Trekking to Everest Base Camp is a lifetime experience for mountain enthusiasts who want to explore the beauty of the Himalayas in every way possible. The glorious Khumbu region is worth exploring.
People trek to Everest Base Camp enjoying its heavenly beauty throughout the year. However, autumn is the preferred best time for this trek. As autumn has the best weather in Everest, the region showers travelers with mesmerizing panoramic views, crystal clear weather, flora, and fauna along the path, and many more.
Autumn in Nepal has three different months i.e. September, October, and November. Although either of these months offers amazing weather for Everest trekking or a helicopter tour to Everest with a landing at Kala Patthar, you should consider a few differences before packing your bags.
Everest Base Camp Weather in September
In Nepal, September marks the start of autumn. Autumn has less rain and more clear skies. Thus, many mountaineers and trekkers choose this month. The summer rain subsides by the first weeks of September, and the rest of the weeks offer brilliant visibility.
September is a peak time as many travelers choose this time for the trek. As there are a lot of people, it is less private and the accommodation is comparatively hard to find. The temperature in September during daytime is around 12°C to 15°C whereas it goes down to 5°C to -15°C at night time.
Estimated Hours of Sunshine Per Day
During September, you can expect the sun to shine for an average of 8 hours per day.
Wind
The average daily wind speed in September is around 8-11 km/hr (roughly 5-7 mph).
Temperature Table for September
Lukla | Namche | Lobuche | Gorakshep | |
Max Avg Temperature | 15°C | 12°C | 0.5°C | 9°C |
Min Avg Temperature | 7°C | 4°C | -3.7°C | 0°C |
Everest Base Camp Weather in October
October is known as the king of the three autumn months. This is the best and top-choice month for many travelers. Not just trekking but any other activity during this time in Nepal is enjoyable. It is all because the weather is neither too hot nor cold during this time.
The crowd in October is higher than in any other season. Thus I suggest you consider pre-booking flights and accommodation if you consider this month to go for the Everest trek. The temperature in October during the daytime is around 12°C to 16°C whereas it goes down up to 5°C to -14°C at night time.
Estimated Hours of Sunshine Per Day
During October, you can expect the sun to shine for an average of 6 to 7 hours per day.
Wind
The average daily wind speed in October is around 8-11 km/hr (roughly 5-7 mph).
Temperature Table for October
Lukla | Namche | Lobuche | Gorakshep | |
Max Avg Temperature | 20°C | 18°C | 13°C | 5°C |
Min Avg Temperature | -3°C | -4°C | -7°C | -6°C |
Everest Base Camp Weather in November
November is the first month to start snowfall on Everest. This month is the start of cold days in Everest. As the day passes travelers experience cold and snowfall from the end of November. The cold can be managed by wearing proper clothes and carrying the required gear while going for a trek.
All those travelers who want to experience peace do travel to Everest till then of November to even December as there is less crowd and accommodation is less pricey than in October. The temperature in November during the daytime is around 9 to 17 degrees Celsius varying from lower and higher elevations whereas it goes down up to -20 degrees Celsius at night time.
Estimated Hours of Sunshine per Day
For November expect the sun to shine for an average of 6-7 hours per day.
Wind
The average daily wind speed in November is around 8-11 km/hr (roughly 5-7 mph).
Temperature Table for November
Lukla | Namche | Lobuche | Gorakshep | |
Max Avg Temperature | 11.3°C | 6°C | -6.4°C | 2°C |
Min Avg Temperature | -5.3°C | -5°C | -17°C | -11°C |
Benefits of Planning EBC Trek in Autumn
There are several benefits that most travelers enjoy during their trek in the Autumn season. They are described below.
Weather
Weather is the main factor that most people consider before heading to trek in Everest. The reason to choose weather as one of the essential key points is to get a better view of Everest and its undefinable beauty.
Autumn itself is the time when we can find the best weather in the whole country.
During this time you can enjoy the clear skies, visible landscapes, and the best of everything because of the great weather that Autumn offers in Everest.
Altitude Sickness
No matter what time of year you plan this trip, you will experience the illness' symptoms. However, it is believed that altitude sickness in Autumn is comparatively less than in other seasons.
The local sherpas in Everest also think that there is a plant that plays a role in the cause of altitude sickness.
