Everest Base Camp Packing List for October and November

The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most popular treks in the world. Every year thousands of trekkers fly to Lukla for Everest Base Camp trek. October and November are among the most favorable time to trek in Nepal. The weather during this time is almost perfect for trekking, with blue sky, clear visibility and mild temperature.

Good packing and preparation help in making a successful trek. Everest Base Camp packing list for October and November should be quite similar. Both are autumn months but November is slightly on the colder side.

You need to pack all the necessary items and gears that you will need during the trek that could go on for about two weeks. Packing right will determine a lot in making your trekking experience pleasant and smooth.

One of the best rules to follow for Everest Base Camp trek is pack light and pack wise.

Everest Base Camp Packing List for October and November

The weather during October and November in Everest Base Camp area is generally moderate. These months have perfect temperatures as compared to other time of the year. The lower elevation is warm and the daytime temperatures are most pleasant for hiking on higher altitude as well.

The weather can change as you ascend or descend. You will be trekking from 2800 meter in Lukla to 5554 meter in Kala Patthar. You will notice the temperatures vary from lower to a higher altitude.

For the first few days on the trek, the temperature can be moderate in the daytime. But as you proceed further from Namche Bazaar the mornings and nights can get pretty cold. So, it is best to prepare yourself well for any kind of weather or temperature.

Clothing

Wearing the right clothes can either make or break your trekking experience. For that, it is important to pack clothes according to the season.

Although October and November have pleasant weather, the temperature varies from day to night and from lower to higher altitude.

Hence dressing in layers is the best way to go. This way you can take off or put on clothes according to the weather and your body can regulate the temperature and adjust as needed.

Pick clothes that you can just zip on and off as the temperature changes.

While purchasing trekking outfits be sure to choose a good material. You may have to compromise with unknown local brands while shopping in Kathmandu, so be careful and check the stitching and sturdiness of the gear.

Base layer

A base layer is the first layer of clothing. It is important to put this on at the high elevation of the trek. This provides extra insulation.

At higher altitude, the sun rays can be harsh which can burn your skin. So, this will protect your skin from sunburn.

And since washing is not easy while trekking it is okay to pack enough inner-wear that will last for your entire trekking. It includes

• Long sleeve t-shirts
• Short sleeve t-shirts
• Bra
• Undergarments

Middle layer

The Middle layer is for higher altitudes when the weather gets very cold. In the Everest region even on the warmest days the mornings and nights can be cold.

And especially towards the end of November with winter season just around the corner. The weather can be pretty cold at higher altitudes.

Clothing such as a good insulating jacket is perfect for trekking as they are light and provide great warmth. You can also carry shorts or convertible trekking trousers.

Some of the middle layers are.

• Fleece jacket
• Insulating jacket
• Fleece Pant
• Trekking trouser

Third layer

The third layer is the outer layer. As you ascend the weather can be unpredictable and it can snow at any elevation.

This outer layer protects against the rain, snow, and wind.

• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trouser

Head and hand-wear

Everest Base Camp trek in October and November have both the warm temperature at the lower altitude and the cold temperature at higher altitude.

A good head-wear and neck covers at lower altitude will protect your face and neck from sunburn. The morning and evening can get really cold. So during this time, you can use warm fleece beanie.

As you ascend further at higher altitude there are strong UV rays from the sun. Thus having a good pair of UV protecting sunglasses is important.

Also, the headlight is useful while walking around tea houses at night. Some teahouses have poor lighting facility.

As for hand-wear, lightweight inner gloves made of fleece material are the best. You can also take waterproof gloves for the outer glove. Some gears that you should not forget during Everest Base camp Trek are:

• Trekking hat
• Beanie or headband
• Sunglasses
• Headlight
• Inner gloves
• Outer gloves

Footwear

Having a good pair of a hiking boot is a necessity. The ideal footwear is mid to high cut hiking boots because this will provide ankle support and protect your feet.

Not having good boots can result with blisters on your feet which you may want to avoid experiencing on such adventurous trek to Everest Base Camp.

During October and November, the chances of rain are less. However, it is good to have waterproof boots for Everest Base Camp trek as it can snow at higher elevations.

Hiking socks are also necessary as they allow your feet to breathe. Opt for thermal socks as they have good cushioning and will keep you warm. Consider taking gaiters that extend up to your calves. They serve great to prevent your feet from water, insects, mud, stones, snow etc.

