The most popular season to visit Mount Everest is during the October Everest base camp trek. This is the perfect time of year to visit and go trekking because of the clear sky and snow-covered mountains.
The ideal time to hike, trek, and take tours of the Everest region is in October 2024 or 2025 for the Everest base camp expedition. The weather turns chilly by early October, and the monsoons return to the natural world. October will see somewhat shorter days with a slight shift in the weather toward a bit colder temperatures. Our bodies can readily adapt to it since it is in the middle of the cold and hot weather.
October often follows the monsoon season, which ends with a lot of rain, and the mountains and surrounding landscape open their arms to all tourists traveling to this part of the world.
Ready to take on the adventure of a lifetime? Dive into our complete guide to tackling the Everest Base Camp Trek in October!
What to Expect During EBC Trek in the Month of October ?
Clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and a thriving hiking community are what to anticipate in October. The post-monsoon climate gives stunning views of the Himalayas, and the trails are in fantastic condition.
One of the greatest seasons to go on a trekking in Nepal is around October. The vistas are breathtaking and magnificent, not to be missed, and the weather is still at its peak throughout this month.
However, while the weather is still great, rain may be in the lower elevations through the first week. In addition, October is thought to be the busiest month in Nepal for trekking to Everest Base Camp.
As a result, there is still air traffic at Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport, which is the only airport in the city. To reduce air traffic for internal and international flights to and from other parts of Nepal, the Aviation Minister of Nepal always diverts every flight to and from Lukla to Manthali airport.
In order to do the Everest Base Camp Trek, trekkers must drive from Kathmandu to Manthali at two in the morning, where they must then catch a plane to Lukla from Manthali/Ramechap airport. This process also applies while descending from Lukla on the last day, when they must drive back to Kathmandu. Normally, this flight route modification occurs from October 1st until November 30th.
How is Everest Trek Accommodation in October?
In Nepal, October is one of the busiest travel seasons, and the 14 day Everest Base Camp climb is not an exception. Because small planes operate at Lukla airport, domestic airports and trails are crowded throughout the month. Make sure you have enough days to reserve one.
Moreover, Nepal’s UNESCO Natural Heritage Site is the Everest region, which is referred to as “Sagarmatha” in the local tongue. There are limits on how many lodges and tea houses can be upgraded as a result, and the number of teahouses is thus restricted.
The quantity of lodges and tea houses decreases much more as you go higher. Therefore, hiring a qualified guide is advised so they can set you up with appropriate and comfortable tea houses and lodges. You may find some lodges with adjacent restrooms and bathrooms up until Namche Bazaar, but as you get higher, things get more complicated. Thus, be ready to use clean, shared restrooms that are shared by others.
The peak trekking season means that all the lodges and tea houses will be booked, with your guide and porters acting as wait staff. On treks, this is a common occurrence. The local sherpa family runs all of the lodges and tea houses in the area as a family business.
To ensure that your cuisine is prepared, place your order at least an hour before you plan to eat. This is valid throughout the busiest times of the year for all trekking trails.
You will enjoy a cozy hotel and a room with a view of the mountains if you hike with an experienced guide.
How to Plan Everest Base Camp Trek in October?
Trekkers are required to attend a few training sessions before they set out on the October Everest Base Camp Trek. They are more informed about the routes, the weather, the technical and physical needs, and the costs as a result.
Trekkers looking to take this stunning trek should consider the following aspects:
1. Understanding the route
If you have a superior view of the trekking route, you can complete the Everest Base Camp Trek in October. Lukla Airport, commonly called Tenzing Norgay Airport, is the trek’s starting point leading to Everest Base Camp. There are a number of well-known locations and sites along the trail, including Gorakshep, Tengboche, Dingboche, Pangboche, Pheriche, and Namche Bazaar. You must be aware of the exact location and make appropriate preparations.
The list of daily stops on the Everest Base Camp Trek is as follows:
- From Lukla to Phakding
- Phakding to Namche Bazaar
- Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
- Tengboche to Dingboche
- Pheriche to Pangboche/Dingboche
- From Pheriche/Pangboche to Gorakshep
- Base Camp on Everest via Gorakshep
Each stop offers a unique glimpse into the local culture and stunning landscapes. The elevation of Lukla, which is 2860 meters above sea level, progressively varies as hikers ascend the slope. Tengboche and Dingboche are 4,360 meters and 3860 meters above sea level, respectively, while Namche is 3440 meters high. Acclimatization is crucial in this situation.
Trekkers will first spend time acclimating to the altitude in Namche Bazaar. Secondly, it goes on at Dingboche, letting you become used to the current altitude.
2. Physical preparation
The trek to Everest Base Camp requires significant physical endurance. Planning should start at least three months before the adventure.
Combine strength training and hiking with cardio activities like swimming, cycling, and running in a backpack to simulate trekking conditions.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp is a moderately difficult task. In other words, to conquer the rough and isolated terrain of the trail, hikers must possess a strong level of physical fitness.
