Everest Base Camp Trek in October

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.

Temperature and climate in October

The 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.

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$10 to $20 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 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 $20. 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.

Conclusion

Everest Base Camp trekking in October is the best season for trekking in Mt.Everest. It is the best time to see crystal clear mountain view. October is also the month of cultural celebrations in Nepal.

You can observe the main festivals of Nepal like Dashain and Tihar in this season. And, enjoy the taste of Everest Base Camp Trek with the experience of Nepali traditional festivals and culture.

For further information and details, you can contact us. It is our pleasure to assist you to the best of our ability.

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.