Everest Base Camp trek is a popular destination for trekkers since the very first expeditions from the Nepalese side of Everest in 1953. There is no stopping oneself when it comes to Everest Base Camp trek. And, October is the best time to venture to the Everest Base Camp trek.
Though there are many mountaineering options in Nepal, Everest is the ultimate challenge.
During October, like most of the time, the weather remains constant with clear sky views. For this reason, it is the busiest month to trek.
The clear sky gives you spectacular views of the snow capped mountains.
Expect the sun to shine for an average of 6 to 7 hours per day. You walk during the day, so better the sun easy will be the walks.
In the longer daytime, you can cover a longer distance and find a great place to stay. Plus, spend some time clicking the surrounding and relaxing.
Table of Contents
- Everest Base Camp Trek in October
- Terrain of Everest Base Camp Trek
- Altitude Profile
- Temperature and climate in October
- What is it like trekking to Everest Base Camp?
- Guide and Porter
- Accommodation in the Everest Region
- Fitness
- Dealing with High Altitude
- Health facilities/Emergencies during October in EBC Trek
- Permits and Fees
- Packing for Everest Base Camp Trekking
- Insurance
- Alternative Routes in October other than EBC
- Conclusion
Everest Base Camp Trek in October
Read on to discover more about the special trip to Everest Base Camp in October. Find out why people have loved going there since the historic expedition in 1953. We’ll discuss the beautiful terrain, altitude profile, weather conditions and various aspects of this incredible trek.
Terrain of Everest Base Camp Trek
Journey to Everest Base Camp in October takes you through the stunning landscapes of Nepal’s Himalayan region.
Starting in green valleys with colorful rhododendron forests, trekkers experience vibrant surroundings and fresh scents.
As you climb, the scenery changes to rocky areas with flowing waterfalls. Ancient stone paths and strong suspension bridges cross rivers, making the adventure even more thrilling.
During EBC trek, you’ll come across famous spots like Namche Bazaar, a lively center surrounded by tall peaks and Tyangboche Monastery, a peaceful place on a windy ridge. Moving higher, the landscape becomes snowy and icy, with large glaciers and sharp peaks.
The Khumbu Glacier stretches far, showing signs of the Earth’s changes over time.
With each step, you get closer to Mount Everest, its distinct shape standing out on the horizon. The wide views of snow covered peaks and open valleys make it hard to tell where the land ends and the sky begins.
Everest Base Camp trek is a remarkable journey, showcasing nature’s incredible strength and the attraction of the highest peaks in the world.
Altitude Profile
Here’s a rough altitude profile for the Everest Base Camp trek in October:
- Kathmandu (1,400 meters / 4,593 feet)
- Lukla (2,840 meters / 9,320 feet)
- Phakding (2,610 meters / 8,560 feet)
- Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters / 11,290 feet) – Acclimatization day
- Tyangboche (3,860 meters / 12,660 feet)
- Dingboche (4,360 meters / 14,300 feet) – Acclimatization day
- Lobuche (4,940 meters / 16,207 feet)
- Gorak Shep (5,170 meters / 16,961 feet)
- Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters / 17,598 feet)
- Kalapatthar (5,545 meters / 18,192 feet)
Please note that altitude sickness can affect individuals differently, and it is crucial to ascend gradually, take rest days for acclimatization and stay hydrated throughout the trek.
It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and descend if necessary to lower elevations if symptoms become severe.
If you have any symptoms of altitude or any other sickness along the way, speak to your guide immediately and do not hide anything from your guide.
Temperature and climate in October
During the day | 12 degree Celsius to 16 degree Celsius |
During the night | -5 degree Celsius to 2 degree Celsius |
Everest Base Camp weather is quite unpredictable. The temperature and wind condition changes swiftly. So, is the case even in October. However, the weather change is less frequent in October than in other months.
In general, the daytime temperature ranges from 12℃ to 16℃ which is neither too hot not too cold. So, during the daytime, you will feel the moderate weather.
And, on nights the temperature drops down from 2℃ to -5℃. This is not the too extreme cold, especially in high altitude mountainous regions.
However, it is difficult to predict the exact weather of Everest Region. Because, with the change in wind pattern and clouds, the weather of Everest Base Camp changes every hour.
The climate in Everest Base Camp is very unpredictable. With the moderate climate in the months of March to May and October to November, they are the best times to go to the Everest region.
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What is it like trekking to Everest Base Camp?
