A trek to Everest Base Camp is possible and doable throughout the year with the right preparation and equipment.
Nepal, including the Everest region witnesses four seasons: Summer, Spring, Winter, and Autumn.
September, October, and November are the months of the local autumn season in Nepal.
All the different seasons give you a different experience on your trek to Everest Base Camp.
Many of the world’s trekkers consider autumn season the best season for treks in Nepal. A trek to Everest Base Camp is no exception. These months are ideal with stable weather just perfect for treks to Everest Base Camp.
Everest Base Camp Weather in Autumn Months
September, October, and November are the local autumn months in Nepal. Autumn is a peak or ideal season for trekking in Nepal. Along with other trekking trails, the Everest Base Camp trail sees thousands of trekkers from all over the world.
These months are dry, yet are the most stable weather conditions in the higher regions of Nepal.
It is neither too cold nor too hot at the higher regions of the trekking trails. The clear weather gives you spectacular views of the landscapes, mountain peaks, glaciers.
There are very less chances of rainfall during this season. The wind speed in the higher region is also at their minimal-14 km/hr. This is a good range for treks to Everest Base Camp.
The average sunshine hour is 7 hours per day. This means you have enough time for treks and to enjoy the views and relax a bit too.
You will only see a slight variation in the weather and temperature during the three months.
Everest Base Camp Weather in September
September is the beginning of autumn in Nepal.
The first two weeks of September still shows some traces of monsoon with light rainfalls. Unlike the torrential rains of summer, the rain is light and short during the early days of September. This is actually quite refreshing.
From mid-September, autumn begins to set in. It is cooler and soothing.
The weather starts to cool down. The temperatures start to drop from the humid and heat of summer. The temperatures vary from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius during the daytime.
September is ideal for those who want to enjoy the benefits of trekking in the best weather. Yet, you don’t have to deal with a huge number of trekkers.
This month is the beginning of the popular and favorite season. You will see that the number of trekkers start to increase gradually through the month. Hence, the trekking trails are quite light and open compared to October and November.
Since the monsoon just passed by, the forests and flowers are at their best. You can also enjoy the rivers, streams, and waterfalls in the lower regions in their full glory. Also,the surrounding is still lush and green at this time.
Everest Base Camp Weather in October
October is the best month to do treks in Nepal, the weather is absolutely perfect. There is not a thing about the weather that you will dislike. You can enjoy the glory of this trek to the fullest.
The stable, dry, and cool weather condition is at its best. The temperatures vary between a cool 6 to 12 degrees Celsius during the daytime. It drops a little during the nights and early mornings.
The weather, surrounding, and the views are not compromised. Clear sky gives you a great view of the mountain peaks and ranges.
You can enjoy the spectacular and unique views of the landscapes from different parts of the trails during your trek to Everest Base Camp.
You will meet a lot of people on the trail. What a great way to share your experiences!
You may have to deal with a lot of crowd on common trails, passes, tea houses, and cafes. So, it is the best time to try out the lesser known routes to EBC like Everest-Gokyo trek, Everest-Island peak trek.
These routes will take you through the more remote, rustic parts of the Everest region. But, you have to pre-book everything necessary for your EBC trek in Nepal during autumn and spring.
Advance booking ensures that you have enough choice for rooms, tea houses, and flights. This helps to limit the chances of having to queue for permits, flights.
Everest Base Camp Weather in November
November is the last month of the local autumn season. The ideal weather conditions of October continues in November as well.
The days are dry, sunny and bright. You still get great visibility of the surrounding landscapes, glaciers and mountain peaks.
The trekking trails of EBC still gets a large number of trekkers. You can see last minute trekkers enjoying the last month of the serene autumn.
The average temperature starts to decrease. The nights get colder with temperatures dropping to -12 degrees Celsius. This should not bother you because you will be indoor cuddled up in your room or near the kitchen stove.
It is always great to carry a warm sleeping bag or warm indoor clothes. So, take time to prepare your trekking gear and equipment.
Festivals in Autumn month
Nepal follows the local lunar calendar. The dates of festivals vary from year to year.
Two of the greatest Hindu festivals is celebrated during the autumn season of Nepal. They are Dashain and Tihar. These festivals are celebrated throughout Nepal with loud music, live performances and merry making.
You can get a glimpse of the local culture of Nepal during the festivals. If you have an extra day in Kathmandu, feel free to partake in the festivities.
Mani Rimdu is also celebrated during this season. This is the local festival of the Sherpas. It is celebrated with a series of ceremonies that include dances, prayers, songs and merry making. It is celebrated every year in Tengboche monastery of Everest region.You can witness the local Sherpa culture in their full glory and spirits.
It is celebrated to bless the Mandala, rilwu (sacred, herbal pills), torma. The rilwu is distributed to the locals at the end of the festival.
Highlights of Everest Base Camp trek in Autumn
- Panoramic and up-close views of some of the highest mountains in the world including Mt. Everest.
- Ideal weather conditions for trekking.
- Amazing visibility making for great views of the surrounding landscapes, villages.
- Exciting and adventurous mountain flight: Lukla-Kathmandu.
- Great opportunity to mingle with fellow travellers and trekkers. Many long lasting friendships are made on these trails.
Some tips for Everest Base Camp trek in Autumn
- Regardless of time of year, trekkers should always bring clothing for both cold and warm temperatures.
- We recommend you to dress in layers. It will be easier to add or remove layers of clothes to adjust to the temperatures.
- Have a day or two extra. This gives you room to explore the villages, trails more freely. It is also useful if your flight gets delayed or canceled.
- The highest point of this trek is Kala Patthar. It is at an altitude of 5643 m. Be prepared for the altitude with the proper physical training and diet.
- Keep yourself hydrated. This is something that you can forget with the decrease in temperatures. Keeping your body hydrated helps to keep sickness related to high altitudes at bay.
- Hiring a porter and guide will help improve your whole trekking experience.
- Advance booking for your flights, guides, trekking packages, and tea houses is highly recommended during this season.
- Some of the costs like flight tickets, accommodations and food may be slightly higher during the peak season. So, carry extra cash as well.
- Having enough cash to last throughout the trek. Cards are not accepted by most tea houses. ATM’s in these regions are not reliable.
- The weather at such high altitudes is unpredictable. It can change anytime. Be prepared for it.
- Once you have decided your season, ask the dates of the local festivals during the month. You will not regret partaking in the rich local festivities.
Finally
The autumn is the best season for the Everest Base Camp trek. With the right equipment and preparation, Everest Base Camp trek is doable throughout the year.
Despite the best seasons, always choose the month, season on your own preference. Once you have decided, take your time to plan accordingly.
The weather in the higher regions of the trek is unpredictable. Be prepared for it and learn to enjoy the fascination and the serenity of the region.
There are many trails to choose from while trekking to Everest Base Camp.
If you have any confusions, queries or questions related to trek or tours in Nepal, feel free to contact us.
