come alive during the autumn season. Yaks graze freely in the green pastures.
Stable weather
You can trek all day without any weather interruptions. The trails remain intact, and there are no landslides and avalanches in October. Stable and Calm weather means there are fewer chances of flight delays and cancellations.
The festive season in Nepal
The festive season and the major festivals of Dashain and Tihar fall in October. The Nepalese people celebrate these festivals and the environment is lively.
Moderate temperatures
Along with the weather being stable, the temperatures are also mild. The day time temperatures of 12 to 16 degrees are perfect for trekking. The night time temperature doesn't fall below -5 degrees. You won't find such moderate temperatures in any other month.
If you need any information regarding this trek, feel free to contact us.
Things to Consider While Trekking Everest Base Camp In October
Guide and porter
The trail from Phakding to Everest Base Camp is well marked and traveled. Trekking solo is an option, but it has its set of pros and cons. However, It is always safe to go with someone who can provide local information.
Besides, a local guide can make you familiar with the local culture. A porter can carry your cargo and help to make the trip pleasant.
Fitness
The trekkers must have the right level of fitness and stamina. You can prepare for the trek by doing cardiovascular training such as cycling, swimming, hiking, and others. The primary key to complete the trek is to go slow and hydrate regularly.
Altitude sickness
The Everest region is harsh and you will trek above 4000m at all times. Cold wind, harsh sun, and dry air will double the impact of altitude sickness. The oxygen levels are at a bare minimum, and so is the air pressure.
The Kunder hospital at the north of Namche and the Himalayan Rescue Mission’s health post at Pheriche provides medical services and consultation to the trekkers.
Permits
A TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) permit is necessary to collect for any trekking activity in Nepal. If you have a local permit, then the TIMS permit is not required.
Local Permit:
You can get the local permit at the Monjo, Chubu region for a fee of USD 20. You can also request for the permit at the Nepal tourism board in Kathmandu.
Sagarmatha National Park Permit:
The trekkers need to get the necessary permit for entry at the Sagarmatha National park. There are few checkpoints along the trail where you need to show and register the permit. The total cost is USD 30, with added government tax. You can get permission in Monjo or Kathmandu.
Gauri Shankar National Park Permit
The Gauri Shankar National Park Permit is the cost of USD 20. You can get the permit at Shivalaya checkpoint, but it requires double the amount of USD 40. This permit is only for those trekkers who choose the classic route from Jiri to Lukla and not necessary to trekkers who decide to take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
Travel insurance:
Another essential factor to consider is that of travel insurance. The travel insurance is a necessary precaution as accidents can happen at any time. There might be instances where you might require helicopter evacuation. The helicopter ride will cost anywhere between $5000 to $10000.
Hence, the travel insurance will help you in a great way. Besides, there are regular flight delays and cancellation in the Himalayan region due to the unfavorable weather conditions. Travel insurance will always come handy.
How to Cope and Prevent Altitude Sickness:
- Maintain a slow and steady pace while trekking
- Acclimatizatize regularly
- Hydrate regularly
- Do not hide your and illness and discomfort
- Avoid alcohol and other carbon perforated drinks
Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty
The entire trail takes about 12-14 days of walking. The trek gets extended if you choose the Chola pass and Gokyo lake route. Trekkers walk 5-8 hours per day on an average. The treks get shorter as the elevation rises above 4,000m.
The Everest Base Camp trek trail is well marked and easily navigable. Furthermore, the trek requires no technical skills unless you take the Chola Pass route to return, which has a section where you will be walking on an icy glacier.
The level of difficulty is moderate as you will be walking around 5-8 hours each day with 10 - 15 kg on your back. The weight pressure is considerably less if you decide to hire a porter.
The trek is along the high altitude region with the highest point being Kalapthar (5,643m). Acute mountain sickness is always a risk factor. The primary rule advised by expert trekkers is not to climb more than 600m in elevation at any given trekking day.
Conclusion
As I have said earlier, there is simply no better time to trek the Everest Base Camp than October. The environment around the Everest base camp is beautiful and pleasant. The stable weather and moderate climate is another advantage. Trekking Everest Base Camp in October is an exciting experience. Book as early as possible and enjoy the trek in all its glory.
If you need any information regarding this trek, feel free to contact us.