The plant is found in spring but not in Autumn due to which fewer people are suffering from altitude sickness during the Trek in Everest.
Stable flights
As we already know the weather is amazing during Autumn. Great weather plays a vital role in safe flight.
Not just that there are very less chances of flight cancellation during Autumn. This saves time and planning works pretty well.
Group Availability
Autumn is the season when most people all around the world choose to trek Everest. The main reason to choose this season is it's easier to find groups with tour operators.
If you are a solo traveler and want to go with a group to make your cost a bit cheaper and enjoy the company of people, autumn may be the best time for you.
Religion and Culture
The months in Autumn are full of festivals in Nepal. The greatest festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Mani Rimdu, Chaat Parva, Yomori Punhe, and many more fall during Autumn.
Travelers visiting the country at this time will not just enjoy the Everest trek but also be able to see the religion and culture of locals in Nepal.
Drawbacks of Planning EBC Trek in Autumn
Every coin has two sides, just like that if there are merits there are a few demerits too. Some of the challenges that you may face when visiting Nepal in autumn for the Everest trek are as follows.
Advanced Booking
As Autumn is one of the go-to seasons. The number of travelers is comparatively high in this season.
Due to this reason, travelers during this time may find it difficult to find the availability of flights or accommodation in the Everest Base Camp Trek. So, I recommend you to plan early so that you can consider advanced booking or get in contact with any good agency which may help you.
Expensive
As most people choose Autumn or Spring to trek, Everest, the price is at the high end. Compared to other season autumn and spring is costly to tour Everest in overall aspects.
The flights, the accommodation, the ticket fees, and many other things are comparatively expensive during this season.
Lack of Privacy
Autumn is the peak season for this trek in Nepal. Most of the areas get crowded by trekkers from all around the world. If you are someone who prefers a peaceful environment for the trek this season might not be for you.
You will meet many other trekkers on the route of Everest base camp. Also, you may feel frustrated because of the wait line for a good view.
Autumn is the busiest time for this trek in Nepal. The trails and area get crowded with trekkers from all over the world. If you want a quiet and peaceful experience with privacy on the Everest Trek, this might not be the season for you.
You'll meet many other trekkers on the route to Everest base camp. Also, be prepared to wait in line for a good view of the mountains and scenery.
Preparations Before Heading to Trek
Trek to EBC is not an easy task but planning and preparing before going will surely make the trek easy and convenient for any individual. Here are some of the tips you can consider before heading to this trek.
Clothes
I am sure that till now you are aware of the weather conditions you will face during your EBC trek.
As the average weather in the day is 5 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius whereas at night time the weather goes down from -5 to -15 degrees Celsius, carrying warm and light clothes is important. It helps to keep you warm and fight cold during the trek.
Taking lightweight clothes will also make it easy for you to carry your belongings at a higher altitude.
Gears
There are a few gears that you need to carry with you during your EBC trek. They are as follows:
- Hat
- Wollen caps
- Sunglasses
- Sun protecting Hat
- Gloves
- Down Jacket
- Trekking Boots
- Trekking Poles
- First-Aid Kit
Acclimatization
Everest is not an easy trek. You may start to feel uneasy in breathing as the altitude increases.
Acclimatization helps your body adjust to the environment and air pressure at higher altitudes. Insufficient or poor acclimatization in your body results in altitude sickness.
So, take it slow and give yourself a few days to adapt to the surroundings during your trek. You can also follow tips that experts guide on acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness risks.
Travel Insurance
This is another initial task that any trekkers should take. Travel insurance will help you cover the cost of your belongings in case you lose or damage your belongings during your trek.
It is compulsory to take Travel Insurance above the altitude of 4500m. This insurance covers lost baggage, flights, and airlifting in Emergencies.
I advise purchasing travel insurance from your home country before arriving in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Why Consider EBC Trek for Autumn?
Autumn is one of the perfect times to trek to Everest Base Camp. Clear blue skies, amusing weather, and moderate temperatures make it ideal for trekking for people all around the world.
The breathtaking views of the Himalayas, especially Mount Everest, are mesmerizing during this season. On top, autumn aligns with Nepal's vibrant festivals. This offers you a chance to explore the country's rich culture.
For mountain enthusiasts, trekking to Everest Base Camp in autumn promises an unforgettable and rewarding experience.
