Everest Base Camp Trek brings a mesmerizing experience to the trekkers. Fueled by abundant natural resources, cultural landmarks, and hospitable people, Everest Base Camp offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While undertaking this trek, trekkers must be acknowledged of the time of the year, budget, physical/mental preparations, and essential gear.
While discussing the best time to go to EBC Trek, Spring and Autumn seasons come first. October, the month of festivals, falls in Autumn Season, making it a peak time to embark on this beautiful journey. Everest Base Camp Trek in October comes with many opportunities. The weather and climate align best with your physical and mental expectations during this time. It offers pleasant and stable weather with viable navigating routes, making your journey more interesting and accessible.
In October, the Everest Base Camp Trek also features the best opportunity to delve into Nepalese culture through festivals like Dashain and Tihar. On top of that, the spectacular views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, and Nuptse add icing on the cake, supported by the clear skies and surroundings. The Buddhist culture and its practice around the trails of Everest Base Camp are very harmonious and praiseworthy, as they come with the most hospitable environments. These are some of the highlights of Everest Base Camp. You should look forward to several aspects before embarking on this journey. We have prepared some of the insights on the Everest Base Camp Trek in October in this blog. Let’s explore them in detail!
Planning Your Everest Base Camp Trek In October
Trekkers must undergo certain preparation sessions before embarking on Everest Base Camp Trek in October. This lets them know better about the routes, weather conditions, physical and technical demands, and cost details. Here are certain aspects trekkers must peek through for this beautiful trek:
Understanding the Route
Everest Base Camp Trek in October can be possible if you have a better view of the trekking route. The trail to Everest Base Camp stretches from Lukla Airport, also known as Tenzing Norgay Airport, to the base camp. In between the trail, there are several popular places and landmarks, such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Pangboche, Pheriche, Gorakshep, and others. You should know the step-by-step location and should prepare accordingly.
Here is the list of your day-to-day destinations in the Everest Base Camp Trek:
- Lukla to Phakding
- Phakding to Namche Bazaar
- Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
- Tengboche to Dingboche
- Dingboche to Pangboche/Pheriche
- Pangboche/Pheriche to Gorakshep
- Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp
Lukla lies 2860 meters above sea level, and as trekkers hike uphill in the elevation, the altitude gradually changes. Namche sits at 3440 meters, while Tengboche and Dingboche are 3860 meters and 4,360 meters above sea level. Here acclimatization is very important. First, trekkers will go through the acclimatization process in Namche Bazaar. Second, it continues at Dingboche and allows you to adjust to the existing altitude.
Physical Preparation
Everest Base Camp is a moderately challenging trek. It means that trekkers need robust physical fitness to tackle the rugged and remote landscapes of the trail. Another important thing to consider is the long hike that needs to be operated daily. An average hike is around 6 to 7 hours, which requires a high fitness level. So trekkers must have physical strength, stamina, endurance, and energy for all these. They are recommended to have prior trekking experiences, exposure to altitude, altitude training, and many other physical exercises.
Booking and Permits
This is one of the most important parts while preparing for the Everest Base Camp Trek in October. Trekkers must choose a reputable trekking agency for booking the package. At Nepal Eco Adventure, we offer standard and customizable packages that meet the expectations of each trekker. Moreover, booking flights and logistic services should be done prior, or you might find getting them difficult. Since October falls under the peak trekking season, Autumn trekkers might be out of accommodation services as the crowd increases.
Besides, trekkers must obtain two trekking permits to embark on this journey. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit are crucial. Everest Base Camp lies in the protected land area of Sagarmatha National Park. It is a protected and restricted area designed to conserve wildlife species and plants. So to get through the region, trekkers must purchase this license. It costs NRs. 3000 per person. If you are a trekker from SAARC Nations, you can get it at NRs. 1000 per person, while Nepalese trekkers have the privilege of a price tag with only NRs. 100 per person.
Similarly, to obtain Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit, you must pay NRs. 2000 per person. Like Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, trekkers from SAARC Nations and Nepal have the cost of NRs. 1000 and NRs. 100 per person, respectively.
If you opt for trekking from Jiri to reach Lukla, then you must obtain Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit. It costs NRs. 2000 per person. You must submit credentials like passport-sized photos, copies of valid visas and passports, an online application form, and fees to obtain these permits. You can get these permits at Nepal Tourism Board in Kamaladi, Kathmandu. Monjo Checkpost at Everest Base Camp Trail is also an option to buy the Sagarmatha National Park Permit.
See more: Trekking Permits for Everest Base Camp Trek
Weather and Climate in October
If you are going out for Everest Base Camp Trek in October, you must acknowledge the facts about the weather and climate conditions of the month. As October is a peak time for trekking in Nepal, you can find a favorable environment aligned with your journey. It makes your trek more fruitful, giving you the time to enjoy the scenery and beauty of the base camp. But this does not mean that the weather is fully on your side. It is still unpredictable in the Everest Region, and the weather can change quickly. That’s why you must go through the weather forecast before you begin your trek.