The daily hike that is required is another crucial factor to take into account. Hiking takes about six to seven hours on average; therefore, it calls for a high degree of fitness.
Trekkers, therefore, need to possess all of the following: physical strength, stamina, endurance, and vitality.
It is advised that they have done hiking before, as well as exposure to altitude, altitude training, and various other physical activities.
For more detail: How to Train for EBC Trek? Complete Guide
3. Weather and climate of EBC trek in October
If you plan to trek to Everest Base Camp in October, you need to be aware of that month’s weather and climate patterns.
October is the busiest month for trekking in Nepal. Therefore, the weather will be ideal for your expedition. It increases the effectiveness of your hike and gives you more time to take in the beauty and surroundings of the base camp. However, this does not imply that the weather is entirely favorable to you.
The Everest Region still experiences unpredictability and rapid weather changes. This is why, before starting your hike, you need to review the weather prediction.
4. Perfect time to trek the Everest Base Camp weather-wise
October is the best month to hike to Everest Base Camp because it offers ideal weather for the EBC journey, making it one of the finest. By September, the rainy season had ended, leaving dry trails and clear skies, which made the hike safer and more pleasurable. This allows you to take advantage of the lovely, warm weather and the clear blue skies.
Unlike the winter nights, October is a manageable cold month in the Everest region. There won’t be as much cloud cover as there is during the monsoon.
Additionally, there won’t be any additional traffic hazards brought on by the monsoon rains along the trails. For this reason, if you plan to go hiking this month, you don’t need to pack any large, bulky clothing or rain gear.
Because it is so dry, October is also the month least likely to see rain or snowfall. This month, you shouldn’t have to worry about ice pathways, insects, or extremely hot weather.
October offers ideal weather for the EBC journey, making it one of the finest months to go. By September, the rainy season had ended, leaving dry trails and clear skies, which made the hike safer and more pleasurable.
5. The suitable temperature for the October
October temperatures in the Everest region range from 12°C to 16°C on sunny days. So, if you decide to hike to Everest Base Camp in October, you can choose to walk on warm and sunny days.
This time of year offers the best suitable temperature range in the Everest region.
But at this time of year, the temperature drops to -8°C at night from 2°C. This temperature is not particularly low because it is near Mount Everest. It’s critical to have these temperature swings covered. So, It is best to carry sleeping bags or extra thermal gear, even though it is bearable.
They must be resistant to extremely low temperatures to keep warm while you sleep.
October often has pleasant weather and temperatures. However, you should be warned that the highlands experience unpredictable weather all year round.
6. The wildlife and vegetation of the Everest region during October
The Everest region’s vegetation and fauna are exceptionally beautiful in October. October is a great month to explore the Everest region’s abundant wildlife. Autumn’s warm sun and monsoon rains provide the various flora and animals with new life and beauty. You may also catch a glimpse of the endangered animals that Sagarmatha National Park protects. It is also possible to come across animals like musk deer, Himalayan Tahr, and several kinds of birds. The thick and colorful foliage further enhances the picturesque appeal of the journey.
You may observe millet, paddy, and other crops being grown in the lower regions. You will pass through verdant oak and rhododendron forests and various meadows as you hike up the trail. You will witness a variety of alpine flora along the entire track as you travel through it. As previously noted, you will be able to witness the farmers at work on the lower pathways for the harvest seasons.
7. The wholesome trekking community
October brings in a multicultural crowd of hikers from all over the world. During this time, the hiking community is active and friendly, providing a sense of adventure and companionship.
October’s pleasant temperatures and beautiful surroundings make it a popular month for trekkers. On your hike in October, you won’t have to go alone; the trail is crowded with both domestic and foreign visitors.
Difficulties You Might Face When Doing the Everest Base Camp Trek in October
The suitability of the October journey to Everest Base Camp has already been confirmed multiple times. All trekking adventures, meanwhile, are challenging. These problems can be readily avoided with caution and hardly pose a threat to life. These are a few minor mishaps that occurred at the Everest Base Camp, along with an explanation of their severity in October.
1. Altitude sickness
There’s a high point on the Everest Base Camp trip. This trip starts in Kathmandu at a low level of 1440 meters and climbs to a maximum elevation of 5545 meters at Kala Patthar. Because of this, many hikers who ascend the paths in the Khumbu region suffer from altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness is one of the main difficulties encountered on the EBC journey. Headaches, nausea, and lightheadedness are among the symptoms. Remaining hydrated and scheduling acclimatization days are essential for reducing these hazards.
Whether you are hiking or not, you will encounter the illness’s symptoms at any time of the year. Thus, even in October, you run a great chance of getting altitude sickness if you do not take proper care of yourself.
However, these hazards are reduced when a hike is well-planned. Set aside time on your walk with guides to help you acclimate to the altitude and receive advice on accommodations.
2. Difficulty in the trekking route [Remote Trials]
You may enjoy strolling on the dry trails in the Everest region in October due to the pleasant temperatures. However, the crowd of trekkers along the trail is typically what makes the trip route uncomfortable. The vast amount of people making the journey in October can be unsettling for some tourists.