Aside from breathtaking scenery, travelers to the region can experience unique Sherpa culture. They can visit monasteries and museums along the way to know Sherpas better.
Your walking days turns bliss with colorful prayer wheels and chortens across the route. You stroll along the swing bridges and numerous boulders.
While during the evenings you get to enjoy hot food and conversation with people, travelers nearby.
The perfect blend of natural beauty, fascinating culture as well as warm Nepalese hospitality of the locals make the Everest Base Camp Tour one of the world’s most unforgettable places.
Guide and Porter
Nepal government is considering making the hiring of a guide compulsory. But we suggest that you make it a compulsion right away, it is always safe to trek with a local, a guide.
Solo trekking ban is on hold for now so, it’s still possible to do it alone. But, hiring a guide or porter has many advantages.
For US$30 to $40 a day you’re giving someone a valuable job. In return, they will help you complete the trek with much ease and comfort.
And, you will also learn about the local culture and natural environment.
But, since October is the peak trekking season you may not get the desired guides and porters on preferred time. So, it is good to pre-book the guides and porters for your easy journey.
Accommodation in the Everest Region
Accommodation along the EBC trekking routes are open in October. Though being in a high and rugged region, the accommodation facilities are comfortable.
Trekking routes are well developed, with plenty of teahouses, mostly made of stone, offering wi-fi, western style toilets, and delicious meals.
However, because October is a peak season pre-booking is an absolute must.
Fitness
Almost nothing can really prepare you for the trek’s extreme hills and altitude of up to 5,545 m. It is up to you and how you experience it for yourself.
But, there are certain fitness activities that you can do to prepare yourself physically.
Prepare yourselves with cardiovascular training several times a week. You can do this by cycling, swimming, hill climbing, and lots of walking. Aim for a five-hour walk once a week.
Look out for hills or find a tall building and repeatedly walk up and down the stairs.
‘Slow and steady’ walk is the key to achieving and enjoying your trek. People with moderate fitness can do this trek.
Dealing with High Altitude
The Everest region is the highest in Nepal, averaging 4,000 meters (12,800 ft.) with Mt. Everest (8848 m; 28,313 ft.)- the tallest mountain in the world.
The combination of cold, wind, strong sun, low oxygen, and dry air create a harsh atmosphere for trekkers on the high altitude trail.
As you hike higher, there is less oxygen in the air to breathe. So, altitude-related illness can harm anyone. If not treated on time, it will end your trek short and in some cases prove to be life-threatening.
Here is a quick guideline to help prevent altitude sickness during an Everest Base Camp Trek:
- Climb slowly. This gives your body enough time to acclimatize. Walk at conversation pace and breathe normally. No need to worry if you are behind, there will be someone who will accompany you on the trial.
- Sleep at the lowest possible altitude. This gives your body time to recuperate and adjust.
- Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water. We encourage clients to drink 5 liters of fluid or more.
- Avoid alcohol. There will be plenty of time to indulge when you return to lower altitudes.
- Know yourself. Have you had altitude sickness before? If so, you have a higher risk of having it again. Consult your doctor. Be aware of Diamox, it can unmask other symptoms.
- Be honest. If you suffer AMS on the trail, please report to your guide. Don’t try to hide it or “tough it up”. It happens to everyone, even Sherpa returning home from a lower elevation. This careless act can result in an emergency evacuation or death in some cases.
- Many suffer a light headache which is normal. Over the counter, medicine should relieve pain; but, if it continues after reaching Tengboche, inform your guide. In most cases, it is treatable on the trail and many make it to the EBC. There will be an oximeter to measure oxygen intake.
- If you suffer severe altitude Illness (severe or constant headaches with difficulty breathing or vomiting), or HAPE or HACE, supplementary oxygen and, a Gamow bag are usable. Your guides or fellow trekkers will immediately escort you to a lower altitude. And, take you to the nearest clinic for treatment.
- If the clinic or the main guide decides you need further treatment, you get immediate helicopter evacuation.
Health facilities/Emergencies during October in EBC Trek
The Khunde Hospital built by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1965, located north of Namche Bazaar has been providing medical services for the past few decades.
The Himalayan Rescue Association also runs a health post in a village called Pheriche above Namche Bazaar, offering emergency treatment.
Consultation costs about US$65 with Gamow bags and bottled oxygen for treatments.
Chartered helicopters are available to rescue those who have fallen sick or gotten injured.
