Everest Base Camp trek in August

Everest Base Camp Trek in August is the best time to plan your extraordinary adventure for those looking for a quieter and more peaceful experience, where they can enjoy everything along the trail to themselves.

It offers the opportunity to reach the lap of the Himalayas, particularly Mount Everest and embrace the mystic beauty of monsoon covered high altitude landscapes.

In this post, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of this incredible 14 days trek to Everest Base Camp.

If you have only August available for trekking and are wondering about the possibility of doing the Everest Base Camp trek during this time, then look no further.

In this informative post, I will provide you with detailed information to help you plan this amazing adventure trip to EBC.

So, stay with me till the end!

Everest Base Camp trek in August is possible and quite adventurous, as usual to other months.

In fact, Everest Base Camp trek is possible all year round and each month offers something totally different.

Everest Base Camp Trek is a top priority for trekkers heading to the Himalayas of Nepal or any individual aiming for a lifetime experience in the lap of this mountainous country.

It is an adventurous trek and trekking in August with the wet monsoon season adds to the thrill.

During this time of the year, you will witness nature at its best and find greenery everywhere (of course, at lower altitudes); the higher altitude is kind of barren land year-round.

August is the off-season for trekking in the Everest region, so the Everest Base Camp trekking trail experiences fewer trekkers.

Hence, the advantage is that the trails will be less crowded, and you can enjoy the trail all by yourself peacefully.

The only problem with trekking during this time is that you need to prepare well for the rain since it is a monsoon season.

Actually, after the rain, sometimes you can get better views than during other peak seasons like spring and autumn.

In this Khumbu region (the local name for the Everest region), it usually rains in the evening and at night.

Therefore, in the morning when the clouds are clear, you will get a chance to see breathtaking views of the Himalayan snow-capped mountains.

With the right preparation and guidelines, you can certainly trek to Everest Base Camp in August.

Itinerary for Everest Base Camp Trek in August

Below outlined 14-day itinerary of EBC Trek is a standard option offered by Mosaic Adventure.

If you are looking to customize the itinerary, or would like to find out more about the EBC trek in August, please get in touch with us.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1345m/4412ft), meet at airport; transfer to hotel. Pre-trek meeting in the evening.

Day 2: Pick up from hotel in Kathmandu drive to airport to board short flight to Lukla (2840m/9320ft)–From Lukla trek to Phakding (2610m/8560ft)–approximately 3.5 hours

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11290ft) – Approximately 6 hrs

Day 4: Acclimatization day trip around Namche Bazaar. Side trip to higher altitude and return to Namche.

Day 5: Trek to Tengboche also known as Tyangboche (3860m/12660ft) – Approximately five hours

Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4360m/14300ft) – Approx. 5 hrs

Day 7: Another acclimatization day.

Day 8: Trek to Lobuche (4940m/16207ft) – Approx. 5 hrs.

Day 9: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5300m/17400ft) – back to Gorak Shep (5170m/16961ft).

Day 10: Hike up to Kalapatthar (5545m/18192ft) then trek to Pheriche (4270m/14070ft) – Approx. 7 hours.

Day 11: Return trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11290ft) – 6 hours approximate

Day 12: Namche to Lukla (2840m/9320ft) – Approx. 6 hrs.

Day 13: Fly back and transfer to hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 14: Departure, or extend your tour for other activities in Nepal.

Everest Base Camp Trek in August is a great idea for those seeking to avoid crowds and enjoy solitude.

However, it is important to note that this month is known for cloud and fog which can impact flights to and from Lukla.

Therefore, we highly recommend that participants either keep some buffer days in Kathmandu or book their return flight (home) once they have landed in Kathmandu after completing the Lukla to Everest Base Camp Trek.

For those considering Everest Base Camp Trek in August, we at Mosaic Adventure, a reputable local tour operator based in Kathmandu, offers comprehensive packages tailored to ensure a memorable and safe journey.

Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek in August

• Scenic and thrilling mountain flight to and from Lukla
• Getting to the foot of the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest
• Clean air as the dust settles down due to rain
• A full rush of rivers and waterfalls
• Amazing biodiversity -various flowers and wild berries welcome you on the way
• Experience unique culture and lifestyle of the remote mountain region of Nepal
• Khumbu Glacier (the largest glacier in Nepal)
• View of majestic snow-capped mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori etc.
• Fewer crowds allowing you a quiet and peaceful time with nature
• Witness three of the biggest festivals in Nepal- Nag Panchami, Janai Purnima, and Gai Jatra.

Before you plan your trek to Everest Base Camp in August, there are variables to consider. They are:

Weather and Temperature

August is the last month of the monsoon season. It will be hot and humid in Nepal during August.

The average temperature in the upper region (3000-3500+ meters) can rise up to 10 to 12 degrees Celsius during the daytime and drop to around minus 5 degrees at night.