If you see from the surface, the weather is pleasant with clear and blue skies. The rain and wind precipitation is relatively lower than in other seasons. This is because September marks the end of the monsoon season, and October follows it with minimal chance of rainfall in the Everest Region. The humidity is low, and fog and cloud accumulation are less likely. It allows trekkers to have a clear view of major landmarks like Khumbu Glacier, Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and many others.
Temperature in October at Everest Base Camp
October in Everest Base Camp Trek comes with a moderate temperature. The day times are relatively hotter than the nighttime. During noon, the average temperature is around 12°C, while the temperature significantly lowers to around -6°C at night. Besides, the wind velocity will be around 8-11 km/hr (roughly 5-7 mph). So it is recommended to trek during the day and rest at night. You also need proper preparation with your clothes and gear to tackle any upcoming obstacles during the trek.
Pros of Trekking in October
Favorable Weather: As discussed earlier, October brings one of Everest Base Camp Trek’s most favorable weather conditions. The monsoon ends one month before October, and the surroundings clear out, giving you the best shots of natural scenery. Clear skies, reduced rainfall, mild temperatures, and others are some positive aspects of the Everest Base Camp Trek in September.
Stunning Autumn Scenery: Autumn season has its taste and color in Nepalese soil, and when you embark on the Everest Base Camp Trek in October, you can have experiences with all these. The vibrant sceneries of the green forests in the trail with the stunning views of the snow-capped mountains in the north are breathtaking and are the best opportunity for photography geeks.
High Visibility: The rainfall rate is very minimal during October month. So it leads to low humidity in the Everest Region, making no way out for the creation of massive fog or clouds. This will allow trekkers to have the perfect scenery as the clear blue skies offer high visibility to the surroundings. The mystic mountains of the Mahalangur Mountain Range, Khumbu Glacier, and the lush green forest in the deep-down gorge and valleys are some of the awe-inspiring views of this trek.
Moderate Temperatures: As listed earlier, the temperature is neither too hot nor too cold in Everest Base Camp during October. The daytime also features a cool environment with not much sharp sun rays. However, it is still recommended to prepare for sunblock. Moreover, nighttime can be harsh, with temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius. So prepare well with your sleeping bag, pads, and warm clothes.
Festive Atmosphere: October in Nepal is a month of festivals. The major Hindu festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Chhat fall under this timeframe. Dashain, the celebration of the victory of Good over Evil, is the main festival in Nepal. Similarly, Tihar is the festival of lights, and animals and birds such as cows, dogs, and crows are worshipped during this occasion. It gives the trekking experience a vibrant opportunity to involve in Nepalese culture and tradition. Trekkers can participate in festivals, rituals, and other religious activities during their journey.
Cons of Trekking in October
High Altitude Crowds: October is a peak time to trek to Everest Base Camp, and you will find a relatively higher rate of trekkers during this time frame. If you analyze the trail’s history in October, you might find it one of the busiest months in the year after the Spring seasons (March to May). The trail is busy, making trekkers hard to navigate easily as they encounter trail congestion at the viewpoints. Locations like Kala Patthar are considerably busier than other destinations.
Limited Tea House Availability: Since October features a high crowd on the trail, it also brings back a drawback of limited availability of logistics. Trekkers may find very minimal access to the tea houses for accommodation or need to share their bedroom, bathroom, and other amenities with the group. So these aspects might be challenging for trekkers to cope with easily.
What to Pack for the Everest Base Camp Trek in October?
Without proper gear and equipment, you might find it challenging to embark on the Everest Base Camp Trek in October. Proper planning and packing of the essential items for this trek must be properly planned and packed. Trekkers should consider the trail condition, weather and climate, and altitude before they pack these items. Here are the lists of some important gear and items for the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Clothing and Gear
- Lightweight and breathable trekking shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts for sun and cold protection
- Fleece or insulated jacket for warmth
- Down jacket or heavily insulated jacket for colder temperatures at higher altitudes
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket
- Trekking pants (convertible to shorts if possible)
- Thermal base layers for cold mornings and nights
- Warm hat and gloves for cold temperatures
- Pair of sturdy hiking boots
- Comfortable/breathable hiking socks
Personal Items
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Sun hat and sunscreen for sun protection
- Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
- Lightweight, quick-drying towel
- Personal toiletries and medications
Gear And Equipment
- Trekking poles for stability and reducing strain on knees
- Warm sleeping bag suitable for freezing temperatures (rated for -10°C to -15°C)
- Daypack for carrying essentials during the trek
- Durable, waterproof backpack or duffel bag for porters to carry your gear
- Dry bags or plastic bags for organizing and protecting your belongings
- Trekking maps and guidebooks
- First Aid Kit and Safety measures
Miscellaneous:
- A valid passport and necessary permits
- Cash (Nepalese rupees) for expenses along the trek (tea houses, meals, etc.)
- Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
- Extra batteries or portable power banks for electronic devices
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit
Hiring Porters and Guides
Hiring porters and guides is one of the essential aspects of the Everest Base Camp Trek in October. And for your prior notice, guides are mandatory for trekking in any region within Nepal, so you should prepare well with your budgeting and other expenses.
