Everest Base Camp Trek in October

The Everest base camp trek is one of the most popular treks among trekkers worldwide. Nepal is an excellent destination for anyone who wishes to live the best moments surrounded by the mountains. The beautiful scenery of the Everest base camp is not only limited to mountains but also the exciting and equally unique lifestyle of people living in the Khumbu region. There are many aspects of the Everest base camp trek in October that you won’t find on any other trek.

Likewise, the trek is one of the most challenging treks you can do in Nepal or anywhere else in the world. One of the major attractions of the Everest base camp trek is Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. However, you will also see other massive mountain peaks at the Everest base camp.

At 5364 meters above sea level, you will need good physical training and physique to complete the Everest base camp trek in October. Mental preparation during the trek is just as crucial for trekkers aiming high. The Everest base camp trek in October is deemed the most favorable. This is also a reason why many people tend to visit trekking destinations a lot during fall.

Trekkers also get the opportunity to come closer to the Sherpa culture, one of the most distinct yet familiar cultures among people living around the Everest base camp, making their trek all the more special and memorable.

If you want to know more about the Everest base camp trek in October and why you should go there in October, read until the end of this article!

Why is October the best time to visit the Everest base camp?

Trekkers are curious when the best time to go on a trek is as tricky and significant as the Everest base camp trek. Given the experiences of those who have visited the mountain trek destination, October is possibly the best time of the year for the trek to the base camp. Some of the reasons as to why it is so are:

Perfect weather during fall

When visiting a relatively cold area, it is not always possible to expect favorable weather. Winters and summers are both two extreme seasons where visitors are sure to face difficulties in their journey. Instead, when you visit the Everest base camp trek in October, you will get the most transparent view of the landscapes and the mountains and track in weather that is neither warm nor cold. Additionally, there is no chance for anyone to face the rainfall problem.

Rainfall during October has the least likelihood of occurrence since rainfall in Nepal usually stops by the end of September. October is not as cold as other fall months, like November and December, because it is just about the start of winter. The month is not as hot and humid either. The air is clean during fall, while the weather is moderate and most suitable for trekkers.

Since fall is not as cold or hot, choosing the right clothes won’t be a challenge either. You can wear lightweight clothes which are neither too heavy nor too light. Trekking can be challenging because of the heat, as the Everest base camp is very close to the sun. Heat adds difficulty to the already tiresome nature of the trek.

Similarly, winter treks can be just as challenging because of the extreme cold. During peak winter, trekkers suffer from altitude sickness, respiratory problems, and even frostbite. But neither is the case during October. Whether you trek to the base camp at the start or the end of the month, you will be at ease compared to going during any other month.

Comfortable temperature for trekking

The temperature of the Everest base camp area may fall below the moderate temperature, causing difficulty among trekkers. When the temperature goes below -5 degrees Celsius, trekkers won’t be able to make it up to the elevation of the base camp. Challenges in breathing and lack of good roads along the way make it impossible for trekkers to reach the destination as they wish.

Further, if the temperature goes above 16 degrees Celsius, you will suffer from just as much difficulty because of excessive heat and respiratory issues. Nausea and vomiting during summer are just as common among trekkers as they cannot reasonably accommodate their bodies to extreme weather conditions. Physically forcing oneself to trek during extreme weather conditions is avoidable during fall, precisely October.

Festivities

Nepal is rich in festivities. Henceforth, when you visit the Everest base camp trek in October, you will be able to witness the joy of some festivals like Dashain and Tihar. These festivals are shared among the Hindu community in the country. Many Hindu residents live around the base camp area as well. You will see colorful kites in the ever-blue sky, with people in bright and colorful clothes. The month is truly a sight to explore for trekkers.

The festivals are followed by another Sherpa festival called Mani Rimdu. Tengboche and its people are of great significance to this festival. The people gather around the Tengboche monastery, feed on delicious feasts, and pray to the lord during the festival. Similarly, Dashain and Tihar can be enjoyable for trekkers outside Nepal, even in the Khumbu region’s non-rural area. You truly get the best of both worlds regarding festivities during October while on the Everest base camp trek.