Carry flip-flop to wear while you are in tea houses. It includes:

• Hiking boot
• Thermal socks
• Gaiters
• Flip-flop

Trekking Gear

For trekking to the mountains, you need to have a high-quality duffel bag of waterproof material. This will save your things from getting wet. The bag must be easy to use with shoulder straps and strong zippers.

You also need a backpack or day-pack where you can keep all the necessary essentials with you. While the porter can carry the duffel bag.

In Day-pack you can put essentials like snacks, sunscreen, camera, water etc. It includes:

• Duffel bag
• Day-pack
• Day-pack cover
• Trekking Poles
• Water bottles
• Headlamps

Sleeping Accessories

For Everest Base Camp trek, carrying sleeping bag is very important. Because, the night time temperature during October and November can range from -6 to – 12 degree Celsius (10 to 21° F).

You must have a sleeping bag rated to at least minus 12 ° C (10 degrees Fahrenheit). Sleeping bag liner is useful to provide extra insulation inside the sleeping bag. The pillow covers in the tea houses might not always be clean. So, if you want you can carry your own pillowcase. Do not forget to pack following:

• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping bag liner
• Pillowcase

Personal Hygiene/ Toiletries

The mornings and night at a higher elevation during October and November can be cold. Hence, you will not be able to take bath as often as you like.

Taking baby wipes and sanitizers will help you to stay relatively clean. Not to forget the basic toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste and toilet paper etc.

During the daytime, the sun can be bright so do not forget to use sunscreens.

• Trekking towel
• Baby wipes
• Hand Sanitizer
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Sanitary Pads
• Hairbrush
• Vaseline (Petroleum jelly)

Medication

It is always good to pack a first aid kit to be on the safe side. Why take the risk of diarrhea, headaches, and body ache during the trek.

Also, during the trek make sure you purify the water you take. You can use iodine tablet to purify your water.

• Ibuprofen
• Medical tape (for blisters)
• Diamox (for altitude sickness)
• Antibiotics in case of diarrhea
• Water purification tablets

Electronics

Trekking Everest Base Camp in October and November gives best views of the mountains with great clarity. Some of the best pictures are undoubtedly taken during these months. Hence, do not forget to carry your camera along.

Also, take spare batteries and memory cards and other essentials such as tripods. To charge your camera or phone in tea houses, you need to pay a couple of dollars.

Also, considering the electrical situation in Nepal,  taking a power bank with a huge charging capacity. You can pack

• Camera
• Spare batteries
• Spare memory cards
• Mobile phones
• High capacity power banks
• Chargers and adapters

Miscellaneous

Do not forget to carry your passport wherever you go. Also, while trekking to higher altitudes and off route areas always take enough cash.

There are ATMs in Namche Bazaar but you can’t always count on them to work. Carrying enough cash will save you from having to compromise on various facilities that you can enjoy by paying a little extra.

Lastly trekking at any region in Nepal requires permits. Hence get the necessary permits before taking the Everest Base Camp trek.

• Passport
• Trekking permits
• Money
• Pen and journal – to account the details and experiences of the trek
• Binoculars

Some useful tips while packing for Everest Base Camp trek

• Know your weight limits. The weight limit for your main luggage is 10kg per person. For the hand luggage, it is between 6-8 kg per person. Thus, your weight should not exceed 20 kg per person.

• The packing lists are guidelines for your reference. Everything is optional and you can choose according to your preference.

• Leave all the valuables such as jewelry at home.

• Always packs your clothes in waterproof plastic bags.

• Carry the necessary essentials such as snacks, water and camera etc in your day pack.

• Carry spare batteries as cold temperatures at higher altitudes shorten their life.

• Dress in layers.

Conclusion

Trekking to the Base Camp of the highest peak in the world definitely sounds challenging and thrilling. Everest Base Camp trek in October and November are the best.

With smart packing, the route is achievable with relatively lesser effort. Hence with the right equipment, the trek will without a doubt be a lifetime experience.

If you have any questions or queries, please feel free to contact us. It is our pleasure to guide and assist you.

Madhav Prasad

Madhav started working as a porter in 2001 and then moved on to work as a trekking guide. After working in the trekking and tourism industry for eight years, he co-founded Mosaic Adventure in 2009.

Madhav has trekked to most of the trekking destinations in Nepal, including Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Poon Hill Trek, Jomsom Muktinath Trek, Indigenous Peoples Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and all of the day hikes around Kathmandu.

He has also extensively traveled to other countries such as Australia, the USA, the UK, France, Hong Kong, Japan, China, the Philippines, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Thailand, Turkey, and India. Madhav is the one who answers most of your questions about trekking and tours and helps to plan your trip by giving a personal touch.