For the lower regions (2000 to 3000 meters) of your trekking, you can expect temperatures above 18 degrees Celsius during the day, while the temperature drops to around 8 degrees Celsius during the night.

During this time, you can expect about 6 to 7 hours of sunshine per day. As for rainfall, it decreases as you ascend to higher altitudes over 3500m.

However, the weather conditions and temperature become less stable as you go higher in altitude. Therefore, carrying a sleeping bag with a temperature rating of minus 5 degrees Celsius is essential for cold nights and mornings.

Below is a table that shows the temperature of different places while trekking to Everest Base Camp in August.

Place	Elevation	Avg. Temp	Min Temp	Max Temp
Lukla	2829m	14.7°C	10.7°C	18.7°C
Namche	3463m	11.7°C	7.7°C	15.7°C
Dingboche	4483m	7.4°C	2.3°C	12.6°C
Lobuche	4910m	5.6°C	0.6°C	10.7°C
Gorak Shep	5180m	4.8°C	-0.1°C	9.8°C

From this, we can clearly see that the weather in August is quite warm, and you don’t have to worry about extreme cold conditions.

Food, Accommodation and Water

In August, most tea houses and restaurants along the trails will be open for business, but with less occupancy.

Therefore, you can choose from the available tea houses and rooms. One of the perks of trekking in August is that you won’t have to wait in line for food.

You can eat when you like without having to wait for your turn.

During the peak season, pre-ordering is required, and you may have to wait for your food to be delivered as there aren’t many people working in the tea house kitchens.

Accommodation in tea houses is on a twin-sharing basis, with basic facilities such as a bed, thin mattress, pillow, bed sheet, and a blanket.

Almost all tea houses serve Dal Bhat, a traditional Nepalese meal, and you will also find some continental food such as spaghetti, pizza, fries, sandwiches, noodles, etc.

To ensure safety against water contamination, it is important to bring water purification pills.

You can also purchase bottled water, hot water, soda, coffee, and tea along the way. However, the prices increase with altitude.

Moreover, it is wise to bring water purification tools such as filters and treatment pills instead of buying bottled water due to environmental concerns.

Plastics are increasing and harming the Himalayan environment.

Duration of Everest Base Camp Trek in August

The ideal trek to Everest Base Camp takes 14 days, but the package is customizable based on your preferences.

Heavy rainfall in August may cause flight delays and cancellations, which means you may have to slow down your trek on some days.

If it rains continuously for a day or two, you might have to extend your trip. Therefore, it’s important to consider these circumstances.

Having extra days after the trek, before flying out of Nepal, will always come in handy.

We recommend keeping two nights before the trek to settle down in Kathmandu and a couple of extra days post-trek as buffer days in case there is an interruption in your trip along the way, so you don’t miss your international flight back home.

Guide and Porter

While trekking in the mountains, it is always important to have a guide with you. The trials in the mountains and high altitude can be tricky.

In months like August or any other month, a guide is strongly recommended for such high altitude trek for your own safety.

An experienced guide will help you with navigation and know what to do in emergency situations. They will make sure that you have a comfortable and safe trek.

They will know which trails to take to avoid the landslide and mudslide areas. Moreover, a certified guide can educate you with the necessary information related to high altitude trek which otherwise would not be possible if you trek solo.

Hiring a guide for Everest Base Camp trek in August will cost you around USD 35 to 45 per day. Similarly, having a porter with you can save you from the burden of carrying heavy baggage.

You will thank me later for suggesting adding a porter as your body gets exhausted on the trail due to continuous walk and thin air.

During the month of August, due to rainfall, the trails can be muddy and slippery.

Hence, it is important to maintain balance and grip while walking to avoid slipping. Having a porter will allow you to walk freely and concentrate on your safety.

The cost of a porter is around USD 25 to 30 per day.

Physical Fitness

Everest Base Camp trek is an adventurous trek, and trekking in August adds more thrill to the adventure.

This trek consists of walking uphill and downhill on rough and uneven terrain, added to the various weather conditions for 6 to 7 hours on a daily basis.

As mentioned earlier, sometimes the trails can be muddy and slippery due to the rain. Hence, to trek in August, it is important to prepare yourselves physically for long hours of walking in various situations.

You should have strong will and determination to complete the trek successfully.

Some of the exercises you can do prior to the trek are hiking, jogging, and climbing stairs, etc., to build up your stamina. Start preparing yourself for a trek to EBC at least 3 months prior to the trip date.

Be prepared to fully enjoy the Himalayas around you on this wonderful trek to EBC.

Trekking Permits

The Government of Nepal issues various permits and permissions to trek in Nepal, and Everest Base Camp is no exception.

To trek to the Everest Base Camp, every trekker requires two different permits.