Moderate crowd

The crowd in Everest base camp is moderate in October. Many trekkers with expertise and zeal for trekking aspire to trek to the Everest base camp during winter as a part of their winter expedition. Likewise, many tend to go to the base camp during the April season, which is also spring. October, along with being the most favorable month, sees a moderate amount of trekkers.

The crowd suits those anxious about being the only trekkers in the area during the visit. Additionally, the month is perfect for you if you don’t have expertise in mountaineering and trekking and still want to trek to the base camp. While trekkers can go to the EBC during April, they won’t be able to come through as many crowds. Though not crowded, October can be said to be moderately crowded.

Interaction with trekking communities

Going on the Everest base camp trek in October means you can also interact with other trekking communities. During this time, trekkers get a chance to meet both professionals and beginners. Bonding with people with similar passions can be a refreshing experience. You will also build connections that benefit you when you go on another trekking trip at a different time, possibly to the same destination.

Trekking communities and their interactions with one another help foster trekking activities and build good relationships among people with similar interests. Trekkers can also find company during October, as there is no way you will be the only trekking individual or a group aiming for the elevation of the Everest base camp.

A pristine view of the mountains and landscapes

The Everest base camp trek in October gives visitors the most exquisite view of the mountains and the landscapes. Since the weather is clear, dark clouds will not disturb your sight. The sky is usually very blue during the days of October. And the mountains are also in their best state.

You can witness the snow on the mountain tops, though it is not as cold as snowy in the base camp area. The green landscapes you see along the way of the trek are also in their best state. This guarantees the pristine view of the Everest base camp area. Moreover, October is also a harvest month, so seeing harvesting lands can be a great view.

Flourishing flora and fauna

Flora and fauna are essential and delightful aspects of the Everest base camp trek in October. You can go to the Sagarmatha National Park, where there is an excellent range of fauna and wildlife. These animals and birds play a significant role in promoting the beauty of the base camp area. October is favorable for wildlife as it is neither hot nor cold. Since the weather is suitable for almost all creatures, you won’t miss out on much.

Similarly, there are just as many floral aspects to cherish, especially the national flower of Nepal, the Rhododendron. Rhododendrons bloom the best and most beautifully during October. Seeing the flowers amidst the blue sky and the glaciated mountains is no less than what one might deem heavenly. The forests are just as green and lush, and many oak trees heighten the scenic view of the destination.

Farmers also grow crops like millet and paddy. Since the harvesting season is in October, you will see the harvest’s beauty in the base camp’s mountainous region.

There is less likelihood of an avalanche. When there is too much snow in the mountains, especially during the winter or hotter seasons when glaciers melt, avalanches are highly likely. Avalanches tend to hurt and even, unfortunately, kill trekkers in the Everest base camp area sometimes. October is neither too hot nor too cold. Hence, the snow and glaciers are still on the mountaintops, decreasing the chances of avalanches as well.

Effortlessness in finding food and accommodation

The Everest base camp trek in October is the most popular month for trekking in the Everest base camp area for many reasons, including the effortlessness of finding food and accommodation. You will easily find food in teahouses that sell hot beverages and energy-giving meals. You will be able to find a place to stay in these teahouses itself. Plenty of guesthouses and smaller hotels are open and crowded during October.

Since the accommodation in the Everest base camp trek in October usually closes during harsher months, this was never an issue in October. You will find the most accommodations and many hearty meals in almost every other teahouse during the month.

What are the challenges of trekking to the Everest base camp trek in October?

There are always some cons that follow pros when it comes to trekking. Trekking is not the most convenient activity, even for the most trained individuals. But there are never challenges big enough not to be overcome. Trekkers must take good care of themselves and take necessary precautions throughout the trek. The following challenges need to be kept in mind during your Everest base camp trek:

Peaking costs

October sees lots of trekkers. Hence, this makes it the most in-demand month among any other month of the year. When there is a high demand, it is evident that the costs of everything will also be just as high. With the convenience of the weather and almost every other factor, you may have to pay higher than you would if you go for the same trek in a different month.

The peak cost usually does not fit the budget of trekkers who are new to trekking or have not raised enough funds. Though it is not as challenging to generate adequate funding for one’s trek, the higher cost often proves to be a disadvantage for many trekkers.

