The Everest Base Camp is a bucket list for many trekkers from around the world. You will experience the adventurous thrill trek while standing face to face with the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest, 8,848 meters. This journey through picturesque landscapes, ancient monasteries, and the villages of Sherpa is nothing short of magical. Throughout the year, October and November are considered the best months for this adventure, so you need to know about trekking Everest Base Camp in October and November.
This trek is a moderate-to-challenging trek that leads you to the world’s highest mountain’s foot. The journey takes around 12 to 14 days to get completed, covering around 130 kilometers (80 miles) of walking. This trek starts from the place named Lukla, standing at an elevation of 2,860 m (9,383 ft), and you will be walking through the small Sherpa villages, greenery landscapes, waterfalls, rivers, and high mountain passes before reaching Everest Base Camp (5,364 m (17,598 ft).
Autumn is also a great time to spot wildlife such as Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and colorful pheasants in the forests below Namche Bazaar. In October and November, the post monsoon season clears up the skies so the skies seem blue, which provides you with the perfect trekking conditions. These months have clear and mesmerizing views, moderate temperatures during the day, and cool nights are perfect for a trek of this region. The trek to Everest Base Camp during these months gives you the feeling of walking in paradise, with the majestic scenery all around you.
Beauty of Autumn (October and November)
The trekking in October and November in the Everest Base Camp is highly preferred among the trekkers. The autumn season creates the magic in the surroundings during the trek. Trekking feels so special as you will get to see the beauty of autumn.
The Phakding and Namche Bazaar are full of dense forests of rhododendron, pine, and oak, which are basically in the lower region of this trip. The forests turn yellow, which adds color to the trekking trails during October and early November. As you move upward, you can see the greenery turns into the rocky hills and barren landscapes with the clear skies and weather. The Everest region has the most gorgeous peaks in the world, including Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Nuptse (7,861 m), and the iconic Ama Dablam (6,812 m).
Seeing Everest appear from behind the clouds at Kala Patthar (5,545 m) is an unforgettable and breathtaking moment. October is also festival time in the Everest region, with Mani Rimdu being celebrated at Tengboche Monastery. These are also the months of the greatest festival of Nepal, Dashain and Tihar, which we celebrate by gathering and taking blessings from our elders, family, and friends. This cultural beauty of trekking during October and November is one of the unique factors.
Everest Base Camp Weather and Temperature in October and November
The weather is a major reason why trekking to Everest Base Camp in October and November is so appealing. In October, the daytime temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 12°C to 16°C (53°F to 61°F) in lower areas like Lukla and Namche Bazaar and around 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F) at higher regions like Dingboche and Gorak Shep. You can feel the chilly night, especially at Everest Base Camp, where temperatures drop to -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F). The skies are mostly clear, with perfect views of the mountains and good conditions for trekking and photography.
By November, the weather cools as winter approaches. Daytime temperatures lower a bit, which ranges from 10°C to 14°C (50°F to 57°F) at lower altitudes and 0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F) higher up. You can feel the nights colder, with temperatures from -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F) at Everest Base Camp. Despite the cold temperature, the skies remain clear, and you might see the feeling of snowfall later in the month.
Is the trekking trail crowded during October and November?
October is the peak trekking season, so you can expect to see plenty of other trekkers on the trekking trail. The trekking stop points like Namche Bazaar and Tengboche and all the main trekking trails can be crowded with trekkers from all over the world. If you want to avoid crowds and walk through the less crowded hiking trails, you can go through the three high passes, which are on the Thame side or the way of Gokyo Chola Pass.
You can comparatively see fewer trekkers as the weather gets colder during the month of November. By late November, the trails start to quiet down with a peaceful and serene trekking experience. However, the tea houses will still be open, and you won’t have to worry about accommodation availability.
Food and Accommodation in October and November
The accommodation in the Everest region of Nepal is basic but neat and clean. You can get to stay in the tea houses, which have basic facilities and are run by the local families. These tea houses provide trekkers with a warm bed, a hot meal, and the knowledge of their local way of living.
