Trekking can be done throughout the year in various regions of Nepal. However, Autumn is regarded as a peak trekking season due to several reasons. The month of October falls in the middle of this season with low to no rainfall, medium temperature, and great views. One can trek in Nepal in any season but you have to be extra careful and make some extra preparation.
Trekking in each season has its own pros and cons. Summer brings some unexpected rain and a slippery path. Winter needs extra preparation and gear to cope with cold temperatures and the days are shorter. Autumn is perfect but it is quite a busy season and requires you to take fast decisions. Popular trekking destinations are full of fellow trekkers from all around the world. This is a good thing for some but some people want some solitude in nature. Less popular and equally rewarding treks are the best option for such travellers.
Besides that, the month of October also gives you the opportunity to be a part of two of the greatest festivals of Nepalese, Dashain, and Tihar. Permits for restricted and conservation areas are required regardless of the time of your trek. Travel Insurance is another important thing to get before your trekking.
The weather during October for trekking in Nepal
The pleasant weather and great views of mountains and villages may be the best reason to trek during the peak season in Nepal. October is the best time to plan your trip if you are a photographer or someone who likes to spend time in the outstanding beauty of nature. The temperature during daytime in lower regions is generally above 20°C while at night, it gets around 7°C. It gets colder as you move towards high altitudes and near mountains.
You can expect moderate temperatures, mild wind, and low precipitation. No matter when you do your trekking, there is always a risk of altitude sickness if you want to trek at high altitudes. So, acclimatize when necessary, proceed slowly and look for any signs and symptoms.
During Autumn, days are warmer and you don't want to wear heavy clothing and sweat as you walk uphill for several hours. Bring breathable clothes and flash drying shirts with knee-length comfy shorts to wear during the day. Bring a fleece and long trousers to wear in the evening and down jackets to add while trekking at high altitudes.
Options for accommodation while trekking during October in Nepal
All restaurants, guest houses, and tea houses are open during the month of October. While trekking near cities, there are various options ranging from luxurious hotels to cheap and comfortable guest houses. As the trail proceeds to more rural villages, there are fewer options to choose from. Simple but comfortable tea houses can be found in such villages. October is a busy season and you may have to compromise sometimes. If there is no private room available, you may have to share a room with multiple trekkers or walk about half an hour further to get to another village to find another accommodation.
Best Treks in Nepal for October
There are a lot of options for anyone wanting to trek during this month in Nepal. There are short treks, long treks, treks in popular regions as well as treks in isolated and less-known regions and October is the perfect time to complete one or many of these trekking. Some of the most popular trekkings to do in October are:
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp trek gives you an amazing opportunity to get to the foot of Annapurna while exploring the tradition of Gurung and Magar people, seeing exotic birds and animals, diving into the natural beauty with mountains in the backdrop. It is one of the most popular treks in Nepal which can be completed during any season when prepared accordingly. But, during October, days aren’t too hot and nights aren’t too cold. Rain is less probable and the views to get throughout the trek are outstanding. This season is best to enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains of the Annapurna range and stargaze at night. The trails aren’t slippery as you walk past villages, rivers and green Rhododendron forests.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Getting to the foot of the world’s highest peak can be a once in a lifetime experience for trekkers all around the world. It is highly advised that you prepare physically and mentally before this trek due to its strenuous nature. Conquering these challenges is part of the adventure. No matter when you do this trek, you will encounter various things that will kick you out of your comfort zone. But, completing this trek in October means there are few things that can help you make this trip a bit cosy and far from being painful. The pleasant climate and mesmerizing views of Everest, surrounding snow-peaked mountains, scenic villages, monasteries, and the rugged terrains keep you motivated along the Everest base camp trek.
Besides the Everest base camp trek, October is the best month to do various treks and tours in the Everest region. Everest base camp helicopter tour, Gokyo lakes trek and Chola pass are the other best things to do.
Upper Mustang Trek
Besides the time between late December and early March when the temperature gets very low, there is plenty of time for you to explore the ancient Kingdom of mysteries and mythologies. Even in Summer and Monsoon, you won’t face any problems after you proceed from Kagbeni. Still, October-November is the best time to visit Mustang because of the perfect weather and outstanding views of scenic villages, sky caves, mountains like Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tilicho and Annapurna I, and the Tibetan plateau. This autumn, visit the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang and learn more about their isolated culture, architecture and rare Bon religion on this upper Mustang Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a long trek taking you altitudes as high as 5000 meters and letting you explore the Himalayan beauty and biodiversity of Nepal inside the Manaslu Conservation Area. But, there are many things to consider before doing this trek including the time of travel. Though it is possible to complete this trek in winter and monsoon, it can be very challenging. Monsoon and Autumn are considered the best times to do this trek. In Autumn, it is best that you travel in October due to low precipitation, moderate climate, and clearer views. Even in the peak seasons, the route of the Manaslu circuit trek is far less crowded than other popular ones. This makes this trip perfect for those who want to dive deep into the cultural and natural aspects of Nepal while enjoying solitude in nature.
Poon Hill Trek
Poon Hill is a low altitude short trek that can introduce you to the landscape of Nepal. This trek can be completed in any season because it is a moderately difficult trek. However, the best seasons to complete this trek are Spring and Autumn. Poon Hill trek in October is perfect due to the climatic conditions including a clear sky for the best views of mountains in the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Get to the vantage point, Poon Hill, while enjoying the warm hospitality of Gurung and Magar people, diverse flora and fauna, beautiful rhododendron forests and views of snow-peaked mountains.
Tips for trekking in Nepal in October
- Book your trip as early as you can. Best deals in rooms and other services tend to get booked out in popular seasons.
- Altitude sickness can be a hazard in every season. So, get travel insurance for this and many other reasons like theft, loss of property and other medical emergencies.
- Take a light sleeping bag with you. This may help in case the tea houses run out of blankets.