Everest base camp trek in October: accommodation, food, guides, and permit fees. The price of everything has the possibility of peekkkers’ prior notice.

Altitude sickness

While trekkers face a higher chance of suffering from altitude sickness during extreme heat or cold, there is a chance that they will suffer from altitude sickness because of the immediate change in altitude. Your journey to the Everest base camp trek in October will start from Kathmandu Valley, at a much lower elevation.

This means you will exceed elevation without getting much time for acclimatization, as you will most likely be traveling on a flight to Lukla. While October makes your trekking journey faster, there is less chance of acclimatizing correctly, and it adequately increases your chance of altitude sickness.

Inconvenient trekking route

The trekking route during October may seem favorable due to the lesser muddy trails, but this can often become a misconception among the trekkers. Many trekkers go for the Everest base camp trek without much preparation. This means you must remain prepared despite less snowfall and rainfall during October.

The trail to Everest base camp trek in October is not for everyone. The rocky trails can also be muddy during seasons that are least expected. Lack of preparation during October has caused inconvenience regarding the trekking route among trekkers.

Crowded trails

When there aren’t many crowds during the Everest base camp trek in October, trekkers usually have it easy. But it can be quite the opposite in October. Fall is the most favorable season, which is why many trekkers visit. The visitors often crowd the trails, leading to difficulty and even delays in reaching the destination and returning from there.

Crowded trails are not for everyone, and every other trekker is not trained to move among a big crowd on a rural and risky trail like that in the Everest base camp trek in October. Harsh seasons are unfavorable, and October calls for a heavy crowd, meaning you will face difficulty in trails either way.

Lack of proper accommodation

Since a large crowd of trekkers is approaching the destination in October, there is often a problem of lack of proper accommodation. Trekkers can make earlier bookings in many teahouses. However, the rural nature of the Everest base camp trek in October makes it impossible to make a prior booking. If you are late, you may sleep outside beneath the stars, which is less convenient than sleeping in a teahouse.

The tea houses are usually packed in October. Many agencies tend to facilitate their customers with earlier bookings of teahouses; hence, even the places you will find empty are not quite literally meaningless. Lack of accommodation also means you won’t get the facilities you might seek on a trekking journey.

Though teahouses don’t have the most modern amenities, you can still access food, a warm place to sleep, and a good toilet. But, in the absence of such accommodation, you will suffer from lacking these essential factors.

How do you overcome the challenges of trekking to the Everest base camp trek in October?

As much as there are challenges of trekking to the Everest base camp trek in October, there are just as many solutions to these challenges. Some of the tips you can follow to enjoy your trek by overcoming all the odds that come your way are as follows:

Booking accommodations in advance for your Everest base camp trek in October

Before you start your journey as a trekker, you have to wisely think about how you can be at ease throughout your time at the base camp. For this, you have to book accommodations in advance. Making bookings for tea houses and hotels will allow you to be content about the trek and leave you stress-free about where to stay one night and the other. Booking an excellent place to stay also means that you don’t have to worry about going on the trek to what is otherwise considered the busiest time of the year in October, the Everest base camp trek.

Acclimatize and don’t rush. Rushing during your trek will only lead you to face more difficulty. While beginners think going fast means lessening trekking time, it is not even close to reality. When you rush, you get less time to acclimatize. Also, the Everest base camp is entirely different from the altitude of the lower hills, i.e., Kathmandu Valley. So, even if you have trekked inside the valley, you should be careful about how you walk when you are at the base camp. Acclimatization usually takes a whole day or even two.

But it would help if you were keen on remaining acclimatized at all costs. When you heighten the speed of your Everest base camp trek in October, you will likely suffer from altitude sickness and respiratory issues. Likewise, while you may have the chance of altitude sickness even with proper acclimatization, given you are not used to high altitudes, the likelihood lessens immensely.

Look for a reliable trekking agency.

More often than not, when you rely on a trekking agency without much research, you are probably in for some trouble and a lot of hassle. Do not hassle. Make a list of all the things you expect from your trekking agency. Customizing needs and expectations is entirely okay since you will pay the fees for their service and spend time and effort on your trek. If anything, the purpose of a trekking agency is to provide ease and success to their clients.

