Everest Base Camp is a dream destination for many trekkers and visitors around the world. A trek here is possible and doable throughout the year.
Like other trekking seasons, Everest Base Camp trek in July is also doable with the sturdy boots and raincoat. With the right preparation and determination, you can enjoy the full benefits that a trek to Everest Base Camp includes.
To help you with this, given below is everything you may need to know for your Everest Base Camp Trek in July.
Everest Base Camp Weather in July
July is the time of monsoon in Nepal. Monsoon in Nepal is quite different, it seldom rains the whole day. Most of the rainfall occurs in the evening and at night.
Thunder and lightning are also frequent before and during the rainfall. You may also encounter some hail storms.
However, the higher you go, the lesser the rainfall. Places over 4000m altitude will have very little rain. For Everest Base Camp trek, these are areas above Dingboche. Yet at these altitudes, you may get snowfall.
The days are long with average sunshine hours at 6-7 hours per day in the higher regions. The average wind speed is around 16 km/hr.
The average temperatures at 2000m are around 20-30 ℃. The average temperature at the Base Camp is not extreme. It is warm during the days. Hence, you can enjoy your trek in warm days without the harsh cold.
The average daytime temperatures at the Base Camp is around 10-15 ℃. During the nights, the average temperatures can drop to 2 ℃.
Hence, a 0 ℃ sleeping bag will be enough for July. Make sure to bring a sleeping bag liner. It helps to prevent humidity in the lower regions of the trek. If you are cold, you can ask for a blanket in the lodges.
Avoid camping in July. The conditions of the trails are not ideal for it. The trails are muddy and slippery, there is the constant chance of rainfall and snowfall along with the infestations of insects.
Difficulties of Everest Base Camp Trek in July
Heavy Rainfall and High Humidity
The rainfall on the trails is not continuous during the day. Due to this, the trekking trails become muddy and slippery. Coming prepared with the right attitude and gear is the way to overcome these.
A good pair of hiking boots with ankle support and good traction on the soles are great. These provide the right support and helps to prevent falls and ankle strain.
Trekking poles are a must in July. These provide support on the slippery slopes, stairs, and trails along the way. Also, bring rain gear along with light clothes to prevent humidity and getting wet.
And, always start your trek early. Most of the rainfall in the monsoon of Nepal occur during the late afternoons and night time. This way, you avoid the worst of it.
Infestation of Leech, Mosquitoes, and Other Insects
Due to the hot and rainy weather, insects like mosquitoes fly along with leech increase in number. You may have attacks of leech and mosquitoes on the lower region of the trails. As you climb higher, the bugs along with the rainfall will decrease.
To prevent insect, carry a strong insect repellent. These can be sprays or creams. For leech, you can carry salt which helps to get rid of them.
If you don’t want to kill them, wear long trousers and shirts, and gaiters. Else, make sure to not expose your skin.
Obstructed View of the Mountains
The views en route do not remain blocked for the entire trip. You may have to wait a bit longer for them to clear.
It can be frustrating if you are not mentally prepared for it. The clouds have their own appeal to them at times. They make for interesting shapes.
Flight Delays and Roadblocks
The weather conditions of July make these conditions possible. You may encounter single or many delays, blocks, cancellations on your trip in July.
Be prepared with flexible itineraries, travel days and lots of entertainment on the way. Some great choices for entertainment are music, movies, books, card games, board games.
Alternatives to Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Three High Pass Trek
For those looking for more challenge on your trek, this is a great alternative in the Everest Region. You pass through 3 high altitude passes on this trek– Renjo La (5,465m), Cho La (5,420m) and Kongma (5,535m).
Along with the increase in duration, you need to have high stamina and determination to complete this trek. You pass through several awesome locations including freshwater lakes, glaciers, and ancient valleys.
This trek encompasses other popular trails of Everest region like Gokyo Valley Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, and Thame Valley Trek.
Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
For those who are short on time for treks to Everest Base Camp in July, this trek is a great alternative. You can reach Everest Base Camp by trek and return within a day to Kathmandu.
You will enjoy all the adventure and thrill of trekking to Everest Base in a short time. It is perfect for trekking enthusiasts and adventure lovers.
Everest Panorama Trek
If you decide a trek to Everest Base Camp is too long and challenging for you in July, this trek can be for you. It is a shorter and easier alternative.
