Nepal has some of the highest mountains in the world and Trekking in Nepal is a famous activity here.
Everest Base Camp Trek is an ultimate dream destination for many trekkers. Yes, eight of the world’s highest mountains are here for you to explore. And, October is the best time for Everest Base Camp Trek.
Everest Base Camp Trek takes you along the journey to witness the local customs and traditions of Sherpas. The peaceful Namche Bazaar, magnificent scenery of Kala Patthar, and other peaks like Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho-Oyu.
There are four seasons in Nepal out of which October is the best time for trekking. In October, the weather remains constant with a clear and spectacular view.
The climate during this time is neither too cold nor too hot. This is one of the many reasons which make October the peak season.
The clear sky will give you HD quality views of the snow capped mountains. All in all, it is a perfect time for EBC trek during October.
Everest Base Camp Weather in October
Temperature
Throughout October, the daytime temperature will generally reach as high as 12 – 16 degree Celsius. And the average minimum temperature drops down to around -6°C at night.
Estimated Hours of Sunshine per Day
In October, you can expect the sun to shine for an average of 6 to 7 hours per day.
This represents the average number of hours in the daytime when the sun is visible and not covered by cloud.
Wind
The average daily wind speed in October is around 8-11 km per hr (roughly 5-7 mph).
The temperature given up is just a general estimation. The weather in the past few years has been unpredictable.
The monsoon these days tend to drag on to September and you can now get rain (Snow in Altitude ) even in October.
This causes Lukla Airport to remain closed which creates havoc among the trekkers.
Thus, we recommend you to plan your trip on the 2nd or 3rd week of October. But, be sure to travel with some extra days to take into account possible flight delays.
Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek in October
Everest Base Camp trek has innumerable highlights. It is not easy to write them all, the best way is to experience it for yourself. However, we have included some of the major highlights and they are as follows:
- Challenging trail with wonderful landscapes
- View of mountains like Mt.Everest, Mt.Ama Dablam, Mt.Lhotse, Mt.Makalu and many others
- Indigenous Sherpa Culture
- Places like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Pangboche with beautiful monasteries
- Khumbu Glacier (one of the longest glacier in the world)
- Alpine Rhododendron Forest
- Amazing mountainside hospitality
Guide and porter
Different people have different preferences. Some like to have a guide or porter while some want to do solo trekking.
However, we suggest that you make guide and porter a compulsion. The guide and porter are so much more than just someone showing the direction and carrying your stuff.
They are also for your safety and security if in case things don’t go as planned. A good guide can explain you many things about the local culture and natural environment.
They serve as a link between the local people while you are unable to speak Nepali. Many a times guide helps in simple things like urging the kitchen to cook and serve faster for the hungry clients.
They make sure you get properly acclimatized to be able to complete the trek. And having a porter is always helpful. Having a porter can give you the personal comfort of not carrying 10-15 kg.
For USD 10 to 20 a day you are giving someone a valuable job and paying for them is worth every dollar.
Accommodations in the Everest Region
Accommodations are open in the Everest region during October. There are two types of accommodation style in the Everest Base Camp Trek.
This first one is Standard Everest Base Camp trekking and the second is Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek.
In Standard, you will get the best available lodge with attached bathroom and hot shower. And Everest Luxury trekking involves luxury accommodation throughout your trek.
Lodges in the Everest region are high standard compared to the other trekking regions in Nepal.
The lodges provide you rooms with a blanket. But, we recommend you to carry own sleeping bag.
Although the rooms are standard please do not expect a high standard as it is in a high and rugged region.
Trekking routes are well developed with plenty of teahouses. These stone houses are beautiful and comfortable. They also offer wi-fi, western style toilets, and delicious meals.
However, because October is a peak season pre-booking becomes very important.
Physical Condition & Experience Requirements
Everest Base Camp trek is a moderate trek. It is suitable for any enthusiastic hikers.
One must be able to walk for at least 5-6 hours a day with their light bag. Sometimes you should be able to walk for 8-9 hours too.
Hiking at higher altitude is more difficult than lower altitude. However, if you have a good health with average physical fitness, you can complete this trek successfully.
Technical skills and past experience are not required for this trek. Yet, jogging, exercising and hiking is highly recommended before you plan this trek.
If you have any health conditions like heart problem, lung and blood diseases, you need to consult with your doctor before the trek.
Also, if you are elder or children with poor physical fitness and still want to take this trek, you need to customize the trek.
Please feel free to let us know in such cases. We will provide you customized trekking package and will make sure your trek is a success.
Dealing with High Altitude Sickness
Every year thousands of trekkers make their way to Nepal. Nepal has some of the most beautiful walking tracks the world can offer.
The mountains here are magnificent and the beauty is breathtaking.
As you hike higher, there is another factor at play than just pure beauty and i.e altitude.
And, the Everest region being the highest in Nepal, averaging 4,000 meters (12,800 ft.) with Mt. Everest (8848 m; 28,313 ft.)-The tallest mountain in the world is no exception.
Anyone can have altitude sickness and if untreated can be life-threatening.
Though it is a real concern, it shouldn’t be the reason to put off your trip or avoid trekking at a higher elevation as long as you follow basic precautions.