There are many trekking agencies that you can easily find through field research and simply by browsing the internet. Many trekkers also make the mistake of overlooking the terms and conditions. When signing a contract or terms and conditions sheet with a trekking agency, thoroughly read everything before confirming. A small amount of negligence often leads to more significant problems for your Everest base camp trek in October.

Remain hydrated throughout the  Everest base camp trek in October.

Trekkers should never leave out a spacious water bottle for the Everest base camp trek in October. Hydration is one of the most important aspects of a trek that keeps the trekkers energized and active. Without water, you cannot even cover a small aspect of your trek. Though it is impossible to carry multiple water bottles at once, you should at least have one that can take 3 to 4 liters of water.

Moving water purifying tablets can save time and be appropriate for trekkers. You can find water on the way, but one can never be sure of the source of the water. Hence, the water purifier will always be helpful for trekkers visiting rural places. It is just as advisable for each trekker in a trekking group to carry their bottles and share water during a challenging and long trek might not be the wisest choice.

Wear lightweight thermal clothes.

As a beginner, deciding what clothes to wear on your Everest base camp trek in October is strenuous. Trekkers must wear warm thermal garments that are neither too heavy nor too light. Wearing clothes with thinner fabric during October might not be suitable, as it is mildly cold in the upper altitude areas. But, when you wear many layers of clothes, you will feel hot and heavy.

The Everest base camp trek in October is a month of neither too much heat nor too much cold. Hence, it would help if you opted for something lightweight yet warm, and there is no better choice of fabric than thermals when you are on a trek to colder regions and a mildly cold month.

Do not carry too much in your bag.

You don’t have a lot of things to take in your suitcase when you do the Everest base camp trek in October. Carry only what you need. This means that trekkers can come up with a list of things they will need during the trek, and carrying more than necessary means that your shoulders and back will be in immense pain and discomfort throughout the journey.

There is only so much that a porter can carry during the October Everest base camp trek. Hiring more than one porter would be unnecessary and lead to over-the-budget expenditures.

Carry everything in your essentials list.

As much as it is essential not to overburden yourself with unnecessary stuff during the trek, it is just as necessary to carry some essentials like sunscreen, moisturizer, a hat, extra thermal jackets and clothes, socks, a solid pair of shoes, undergarments, a water bottle, light snacks, medications, a trekking pole, and sometimes even oxygen cylinders.

Not carrying essentials can be more risky than having more than you need. However, it is essential to avoid both situations by only taking the things you will need throughout your journey. For this, you can research the past treks of some other trekkers to the same destination while also consulting with experts or even your trekking agency about all the things you will or won’t need.

Train by trekking to more accessible and closer locations. Trekkers can always find ease by training for their final destination. Going on treks to locations that are closer and easier to accomplish than the Everest base camp trek in October is a great way to kick-start the rest of your journey. Many places around Kathmandu and Pokhara can be explored before starting a trek to Everest base camp. Not having adequate experience and knowledge can lead to dangerous consequences.

Training does not only include trekking; you must prepare the right clothes and shoes. Traveling to a different yet easier location has many pros, and one must know to consider them all.

Physical exercises

There are different ways to make your body active and fit enough to go on the Everest base camp trek in October. A body that has not been habituated to circumstances of a higher altitude cannot make it through the trek. Physical exercises do not have to include intensive gym routines. Trekkers can do other activities like swimming, cycling, running, jogging, and dancing. Aerobics is one of the best choices when training one’s body for trekking.

Buy equipment from Kathmandu. Kathmandu has some of the cheapest trekking gear. You will not find the same price for the same products anywhere, whether inside Nepal or outside the country. Additionally, you must pay more if you buy equipment, gear, and clothes from around the Everest base camp trek in October.

And sometimes, this may lead to exceeding your budget, which you must remember to avoid. Buying only what is essential to purchase an essay and knowing well to buy it only from the right places at the right time is critical.

Aoes and socks.

Trekkers are not advised to wear new trekking boots. You have to break into the latest shoes by going on treks and hiking before the actual trek to locations that are easier to cover. You can also wear boots when you go running. One of the main reasons why you should avoid tight shoes and socks is that your feet will feel congested and discomforted.

