Everest Base Camp is one of the most thrilling adventure you can ever get in your lifetime. Being away from people, cars, stress and large noises from city area gives you perfect gratification.
August is a wet Monsoon season of Nepal, it is still prefered by many tourists to trek in this time. Most of the trekking routes are often closed in this season, you can still go for EBC trek. The route is open all year around.
Since it is a monsoon season, there is a high chance of thunderstorms. Very less people prefer to trek during this time and you will see less number of people trekking to EBC.
Possibility to trek Everest Base Camp Trek during August:
When you are fully determined about trekking to Everest Base Camp during this month, you have to be fully prepared about what obstacle may come your way and be ready to address them.
During this time of the month, rainfalls are usually very heavy. So, many people rather postpone their trek. That’s in your benefit if you choose to trek during this season. As trekking trails and tea houses are also least crowded. You will have trail to yourself and do not have to compete with fellow travellers for room.
Normally, during this month, the weather across Everest Base Camp is moderate. The weather of Everest Base Camp is usually hot in the daytime and fairly cold at night.
There is also high chance of occasional mountain views. So, it is better you start the trek early in the morning. You can also enjoy foliage view of hills and mountains at their best. High altitude above 4000m is somehow dry therefore, rainfall is pretty rare.
This trek leads to most beautiful place in the world i.e. Kala Patthar which gives the compact view of the tallest mountain in the world.
Everest Base Camp Weather in August:
August is the end of monsoon season just before Autumn. You may expect vivid sunlight and warm sunny weather here. This period of time is influenced by cloudy days and frequent raining which can be exasperating.
Temperature
Temperature may go high around 16 to 18°C at daytime. It may drop down around -1 to 2°C at night.
Expected hours of sunshine per day
You may expect the sun to rise for about 6 to 7 hours per day. This represents average number of hours in the day time that the sun is visible and not conceal by cloud.
Wind
The average wind speed in the month of August is about 16 km/h. These data are only estimated data from local news report article.
Trekking in August Packing List:
Before heading towards your trekking destinations, make sure to always have a proper backpack with each and every thing that is required. This totally depends on what time you are travelling and where are you travelling.
Some essentials for the EBC trek in August are:
- Waterproof jackets and trousers.
- Fleece jackets
- Undergarments
- Warm and cotton trousers or jeans.
- Shirts and T-shirts
- Hiking boots
- Insulated Jackets
- Hard shell jackets and Rain Gear.
- Camp shoes and slippers
- Thick and light socks.
- Trekking Shoes
- Trekking Poles.
- Head bands.
- Hydration Bladder.
- Thermal Wares
- Wool hat
- Gloves
- Bathing Suit
- Tracksuits
- Sleeping bag
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Day Pack
- Head torch with flash lights
- Insect repellent
- Wet wipes
- Personal towels
- Toiletries
- Medical kit
- Raincoat and umbrella
Altitude sickness in Everest Base Camp
Since it is a high altitude trek, there is high chance for you to get altitude sickness (see: how to prevent altitude sickness in EBC). It is illness caused by ascent to high altitude which is characterised by hyperventilation, nausea and exhaustion. It is the result of oxygen shortage in high altitudes.
On ascending, you may feel swelling of hands and feet, insomnia, dizziness, irrational behaviour and depression, breathlessness, coughing with frothy or bloody sputum. If you see these kind of symptoms, it is better not to climb further. You can take enough rest until your body becomes normal again.
Some precautions to avoid altitude sickness in Everest Base Camp:
- Walk at slow pace in a slow and steady pattern.
- Train your body and strengthen up before trekking.
- Stay hydrated.
- Make sure not to drink alcohol and smoke.
- Take medication and other medical precautions.
- Consume more dark chocolates.
- Climb high at day and sleep at low altitude.
Tips to Trek in Everest Base Camp in August:
- It is always better to start your trek in the morning as it usually rains in the evening.
- Make sure to wear light T-shirts and breathable waterproofs jackets and pants.
- Never forget to carry raincoat or umbrella with you as the weather is unpredictable at higher altitudes.
- As it is a monsoon season, you will be prone to leeches and mosquitoes in lower altitude.
- Carry insect repellent and salt with you. Salt also acts like insect repellent and is a great substitute of it.
- Avoid heavy shoes as it tends to get wet in this season.
- Always wear light and breathable running shoes. This will help you to maintain your grip on the wet and slippery trail.
If you are trekking alone in EBC in August, make sure to hire a local tour guide as it is very risky to travel alone. In monsoon, there is high chance of landslide occurrence, this can also affect your trekking trails.
Therefore, make sure to take precautions and always remember to take updates from travel agency.
See more detail at: Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is accommodation on the trails open during August in Nepal?
Yes accommodation will be open every year. You will find plenty of choice for those looking for accomodation in Everest Region. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants and shops found in Namche Bazaar, Teng Buche and Lobuche.
Are trekking permits available in August in Nepal?
Yes, trekking permits are available year around and is available both in Kathmandu and Lukla. For regular Lukla to Everest Trek you will need two different permits, i.e. Trekkers Information Management Systems (TIMS) and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.
Do you need travel insurance for trekking in August?
It is very important to have travel insurance with you to trek in August. Since the trails are very slippery, you always have a high chance of ankle strains and slip.
Washed out trails, muddy paths and leeches makes it very difficult to trek at this time. Helicopter evacuations are also available if you fall seriously ill due to altitude sickness.
For this trek, you have to choose the policy that covers upto the height of 6000 m and a helicopter evacuation.
Other possible treks to do in August:
Upper Mustang Trek:
Upper Mustang Trek guides you through the base of the deepest gorge in the world, i.e. Kali Gandaki Gorge. The main highlights of this trek is that you will be getting is to the forbidden kingdom of Lo Manthang, last example of living Tibetan Culture. This is a best place to trek in august to escape monsoon.
Rara Lake trek:
It is the smallest national park in Nepal but it is also one of the biggest lake in the country. Main highlight about this trek is Rara Lake itself and has attracted many tourists till date.
Other highlights of this trek that you will love to see are crystal clear water of Rara Lake, Alpine Meadows and exotic Himalayan flora.
Humla Limi Valley Trek:
It is one of the most remote district in Nepal. This trek is recognised for its ancient salt trading and pilgrimage route to the border of Nepal and Tibet. Limi Valley is also famous for its incredible red rockscapes and medieval stone villages.
Conclusion:
August is one of the best time to trek Everest Base Camp if you want more adventure. Many people avoid trekking due to leeches, rainfall and slippery routes. You can expect rainfall almost everyday in the month. Mountains will be hidden behind clouds during daytime.
Trekking trails will also be very muddy which is affected by monsoon. You should always prepare your trekking gear according to situation. Nowadays, many people consider August to be the best time for trekking. This is because you will be getting best experiences even when you pay less in this season.
Even though it is monsoon, trek to Everest Base Camp is open and you will easily find accomodation and likeness service for your trek. It is not a bad choice to trek to Everest Base Camp in August as it won’t rain much there even in monsoon season.
