Everest Base Camp Trek in October

Nepal is a beautiful country blessed with all the natural beauties and the wonderful destinations including hills, mountains, glaciers, lakes and rivers. Any words cannot describe enough of Nepal’s natural reserves and the glory of the snowy mountain peaks. Nepal’s inherent wonders offer a heaven-like feelings found nowhere else on Earth. The important region of the world renowned Himalayan Mountain Ranges lies in our country Nepal. The Himalayan country Nepal unexpectedly and brilliantly has eight of the world’s highest mountains. Among the fourteen peaks over 8,000 meters around the world including Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Cho Oyu, Annapurna and lastly one which rises above all the others, the top of the world Mount Everest.

The Mount Everest is the earth’s highest mountain, with a summit at 8,848 meters. Everest has become one of the most desired destinations and the dream treks for many tourists all around the world. Everest Base Camp is the most and foremost choice for the magnificent landscape views, diverse nature, majestic mountains, diverse floras and faunas. You will never feel bored with the scenic beauty and the thrilling trekking experience to Everest Base Camp. All the local community, the culture, and lifestyle of Nepalese will fascinate you. October in Nepal comes after the end of monsoon in Nepal. Most of the visitors visit Nepal in this month and is especially for Everest Base Camp trek. It provides you almost guaranteed clear and perfect climatic conditions and weather in Nepal. October offers you the chances to see white snow rugged landscapes, defining mountains, crystal clear eye catching scenery and fantastic views of the Himalayan ranges. You may also get to enjoy the local delicacies that are specially prepared at this time of the year and be a part of the October occasions and the festivals. Hence, October is considered as the ideal month to trek in Everest Base Camp.

Everest Base Camp Views and Weather in October 

The weather is unpredictable in the Everest region. You never know when the sun will rise or hide behind the clouds and the atmosphere will become cold but, October offers you the perfect temperature and weather for the Everest Base Camp trek. October is the month of the summit trekking season; almost all of the visitors trekking to Everest base camp trek in this month to the base camp since the weather is persistent with a clear sky and spectacular views. October brings in the pleasant surrounding as well as fresh atmosphere. And, the less humid surrounding offers you the sharpest of the views of everything around you. Therefore, you can enjoy the alluring views of the mountains and surrounding hills. For this reason, it is the busiest month to trek. Moderate climate make October an idyllic time to trek in Everest base camp, days are pleasant and nights are usually colder as the maximum and minimum temperature will be 20 degree Celsius and -10 degree Celsius respectively. The temperature varies according to the altitude. This is a bearable temperature but it is better to carry sleeping bags. 

The climate of the Everest region is uncertain and random, it may rain in October too but it doesn’t affect much in the trek because the sky becomes clear as the rain stops; and it doesn’t rain much or at all during this time. It would be easy for the walks if the day is sunny. In the longer daytime, you would be able to cover a longer distance and find a cosmic place to stay and also spend some time clicking shots in the surrounding and relaxing. If you prefer walks without getting too sweaty nor too chilly this month is favorable for you. The bright and comfortable climate make your trekking experience more enjoyable and memorable too.

Lodges and Foods in Everest Base Camp Trek during October

The quality of lodges is very basic in Everest region except some luxurious lodges of course which charge you a huge amount per night staying. Most of the people prefer to trek to Everest base camp in October so the route may be fussy and the lodges will be crowded with long waits for meals. There is no way to “book” rooms in the lodges on the Everest base camp trek {except if you travel with a local trekking company}. They are generally “first come - first served.” However, the good news is that you won’t be turned away.  They will provide you bed mattress and one pillow but you should have your own sleeping bags. In many occasions, you might have to sleep in the kitchen or the dining area since all of the rooms will be fully packed. Hot shower is available, but in some lodges you have to pay additional money. If you want a private room, then hiring a local Sherpa guide is a good idea that will help you along the trek. In other words, they will certainly have relatives either on other treks or in the next village owning a lodge. They can call ahead and make a special “reservation” for you. But if you haven’t hired the local guide and on your own and want a private room, then you might need to be an early riser and fast trekker. Most of the large groups start trekking around 08:00 to 09:00 am. All you need to do is start at 07:00 am. 