Rooms in tea houses are typical with two beds, blankets, and private or shared bathrooms. In lower regions, you can find comfortable lodges like in Namche Bazaar, but the higher you move, there will be tea houses with basic facilities. Most of the tea houses have a dining area heated with a stove in the center, and trekkers gather in between to warm up. You need to carry a sleeping bag during these months as the rooms are not heated.
You can expect a variety of dishes, which include Nepali, Tibetan, and Western dishes. Prices of foods are higher in the high-altitude remote areas due to the transportation challenges. It’s a good pre-book tea house in October due to the higher number of trekkers, while in November, you’ll have a bit more flexibility in finding tea houses.
What Makes October and November the Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek?
October and November are undoubtedly the best times for the Everest Base Camp trek. October is the post monsoon month that provides you with clear skies and the best scenery of the snow capped mountain ranges such as Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and other snowy mountains standing above the elevation of 6,000 meters. The autumn season’s weather is more predictable, with much more stability and clear blue skies, which helps you to have a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.
The temperature is moderate while trekking Everest Base Camp in October and November. The temperature during the day is pleasant, and the temperature at night is chilly in October and cold in November. As I already mentioned about the Rimdu Festival in October, it is a bonus for those who trek during this time of the month in the Everest region.
Difficulties during the Everest Base Camp trek in October and November
This trekking is actually perfect for the one who is physically fit and mentally prepared. Everest Base Camp trekking in October and November has its own difficulties. When you are ascending to the elevation above 3,500 meters, there may be the chance of getting high altitude sickness, so you need to stay hydrated, walk at a pace, and acclimatize properly to avoid the altitude sickness.
As I told you before, the weather and temperature during the day are fine and comfortable, but the nighttime temperature is usually cold in higher elevation areas like Gorap Shep. There are certain trekking parts that are physically challenging; when I went for this trek, I found the ascent to Namche Bazaar quite physically difficult. So you should prepare yourself with the proper gear and good physical training.
What to pack for the Everest Base Camp Trek in October and November?
It is very necessary to pack properly with essential gear while you are trekking to Everest Base Camp in the October and November months. I have seen a few people suffering due to insufficient packing, as they forget the essential gear that they needed. Here are the lists that you should not miss any packing essentials in the fluctuating weather above at Everest Base Camp.
For a safe and comfortable trekking experience, these things are compulsory for you.
- A moisture-wicking thermal base layer
- An insulating layer, such as a down or fleece jacket, for warmth
- Waterproof and wind-resistant jacket and pants
- Durable boots with ankle support, along with gaiters for extra protection
- Pairs of wool socks to keep your feet warm
- Insulated gloves, a hat, and a scarf to protect against the cold
- Essential sun protection like sunglasses, sunscreen, SPF lip balm, and a first aid kit
You should carry a backpack of around 30 to 40 liters to keep all of your necessary items. It is good if you carry a sleeping bag as well because the tea houses at high altitude places do have clean rooms with basic facilities. As you need to climb steep ascents and descents, the trekking pole is also recommended.
Other essential items:
- A headlamp with extra batteries for early morning or evening use
- A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated on the trail
- Water purification tablets to ensure safe drinking water
- A power bank to keep your devices charged
- A Nepali SIM card for internet access to stay connected with loved ones
- Sufficient Nepali cash for emergencies
Do I need a guide for the Everest Base Camp Trek during October and November?
It is highly recommended for you to hire a guide, although you can trek in the Everest region independently. During the Everest Base Camp trek in October and November, you should take a guide with you because of the following reasons:
A guide can help you in any difficulties throughout the trekking journey, make sure regarding your safety, and monitor the symptoms of altitude sickness. They can make you informed about the local culture, history, and mountains. A guide will handle permits, accommodation booking, and transportation, so you can only focus on your trek with full enjoyment.
Conclusion
Trekking to Everest Base Camp in October and November can be your lifetime adventure because of the clear skies, moderate temperatures, and alluring views of the Himalayas, which make these months the perfect time for this trek. Enjoy your Everest Base Camp trek with the most beautiful scenery during these months. Pack your gears and push yourself to the limit, as we know the journey might be challenging, but the mesmerizing scenery at the destination is your unforgettable reward.
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