Nepal Government and Nepal Tourism Board have made it compulsory to hire professional guides for assistance with trekking in Nepal. It mainly focuses on the safety of trekkers during their trek to remote destinations in Nepal. Hiring a guide can help you in several ways. First, they are hired to help you with navigation, so there is no chance of getting lost in the unknown trails of Everest Base Camp. Second, they support trekkers.
Everest Base Camp Trek is moderately challenging, so we cannot decide what happens next. So if anything emergency occurs, guides can help trekkers with basic medication and seek medical help as well. Third, guides can help trekkers communicate with the local people easily. It allows them to immerse culturally in the Sherpa Community and helps them learn more about their cultural significance and social structure. Hiring guides can cost you anywhere from $25 to $35. The experienced guides with extensive backgrounds can charge you up to $50 daily for the service.
Similarly, the role of porters during the Everest Base Camp Trek is to help you carry backpacks and other heavy loads. This will make you feel physically free and indulge in the beauty of the Everest Region. Most carry a significant weight of 25 to 35 kg, so you don’t have to worry about carrying backpacks and other belongings alone. You can hire porters for around $20 to $30, depending on their experience and the level of service they offer.
Challenges of Everest Base Camp Trek in October
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is the major concern during Everest Base Camp Trek in October. Since EBC sits at 17,598 feet (5,364m) above sea level, it poses great threats related to altitude, such as AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema), and HACE (High Altitude Celebral Edema). As we all know, high altitude features thin air, low oxygen levels, and less humidity, making the human body hard to cope making it difficult to breathe. So most of the time, trekkers suffer from altitude sickness due to these reasons.
To tackle altitude sickness, trekkers follow a special technique called Acclimatization. Generally, it is a process of gradually ascending to a higher altitude and then descending to a lower altitude for rest. It follows up with enough rest, hydration, and nutrition intake during the trek. Most of the trekkers also go through medication to stay out of its danger. They intake the prescribed volume of a medicine called ‘Diamox,’ which helps them to fight against altitude sickness and related illnesses.
Nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue, and difficulty breathing are major symptoms of altitude sickness. So better prepare with all you have before going to the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Physical Challenge
Everest Base Camp Trek is not a single-day hiking campaign. It comprises a multi-day hike, around 2 weeks on average. On top of that, trekkers should embark on more than 6 hours of hiking every day, which is physically challenging. It drains the energy for sure. So, trekkers must have physical fitness and maintenance to tackle any kind of physical challenge during the trek.
Remote Trails
Everest Base Camp lies in the Solukhumbu District of Nepal, and it features some of the most remote trails in Nepal. Most trails are remote and rugged, featuring landslides, geographical fluctuations of ups and downs, and rocky terrain. This is likelier to exhaust the human body, and after more than 6 hours of hiking, it is for sure that the real meaning of physical challenge comes in front of our eyes. Similarly, most of the trails are uphill, and the high altitude makes walking difficult.
You may also like:
● Major Attractions of Everest Base Camp Trek
● A Guide to Everest Base Camp Trek Accommodation
● Everest Base Camp Trek in June
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is October a good month to trek to Everest Base Camp?
October is a good month to trek to Everest Base Camp for sure. It falls under the peak trekking season in Nepal, Autumn (September to November).
What is the average temperature during October at Everest Base Camp?
The average temperature during October at Everest Base Camp Trek is around 12°C-16°C (53.6°F-60.8°F). The night times are cooler than the daytime, so the average temperature during the night times is around 2°C to -5°C (35.6°F-23°F).
Are there any festivals or special events in October that coincide with the trek?
October brings festive vibes to Nepal. Major festivals like Dashain and Tihar fall under this month, bringing a wide array of joy and happiness nationwide. During this month, Trekkers can delve into the Hindu religion and its significance in Nepalese society.
Is booking in advance for the Everest Base Camp Trek in October necessary?
October is a peak month for trekking to Everest Base Camp, so crowds are relatively higher in rate. It might bring issues in getting the proper logistics services, so it’s wise to book this trekking package.
Are there any altitude-related challenges during the Everest Base Camp Trek in October?
Altitude sickness is always a problem during Everest Base Camp Trek in October. Since this trek takes you to over 5000 meters above sea level, you might find it difficult to cope. So acclimatization is crucial. Thin air, depleted oxygen, cold temperatures, and exhaustion can lead to altitude sickness. So be prepared well.
Are tea houses and lodges open during October along the trekking route?
Tea houses and lodges around the EBC Trail are always open, so you don’t have to worry about logistics. Whether peak season or off-season, these accommodation facilities serve you best at any time.
What clothing and gear should I pack for the Everest Base Camp Trek in October?
Your clothing and gear should be weather and landscape friendly. When it comes to clothing, you must thermal warm and comfortable layers. Similarly, trekking poles, hiking boots, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, sunblocking creams, hats, gloves, and warm socks are essential for gear.
Can I trek to Everest Base Camp in October without a guide?
Solo trekking to Everest Base Camp was possible before. Still, since April 2023, Nepal Government and Nepal Tourism Board have made it mandatory to hire a professional guide for the trekking packages within the country. The main reason is to ensure trekkers’ safety during travel to remote destinations.