Definitely, there's WiFi almost everywhere in the Everest region with some exception. You can charge your electronics as well throughout the Everest base camp trekking. However, know one thing before you go that everything costs in the high altitude region. The more higher it gets, the more expensive it will be. Don't expect like you're in the city since it's a remote mountainous region you're traveling to. WiFi will cost you between USD $5 to $10 for only 250 MB depending upon the altitude you are in. Similarly, the charging of your phones and cameras will cost you between USD $3 to $6. Therefore, bringing the laptops or computers or other electronic stuffs is not really recommended while trekking to Everest base camp in October.

The tea houses offer a wide variety of healthy and delicious meals on the trekking trails. It will fuel you with enough energy that will help you complete the trek. You will also find a range of food and drink options in the Everest region. One can have basic western style meals and pick any last-minute food items for climbing and trekking. However, in October you may have to wait in a queue for your meals as the tea houses will have many visitors. It is better to avoid eating meats as there are no cold stores and the possibility of having a sick stomach is very high.

Everest Base Camp trekking in October and the Challenges

Everest is not always the way you think about it. One must really not underestimate this mighty big mountain. The Everest base camp is full of challenging trails, unpredictable risk, massive mountains, dramatic scenery and mesmerizing experiences. Many trekkers choose for an October trek as Everest region is in its best form and shape in October. But along with the joy, satisfaction and pleasures of walking on the October trails to Everest, there comes few challenges as well. Everest Base Camp trek is a high altitude trek in the Everest region. On this trek, you will start from as low as 1440 meters in Kathmandu and ascend to the largest height at 5,545 meters at Kala Patthar. So, many trekkers feel the symptoms of altitude sickness while ascending to the trails of the Khumbu region. Despite the season being the best for trekking, you will feel the symptoms of the sickness any time of the year. So, you have high chances of getting altitude sickness even in October if you do not take proper care of yourself. 

To minimize the risk you should always walk on your pace and keep on drinking water throughout your trek. Plus, it is wise to avoid caffeine and alcohol on the trek as it causes dehydration. Dehydration can increase the risk of altitude sickness. In October, there are least chances of heavy rain and snowfall. So, the trekking route is less difficult than in Winter and Monsoon months. You do not have to walk in slippery or snow-covered trails. In other months like in monsoon and winter walking in the rugged terrains covered in snow or wet mud get challenging at times. But in October, you get to walk in bearable temperatures in the dry trails of the Everest region at this time around.

Distinctive Vegetation in Everest Base Camp in October

The altitudinal variation from about 60 m to the top of the world (8,848 m) has made Nepal a rich country in plant bio-diversity. In October, the vegetation of the Everest region looks phenomenal at this time. Due to the monsoon rain that has just gone by and the warm sun of the Autumn season, the distinct flora and fauna come into life with new attractive look. You will be able to see paddy, millet, etc farming in the lower regions. As you ascend on the trail, you will trek through forests of rhododendron, orchid, and oaks. You will also pass through forests full of many medicinal plants and herbs with a beautiful fragrance. The entire trail is home to diverse alpine vegetation, October is a great month to enjoy the diverse flora and fauna.

Medical Facilities and Emergencies in October in Everest Base Camp

At higher elevation of Everest without proper acclimatization can cause altitude sickness and fluids to build up in the lungs and brain. The Khunde Hospital and the Himalayan Rescue Association are some medical facilitators in Everest base camp trek providing medical services and emergency treatment. Most of the people trek Everest base camp in October so; it is one of the busiest seasons for treks in the Everest Region. Hence, the Himalayan Rescue Association runs its health posts at Pheriche during this month. It offers emergency treatments as well. The experienced medical staff treats all climbers and trekkers at Everest base camp for some fee and they also hold a free session or talks on sickness, dangers, and precautions to be taken in the high altitudes of the Everest Region, time to time. You can also get professional suggestions by the western doctors here during this month. Chartered helicopters are available to rescue those who have fallen gravely sick or gotten badly injured.

Festivals in October Trekking to Everest Base Camp

October is the season of festivals. Trekking in October will offer you a chance to be part of the Dashain and Tihar celebrations. Dashain is considered as the longest and biggest festival in Nepal, and Tihar, the second biggest festival after Dashain especially known for the lights, colors and sweets which fall in October so, the atmosphere in this month is festive and delightful. If you are trekking in Nepal in October you must not miss the festivals and celebrations of Nepalese people.