You will avoid high altitudes of the Base Camp trek yet get the experience of a trek in the Everest Region. You can also enjoy the beauty and diversity of the landscape and culture of the Everest region on this trek.
On clear days, you can also enjoy the magnificent views of some of the highest mountain peaks in the world. You can watch Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Thamserku among others.
You will also spend time in the beautiful and quaint villages of the legendary Sherpas like Khumjung and Namche Bazaar.
Advantages of Everest Base Camp Trek in July
Given below are some reasons to be hopeful for Everest Base Camp trek in July.
Fewer People
July is offseasons for treks anywhere in Nepal. Hence, you will be able to enjoy the peace and tranquil atmosphere of the trails.
You will have all the nature, tea houses to yourself. For individuals who prefer a peaceful trekking experience, July definitely has that for you.
Breathtaking Nature
The hills, valleys, and dense forests around the trails will be at their best. The lustrous greenery of the regions along with beautiful blossoms of the local fauna will add to the beauty of your trek.
In the lower regions, you can see the farm life. The local farmers favor the monsoon season. You may also enjoy the occasional clear and dry days. Most of the rain occurred in the evening and at night. So, you may get the surprisingly clear and spectacular views of the mountain peaks.
You may also get the occasional views of the colorful rainbows over the hills and mountains.
Off-Season Discounts
July is off season, hence you can enjoy the perks of off-season discounts. There are many tours and treks agencies that offer great deals on tour and trek packages. These include discounts on your flight rates, accommodations.
These also include discounts on the per night rate of tea houses and lodges on the trails. Some may not give discounts but instead can offer some complimentary services. These can be a hot shower bucket, charging electronics, wifi, among others.
You will also get your choice of rooms and tea houses at ease. You may not have to book in advance. You can also enjoy the special attention from the lodge and tea house operators.
Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek in July
Weather Report
Remain updated on the weather conditions of the trails. During July, the weather can be quite unpredictable at times.
There are also chances of flight delays, road and trail blocks due to landslides, mudslides, avalanches. So, it is wise to keep yourself updated with the latest weather report.
Flexible Schedules and Itinerary
Due to the unstable weather conditions, it is a good idea to have some extra days.
This way, you will not need to rush your trek or cram up everything at last. This also helps overcome the chances of frustration of delays and cancellations.
You will also have the choice of waiting for a more clear and dry day to get your views.
Packing List
For Everest Base Camp trek, you have to pack all the essentials for a high altitude trek.
For July, you can make some modifications to your packing list. Some ideas for this are:
Sun Protection: During the days, the sun can be scorching. So, make sure you carry the right gear to prevent sunburn, dizziness, dehydration. This can include wide-brimmed sun hat, sunscreen lotion, UV protection sunglasses, water bottle.
Rain Protection: July is monsoon and you will face some to constant rainfall during your trek. Hence, carry almost everything in breathable, waterproof fabric. This includes raincoat, trousers, boots, and backpack.
Also, carry dry bags to separate your wet clothes from dry ones. Else they can end up stinking the whole contents of your bag. Sleeping bag with liners helps to prevent humidity in the lower altitudes and helps you remain warm in the higher altitudes.
Water purifying tablets, gels or Steri-pen: The chances of water contamination is higher in July. Make sure you carry these to prevent any chances of water contamination.
Hiring a Guide or Porter
For Everest Base Camp Trek in July, it is important to hire a porter or a guide. Most of the trails in the Everest Region see little to no other trekkers. These also get blocked.
The marked trails also get washed away due to landslides, mudslides, and heavy rain. The trek can be tricky. All these increases the chances of getting lost. So, a licensed, professional guide can help you.
A porter can help you in reducing your load. During winter, you may need to carry more clothes, supplies than the regular season. You also need to focus more on the trails when you walk.
Hence, having a porter eases your burden which leaves you free to focus on the trails and enjoy your trek. They can help you interact with the locals as well. These help you get to know the local culture and lifestyle better.
They can also get the latest updates directly from the locals who use the trails on an everyday basis. Besides the weather updates, they can provide updates on the availability of tea houses, lodges along the way.
Final Say,
There are some challenges for your Everest Base Camp trek in July. Yet, with proper gears, clothing, and planning, it can a fun and adventurous trip.
The trek experience is unique in July with uncertain weather, conditions of trails and so on. For any further queries or questions, you may have of this trek, feel free to contact us.
You can also contact us for any custom itinerary of any trek and tour in Nepal.