Here are few points that can help prevent altitude sickness during Everest Base Camp trek
- Climb slowly. This gives your body enough time to acclimatize.
- Sleep at the lowest possible altitude. This gives your body time to recuperate and adjust.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid alcohol
- Be honest. If you suffer AMS on the trail, please report to your guide. Don’t try to hide or ignore it. This careless act can result in an emergency evacuation or death in some cases.
- Many suffer light headaches which is a normal symptom. Over the counter, medicine should relieve pain.
- But, if you suffer severe altitude Illness (severe or constant headaches with difficulty breathing or vomiting), or HAPE or HACE, your guides or fellow trekkers will immediately escort you to a lower altitude. And take you to the nearest clinic for treatment.
- If the clinic or the main guide decides you need further treatment, you will get immediate helicopter evacuation.
Trekking Permit and Fees
For the Everest Base Camp trek, you need to collect two permits: A local permit and Sagarmatha National Park permit which you can collect at Kathmandu or at Monjo.
Local Permit
You can collect the local permit worth the US $20 at Monjo before entering Sagarmatha National Park.
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
Mount Everest rests inside the Sagarmatha National Park, Solukhumbu.
Trekkers need to get the Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) Entry Permit worth Rs 3000 plus 13% tax, i.e. Rs 3390 Per Person.
You do not need a photo for this permit. You can get this permit directly in National Park Entrance at Monjo or, you can issue it in Tourism Board Kathmandu.
But if you are planning to take the classic Jiri route for Everest Base Camp trek, then you will need an additional permit. A Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project Permit.
Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project (GCAP) Entry Permit
Certain parts of Jiri to Everest Base Camp lies under Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project. So, you need to get the entry permit.
It will cost Rs 2000 for both organized and independent trekker and you have to issue this in Tourism Board Kathmandu. You can obtain this permit in Shivalaya, Jiri as well. But it costs the US $40 there.
Note: You do not need a TIMS card for Everest Base Camp Trek once you obtain a local permit.
Packing list for Everest Base Camp Trekking
It is very important to pack necessary trekking equipment and essentials in order to make your trek smooth and successful. Here is a guideline that will help you decide what to take and what not to take,
Clothing – During the trek, you need to dress as comfortably as you can. In October, light cotton shirt and shorts will do at lower altitude. However, the temperature drops as you climb up, so make sure to wear something for the colder temperatures. Dress in layers so you can put on and off whenever you want.
- 2 base layer shirts (long sleeves)
- 2 trekking shirts (short sleeves)
- 2 pairs of trekking pants
- Fleece or down jacket
- Fleece pants
- Sweatshirts
- Shorts
- Rain-proof jacket and pants
- Winter hat/ peak hat
- Gloves or mittens
- Disposable underwear
Footwear
- Hiking boots
- Tennis shoes (optional)
- Flip flops (to use in tea houses)
- Thick Socks
Hiking Gear
- Hiking poles
- Stuff Sacks
- Sleeping bags
- Liner for the sleeping bag
- Headlamps
Electronics
- Camera
- Spare batteries
- Spare memory cards
- Mobile phones
- High capacity power banks
- Chargers and adapters
Personal Hygiene/Toiletries
- Soap
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Sanitary napkins/ tampons/ panty liners
- Hairbrush
- Wet wipes
- Microfiber face towel
- Sunblock spray
- Body lotion/ moisturizer
- Lip balm with SPF
Medications
You may or may not have to deal with altitude sickness, along with the risks of diarrhea, headaches and body pain during the trek. Thus, carrying these medicines can be useful
- Personal prescriptions
- Ibuprofen
- Medical tape (in case of blisters)
- Diamox (in case of altitude sickness)
- Antibiotics (in case of diarrhea)
Miscellaneous
- Passport
- Money – there are ATMs in Namche Bazaar but you can’t always count on them
- Pen and journal – to account the details and experiences of the trek.
- Sunglasses – preferably with UV protection; useful when the sun is glaring during the trek
- Goggles
- Water purification tablets
- Thermal flask – to keep warm drinks from freezing in the bottle on the highest days.
- Toilet paper – some tea houses do not have toilet paper.
- Favorite snacks – granola bars, chocolates, and nuts are great to have.
Insurance
Insurance is an absolute must for any traveler. While trekking even small injuries, such as a sprained ankle, can be painful and quite costly in a long run.
The weather in October is good and is the peak season for trekking. But accidents are misfortunes that can take place anytime. You should get insurance from your home country.
Hence, having an insurance is important. But before you get one, make sure your insurance policy covers for all events. Altitude sickness, illness, accidents, flight delays, and immediate helicopter evacuation are some cases.
Conclusion
Everest Base Camp trek is a once in a lifetime experience. And, October is the best time to experience this wonderful trek.
The calm and pleasing weather allows you the best time to trek with clear views of the mountains. Moreover, October also happens to be the month of Nepal biggest festivals like Dashain and Tihar.
This gives you a perfect opportunity to witness Nepal traditional culture and celebration. However, due to the peak season in October, it is wise to pre-book hotels and flights.
For further information, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help you with the best service to ensure that you have a successful trip.