Wearing something older or looser, if not older, is highly suggested. This also does not mean that you wear something that has the likelihood of falling apart by the time you complete your Everest base camp trek in October.

Eat enough meals whenever you get the chance to

There aren’t a lot of stops when you are on the Everest base camp trek in October. For a person to complete a challenging trekking journey, food plays a significant role in fueling his body. The more you eat, the better. It is, however, essential to remember that overeating can also be damaging over time, as there is a big chance that a trekker may suffer from nausea.

Otherwise, you can eat meals in adequate quantities and feel energized throughout the journey. You will get time to enjoy meals now and then throughout the day; hence, don’t skip any meals.

Carry cash instead of cards and cheques. While it is easy for trekkers to find ATMs and cheque acceptance in urban areas like Kathmandu and Pokhara, it is impossible to find such places when you cross Lukla. Even in Namche Bazaar, you won’t find any place to facilitate trekkers with a card payment service. Cash is all you have to rely on. Keep the monetary possessions as safe as possible, and carry your money alone. It is also just as helpful for trekkers to have extra cash.

Don’t worry about spending extra days for trekking.

Many trekkers desire to finish the trek within the time fixed by their trekking agency or themselves. One need not worry about spending too much time trekking. You can stretch the days without overthinking if it concerns your safety or convenience. The Everest base camp trek in October is no joke. Not everyone can do so; if you are, you must take precautions properly. Spending more days or even a week or two more is suggested for convenience and necessity.

Permits

You will require the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card to go on the trek successfully. You cannot carelessly go on the trek; if your trekking agency is not responsible for providing you with proper permits even after inquiries, you might want to change the agency overall. Before starting the journey, ensure you have all the necessary licenses and tickets.

Carry guidebooks and maps.

Trekkers should always carry guidebooks and maps on their journey to Everest base camp. The Everest base camp trek in October is not the easiest to accomplish. Plus, you don’t know the trails unless you have been there multiple times. Depending on a guide is one thing, but that is not enough for a trekker.

You have to be responsible for the trails you take on your own. And there is nothing as trustworthy and reliable as a good guidebook or a roadmap. Not only one but many roads and trails must be taken to reach a destination. Therefore, not carrying a guidebook or a map will lead to much hassle.

Emergency contacts

One should always have emergency contacts in one’s notebook before starting the trek. Emergency contacts refer to people you can call if any issue arises during your trek. The emergency contacts are usually the authorities of the trekking zone, your trekking agency, professionals who have guided you for your trek, and lastly, close friends and other fellow trekkers who you can depend on during your journey. Not having emergency contact numbers can leave you stranded in many cases. And this is the last thing you would want to go through in an arduous trek path.

Books, cameras, and journals

You go on a trek to Everest base camp trek in October to live the moment and capture those moments so that you can live through those memoirs. Hence, it would help if you carried a camera and journal to record and capture whatever happens throughout your journey.

This is also a great way to keep a record of something that may be legendary for yourself and for others in the future. Further, taking along a book is also necessary, so you should read it while acclimatizing or taking a rest day. Taking along three of these things will help you kill time and boredom. And neither of these materials is all that big of a hassle or heavy to take around.

Travel Insurance

However, you must still register for travel insurance for an Everest base camp trek in October. Trekkers cannot be confident about when they may need extra money or evacuation when they are rooting to go high in one of the tallest elevation treks. Travel insurance keeps you secure mentally as well.

Suppose something unforeseen happens to a trekker during his journey. In that case, he cannot cover the losses or the necessary measures if he does not have travel insurance ready. But so is never the issue when a trekker has travel insurance prepared for him during and even after the trek.

Conclusion

The Everest base camp trek in October is not for everyone. But this statement is only as far as the myth goes. Choosing the correct month is not close to being a concern for trekkers, as October, without question, is the best month to make the trek to Everest base camp.

However, the points above regarding the best features, challenges, and tips to overcome them will work best for anyone willing to go on the trek. You are good to go when you are wise about your decisions before you start your trek and follow all the precautions—that is, even if you are a beginner.