Mani Rimdu Festival in the Everest is another jolliest festival to be observed. Mani Rimdu is the most sacred and auspicious festival of the Sherpa community in Nepal which happens in the Tenboche Monastery. It is normally a 19 day festival which falls in October or November. Various dances are performed by the monks in the Monastery which convey a lot of Buddhist teaching to the crowds who has little or no idea of Buddhism. Mani Rimdu is the largest festival for the Sherpas, the local inhabitants of the Everest region, when all people scattered in different parts of the country come to watch and celebrate the festival.

Tips for Everest Base Camp Trekking in October month

Nature Lovers Treks and Tours has some highly useful information and suggestions or advises for you before you begin your journey to Everest Base Camp: 

-->Early start to the Trek is a good idea, for spending more time with nature and to reach the destination before it gets dark. The weather near the Himalayas is normally unpredictable. The faster you reach the destination for the day, the better. This way you may not have to bear the consequences of unexpected rain, wind or snow in the middle of your walks.

-->Booking trips and flights in advance will always keep you in the safer side. As we know many trekkers choose for an October Everest Base Camp Trek, you may not get preferred food and accommodation services and the right trekking package. So, it is a good idea to book your trip in advance. If you do not book it early enough, you may not be able to get flight tickets on time, best of the trekking packages, proper accommodations on the trail, etc etc.

-->Being updated regarding weather forecast will alert you from the upcoming weather so you can make the best of limited resources. But weather forecast may be wrong sometimes. So, when you prepare for the trek, you should also plan exits for the swift weather change. A good idea is to dress in layers. This way you can take off or add on your clothes on the trail according to the change in weather.

-->Consulting with reliable trekking agency will help you to avoid hassles with permits, guides, porters, etc. Hence, it allows you peace of mind as you need not to worry about the arrangements.

-->Never skip acclimatization day during the Everest Base Camp trek as they are important to help you adjust to the high altitude. And trek at slow pace through the high altitude landscape that will help to preserve your energy.

-->Intake an adequate amount of food and drink as much water as you can while trekking; it helps you to avoid altitude sickness and dehydration. Mineral water is terribly expensive in Everest region and even the hot boiled water, so try to get water boiled on your own or buy the water pills for the water before you leave.

-->Do not drink alcohol during the entire Everest Base Camp trek as it causes dehydration and exhausts you.

-->Make travel insurance that covers the emergency evacuations to deal with the worst case scenarios. You must complete the insurance policy from your home country.The right insurance will make sure that you will enjoy all the trekking activities and conditions that you plan to undertake.

-->Finally, BE CONFIDENT, BE YOURSELF AND BE CAREFUL.

Packing lists for Everest base camp trek in October

You need to watch out on the baggage you will carry to the Everest Base Camp. Spending weeks near the mountains need preparation such as; trekking gears and proper clothing. During the months of October, the weather conditions are PERFECT so, you can pack clothes that are light and can absorb sweat while you are walking in the day. But, for the night you may want to carry a jacket and sleeping bags to protect yourself from the cold. For your comfort, here is the list of the packing for the month of October.

->Light Sleeping Bag

->Water purification supplies

->Hiking stick

->Waterproof case

->Fabric bandages

->Caps

->Moisturizer

->Sunglasses

->Sunscreen above SPF 50

->Powerbank

->Swiss Knife

->Water bottles

->Trekking boots (waterproof)

->Trekking shirts

->Trekking trousers

->Down and fleece Jackets

->Solar Torch

->Trekking socks

->First aid medical kit

->Trek duffel bag

->Trekking Map

->Toiletries

Everest Base Camp Trekking in October Conclusion

Everest Base Camp trek is a dream of many travelers. To fulfill that dream, October is the best and the most perfect month which offers crystal clear views of the mountains, hills, towns, forest, gorges, lakes and rivers. Everest Base Camp in October will give you a memorable experience and adventure of lifetime. Though you might have to face the slight problems in the flight tickets and the accommodations because of a large flow of trekkers in Everest during October. However, you will never regret trekking to the Everest region in October. So, what are you waiting for! Don't delay and book your holiday or the getaway to the Everest right away.