They are the Local Area Entry Permit, which you can get in Lukla itself and the Sagarmatha Conservation Area entry permit, which is easily obtainable at Kathmandu from the Nepal Tourism Board.

You don’t have to worry about permits if you have booked our packaged tour; we arrange this on your behalf and include it in the Everest Base Camp trek cost.

While on the trek, you will come across several checkpoints where you will need to show the permits. Hence, it is wise to keep the permits in your daypack.

The Nepalese government has announced that starting on April 1, 2023, foreigners are no longer allowed to trek without a guide.

We are not sure how the implementation will go, but in case it gets implemented, there will be additional permits that trekkers need to purchase while going on a trek in Nepal.

If the rule gets implemented, we will include this additional permit in the Everest Base Camp Trek Cost.

Altitude Sickness

There is no doubt that the Everest Base Camp trek is a high-altitude trek.

So, there is always a chance of altitude sickness. This illness is the result of a shortage of oxygen in the high altitudes.

There are various symptoms of AMS (Acute mountain sickness). They are insomnia, dizziness, breathlessness, coughing, nausea, etc.

If you find yourself having any of these symptoms, it is best to stop climbing further and take rest until you feel better.

It is very important that you treat the illness immediately with necessary precautions and not neglect it. Not doing so can lead to an even worse condition that can be fatal.

Some of the precautions you can take to avoid altitude sickness are walking slowly, drinking plenty of water, stopping alcohol and smoking, etc.

Staying hydrated reduces the risk of altitude sickness.

Make sure you do not consume alcohol while trekking, as this can cause dehydration.

Packing for Everest Base Camp Trek in August

Packing plays a huge role in making your trekking experience smooth and comfortable.

A good pair of comfortable waterproof hiking shoes with proper grip is a must for the muddy and slippery trails in August.

You also have to pack dry socks, breathable clothes to counter the heat and humidity during the day.

Also, you should carry winter clothes for the cold weather in the higher altitude.

Wind and waterproof jackets are a must for monsoons to make sure you remain dry and comfortable.

For sunny days, it is important that you carry UV polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes and high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn.

Insects like mosquitoes and leeches can bother you in the month of August at lower altitudes.

Hence, it is very important that you carry insect repellent sprays and ointments.

Also, make sure that your backpack is waterproof to protect your belongings from getting wet.

Do not forget to carry the necessary documents such as a passport and permits and carry them with you at all times.

For detailed guidelines on packing, please go through this ultimate packing list for Everest Base Camp.

Some Useful Tips While Trekking to Everest Base Camp in August:

• Always check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
• Wear light and breathable clothes that are moisture-wicking.
• Trek early as it usually rains in the evening during August.
• Do not forget to carry rain gear as the weather in the high altitudes is unpredictable.
• During monsoon, you are prone to leeches and mosquitoes. So, carry insect repellent.
• Landslides, mudslides, or floods may occur during the month of August. Hire a guide who can help you with navigation and choosing a safer path.
• The trails in August are often muddy and slippery. Having a porter will help you with the baggage. This way, you can walk freely and maintain your balance while walking in the slippery trails.
• Walk slow and maintain your own pace to avoid the risk of altitude sickness.
• Keep buffer days in case of any delays and unplanned situations.

Other Recommended Treks in the Everest Region in August

Everest Helicopter Tour

Choosing the Everest Helicopter tour in Nepal will allow you to get to the Everest Base Camp in just one day.

However, if the flight gets canceled due to heavy rainfall, you will get a full refund.

This is a good alternative during the month of August where you can avoid walking in the rain.

With this trip, you will be able to put your footprint in the Everest Base Camp with lesser effort.

It is an easy and comfortable flight from Kathmandu to the Base Camp. Here you will go to the Sagarmatha National park and enjoy a beautiful breakfast in the Himalayas.

Everest View Trek

Another recommended trek during August is the Everest view trek. This is great for those who are short on time to see Mt. Everest.

What’s great about this trek is it doesn’t exceed the altitude of 3956m. Moreover, it takes only 7 days to complete the trek. Hence, you can check the weather forecast and plan the trek.

In this trek, you can get the full panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, and many more.

Conclusion

Everest Base Camp Trek in August is a fun filled trip but challenging and thrilling at the same time. The rainfall is usually of short duration and hence it shouldn’t bother you a lot.

Due to fewer crowds, you do not have to worry about accommodation or meals. Also, due to the rain and monsoon weather, you can enjoy the forests at their best with blooms of alpine flowers.

Hence, with the right preparation, equipment and gear, trekking to Everest Base Camp in August is completely doable.

Have you trekked to Everest Base Camp in August? Share your unforgettable moments with us! Your experiences inspire others and strengthen our trekking community. We’re eager to hear your stories!

For further question and queries, please feel free to contact us. We assure you to guide and assist you with the best of our knowledge.