There are plenty of other options in the Everest region for travelers seeking less-trod pathways that offer stunning views of Everest and its neighbors without the crowds. The Gokyo Lakes Trek, the Three Passes Trek, or even the very challenging Arun Valley to EBC trek overlap with the standard EBC trek in certain parts despite being far less popular than it, providing you with a pleasant and worthwhile option.
Even with the good weather, the hike is still physically taxing. Long walking distances, rugged terrain, and steep ascents can be difficult, requiring both mental and physical endurance.
3. Accommodation issues
There are a lot of teahouses in the Everest region where you can dine and stay. But October is the busiest month, and these teahouses are often fully booked because of the significant rise of trekkers. It’s recommended that accommodations be arranged in advance to avoid last-minute headaches.
You may sometimes have to share a room with other hikers because these teahouses are small and have few amenities. It is a good idea to make lodging bookings well in advance. Sometimes, you’ll have to spend the night in the dining room if you haven’t made bookings ahead of time.
4. Crowds and cost
October is Nepal’s busiest trekking month, so it seems that costs and crowds will rise then. Since the EBC climb is the most popular trek in Nepal, it’s doubtful that you’ll have the trails to yourself in October. Teahouses get full quickly, so it’s essential to hike with a trustworthy guide who can provide a bed in a comfortable spot.
During the peak season, there will be more people on the trails and in lodging locations. Peak demand may also mean increased fees for permits, guides, and porters.
Similarly, make your travel arrangements as soon as possible because flights from Kathmandu to Lukla may sell out months in advance of October. If you book your vacation at the last minute, you might need to be flexible with flight times and the type of accommodation you’ll take.
5. Physical challenge
The expedition’s physical challenges should not be taken lightly. It’s important to be in good physical shape and prepare for strenuous walking while carrying a big rucksack.
The Everest Base Camp Trek is a multi-day trekking expedition that takes, on average, two weeks. Trekkers should commit to hiking for more than six hours a day, which is physically taxing and saps energy. Trekkers must, therefore, maintain their physical health in order to handle any physical obstacles that may arise.
Packing Items for the Perfect Backpack
It could be difficult to start the October Everest Base Camp Trek without the right supplies. It is imperative that the necessary trekking equipment for this journey be well-prepared and packed. When packing these supplies, hikers should take the altitude, trail conditions, weather, and environment into account.
The lists of key essential tools and supplies for the Everest Base Camp Trek are provided here:
1. Personal Items
- UV-blocking sunglasses
- To avoid the sun, wear a sun hat and sunscreen.
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
- Lightweight towel that dries quickly
- Personal hygiene products and prescription medicines
- Personal identification and emergency contact information
2. Gear And Equipment
- High-quality trekking boots
- Warm clothing layers (thermal wear, fleece, down jacket)
- Sleeping bag suitable for -10°C
- Trekking poles and a sturdy backpack
- A daypack to transport necessities when hiking
- Dependable, water-resistant duffel bag or backpack for porters to transport your belongings
- To organize and safeguard your items, use plastic or dry bags.
- Maps and guidebooks for trekking
- Safety precautions and a first aid kit
3. Miscellaneous
- A current passport and the required authorizations
- Cash (in Nepali rupees) to cover costs (such as tea houses, lunches, etc.) on the trek
- Using a smartphone or camera to record memories
- For electronic gadgets, extra batteries or portable power banks
- Permits for entry into Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality and Sagarmatha National Park
- Water purification tablets
- Snacks and energy bars
Note: You can read What to Pack for Everest Base Camp? for more details.
Other Popular Everest Trek You Can Do in October
In addition to the traditional EBC journey, additional well-liked treks are:
Each caters to varying trekking interests and experience levels by offering distinctive viewpoints and difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
October is the biggest month for hiking, so Everest Base Camp roads are packed with people. Because of the lovely weather, clear skies, and scenic surroundings, the majority of tourists arrive during this month.
While it is still possible to climb Everest in October, there is less traffic from Base Camp to the Summit as October is not the busiest month for climbing Everest.
Absolutely. Because of its excellent weather, breathtaking scenery, and active trekking community, the October EBC trip is highly recommended.
The trek is challenging due to its altitude and physical demands. However, the moderate weather in October makes it more manageable compared to other months. So, October is a less difficult month to climb into EBC than it is during the monsoon and winter seasons because it falls between them. Since there is no threat of rain or snow this month, the EBC trails are dry, and you won’t have to venture onto slick or snow-covered paths.
On bright days, October temperatures in the Everest region range from 12°C to 16°C. So, if you decide to hike to Everest Base Camp in October, you can choose to walk on warm and sunny days. But at night, the temperature drops to -8°C from 2°C.
Weather-wise, the optimum months for the Everest Base Camp hike are those that fall within the northern hemisphere’s spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons.
Nonetheless, the Everest Base Camp trip in October and May is the best month for their stable weather conditions and clear views if you want to fully explore the Everest region, the varied Nepali culture, and the natural world.