Permits and Fees
To trek in any part of Nepal, you need to collect the respective permits for that place. In general, you need to obtain TIMS card for trekking in Nepal.
But, if you have a Restricted Area Permit or Local Permit, you do not need a TIMS card. Such is the condition for the Everest Base Camp trek.
Here’s a list of permits you need for your Everest Base Camp Trek:
Local Permit
You can obtain the local permit at Monjo, Khumbu region after paying the US $30. Or, you can obtain it at Tourism Board, Kathmandu.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
Cost – USD 30 (Npr 3,000)
Mount Everest rests inside the Sagarmatha National Park, Solukhumbu. Trekkers need to get necessary national park entry permit. There is a checkpoint in Monjo, where you need to show your permit cards.
There are few checkpoints along the way and you need to register your permit. If you are trekking through an agency, they will manage all the permits for you.
For independent trekkers, the cost is the same as those trekking through an agency. You can get the permit either in Kathmandu or in Monjo. The cost is the same in both Kathmandu and Monjo.
Gaurishankar National Park Entry Permit
Cost –USD 30 (NPR 3000)
The cost is the same for both individual and organized trekkers. For SAARC there is a discount on this permit.
There is a checkpoint at Shivalaya (Next town from Jiri). You can either buy this permit at Kathmandu for US $30 or pay the double (US $60)and get it at Shivalaya.
You need to obtain this permit only if you choose the classic Jiri route for your trek. Otherwise, you do not need to obtain this permit for the Kathmandu- Lukla- Everest Base Camp route.
Packing for Everest Base Camp Trekking
Pack lightly – aim for 10 to 15kg. It is very important to pack the necessary trekking equipment. And, make your trekking experience smooth and comfortable.
Here is a guideline that will help you decide what items you add and what to let go. You can check here: Packing list for Everest Base Camp Trek.
Insurance
Insurance is crucial while trekking in Nepal. The weather in October is good and is the peak season for trekking.
Before you insure, make sure your policy covers to the height of 6,000 meters and offers an immediate helicopter evacuation in case of emergencies.
Accidents can happen anytime even on the safest trials and while taking precautions. Thus, having an insurance can be very useful. Nepal doesn’t offer any kind of travel insurance, you will have to do this from your home country.
Also, some trekking companies do not accommodate you if you don’t have the right insurance necessary for the trek.
If you already have insurance, make sure it covers all trekking activities and conditions that you plan to undertake.
Alternative Routes in October other than EBC
Consider exploring different paths beyond the usual journey to Everest Base Camp this October. Discover the Gokyo Lakes trek or Three Passes trek, offering varied landscapes, cultural encounters and stunning views of the Himalayas. Walk into lesser known trails and experience new dimensions of adventure amidst Nepal’s finest trekking destinations.
Gokyo Lakes Trek
Gokyo Lakes trek offers a picturesque alternative to the traditional Everest Base Camp route. It guides trekkers through the scenic Gokyo Valley, where they’ll encounter turquoise glacial lakes, breathtaking mountain views and the charming village of Gokyo.
Highlights include the ascent of Gokyo Ri, a viewpoint offering stunning panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
Three Passes Trek
Three Passes trek presents a challenging yet rewarding adventure, leading trekkers over three high mountain passes: Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass and Renjo La Pass.
This route provides magnificent views of the Everest region from various perspectives and allows exploration of remote valleys and traditional Sherpa villages.
It’s an excellent choice for experienced trekkers seeking an off the beaten path experience.
Both of these alternative routes offer trekkers unique experiences, diverse landscapes and opportunities to immerse themselves in the rich culture of the Everest region, all while avoiding some of the crowds typically encountered on the traditional EBC route.
Conclusion
Everest Base Camp trek in October season reaches its peak, offering the best time to explore Mount Everest and its surroundings. The weather is clear and temperatures are mild, making it perfect for enjoying the stunning beauty of the Himalayas.
October is also a time of lively cultural celebrations in Nepal, such as Dashain and Tihar. Travelers can experience the rich traditions and warm hospitality of the Nepali people during their Everest adventure.
Whether you prefer the traditional Everest Base Camp route or want to try alternative trails like the Gokyo Lakes trek or Three Passes trek, October guarantees unforgettable experiences amidst Nepal’s breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultures.
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us. We’re here to provide you with the support and information you need for an amazing trekking journey.
Want more information? Send us your query, and our experts will get back to you within 24 hrs.
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.