How popular is the Everest Base Camp Trek in October? If you do the trek in October, you will know how it is. The exciting trail to Everest Base Camp remains full of cheerful trekkers.
No brainer, Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the best treks in the world. Only a few treks in the world are as fulfilling as this. Thus, there is so much craze about the trek. Likewise, of all the months, October is the busiest month for the trek. Yes, trekkers get impressed by the month’s conditions and plan the trek.
How would it not be? October is a dream month to be in the Himalayas. The Everest region undergoes an amazing weather phase. Blue skies, bright mornings, crystal-clear landscapes, vibrant vegetation, snow-clad peaks, cascading rivers, and mild temperature are the best conditions to trek onto. You can have all of them in October.
Moreover, October is appealing for its cultural and traditional exposure. If you do Everest Base Camp Trek in October, you can be a part of the grand festivals of the locals. Dashain, Tihar, and Mani Rimdu are three of the huge festivals that occur in October. October for EBC Trek is so talked about for these reasons.
It is up to you when to do the trek. We would advise Everest Base Camp Trek in October if it is in our consent. There are other great months for the trek as well. But the month has all the conditions that a trekker needs.
Yes, the major dark side of the month would be an overwhelming crowd. Many want to experience EBC in October. As a result, the region gets a bit busier than normal, which might be a red sign for some travelers.
But, overall, Everest Base Camp Trek in October is a great time for the adventure. You will make many new friends and touch the world’s most popular mountain base camp.
Major Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek
- Start the trip with an exquisite flight to the abode of Mt Everest, Lukla.
- Being on the trail of one of the best trekking trails, explore the magical and mystical Khumbu Region.
- Enjoy a great nature walk into Sagarmatha National Park.
- Cross the famous prayer flag-dotted suspension bridges for some days.
- Enter and exit the unique villages of Sherpas by experiencing their lifestyle from close.
- Spent several nights after long hikes in famous stops like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorakshep, and Phakding.
- Walk adventurously and trek up to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
- View Mt Cho Oyu, Mt Ama Dablam, Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse, Mt Pumori, and many others during the walk.
- See glaciers, terminal moraines, rivers, waterfalls, and other natural beauties.
- Meet and exchange talks and stories with people from the region and worldwide.
- Experience what it is like to trek in the Himalayas’ best part in October.
- Watch amazing sunrises and sunsets from various vantage points of the trek.
- Taste the giant set of “Dal Bhat,” “Big Momos,” and other local delicacies of Nepal on the trek.
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu!.
Day 2: Sightseeing around the Valley
Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2860m) and then Trek to Phakding (2610m)
Day 4: Trek from Phakding(2,610m) to Namche Bazaar(3,440m)
Day 5: Acclimatization in Namche
Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar(3,440m) to Tengboche(3867m)
Day 7: Trek from Tengboche(3,860m) to Dingboche (4350m)
Day 8: Rest day in Dingboche
Day 9: Trek from Dingboche(4,410m) to Lobuche (4950 m), 5 to 6 hours
Day 10: Trek to Gorak Shep(5160m), hike to Everest Base Camp (5364m), and back to Gorak Shep.
Day 11: Morning Hike to Kala Patthar (5554m) and down to Pheriche (4371 m), 5 to 6 hours
Day 12: Trek from Pheriche(4,240m) to Namche(3441m)
Day 13: Trek from Namche Bazaar(3,440m) to Lukla (2860m)
Day 14: Flight back to Kathmandu(1,400m)
Brief Itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek in October
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu
When you arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal, we will be at the airport to greet you. With excitement for the coming days, we will take you to your hotel for much-needed rest. You will ease the jetlag. It is up to you what you want to do afterward. You can get out and explore the city or just rest at the hotel.
Day 2: Sightseeing around the Valley
A month like October is a great time to tour Nepal. Thus, we will have a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu Valley. As you know, Kathmandu is dotted with ancient and unique World heritage sites.
We can go around several of them in a day. The most notable are Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Temple, Basantapur Durbar Square, and Bouddhanath Stupa. We will do a nice tour around these sites and return to our hotel for the night.
Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2860m) and then Trek to Phakding (2610m)
Flight Duration: 30 minutes
Trek Duration: 3 hours
Trek Distance: 8.2km/5.1 miles
Total Elevation Gain: -230m/-775ft
In the early morning, we will wake up and prepare for the trip. We will drive to Kathmandu Airport’s domestic terminal for our flight. We’ll begin our journey to Everest with a scenic flight to Lukla, Everest’s gateway. It takes 30 minutes to reach Lukla. October has pleasant weather. We will see a fascinating stretch of the Himalayas. Without any delay, we will land in Lukla on time.
After landing in Lukla, we'll take a corner at an eatery and take a lovely breakfast.
And with that, we will prepare for the walk ahead. The walk is not too long and intense. It is the easiest trekking day of all.
So without any hurry, we will leave for Phakding in a while. We will have a brief but lovely walk to Phakding via the Dudh Koshi River and several Sherpa villages. The hike is mostly downhill and through the green trail. After trekking for several hours in true nature, we will reach a suspension bridge to cross it. On the other side, we will have Phakding, where we will stay for the night.
Day 4: Trek from Phakding(2,610m) to Namche Bazaar(3,440m)
Trek Duration: 7 hours
Trek Distance: 10.9km/6.8miles
Total Elevation Gain: 830m/2,723ft
Today, we will trek towards Namche Bazaar, a beautiful Himalayan town. The village is also the biggest in the region and the hub. After breakfast, we will be on our way to Namche.
The walk to the town is exciting, green, and full of suspension bridges. Like the last day, the path is stone paved in some places and bumpy in others. It follows the sides of the Dudh Koshi River most of the time. We have to cross the river with hanging bridges full of prayer flags.
As we trek via the valley, we will have an amazing view of the cascading freshwater of the river. Shortly, we will reach the gates of Sagarmatha National Park. We will show our permits and move ahead. We will also get first real glimpses of the peaks of the place.
The first half of the trek is easy as it is a straight road. But the last section from the banks of the river is uphill hence a bit demanding. To be exact, it is the path ahead of the Tenzing Hillary Suspension Bridge. We will trek gradually up to a hill that takes us into Namche Bazaar.
The amazingly set town will welcome us. We will check in at our teahouse and explore the place in the evening. We can visit the Irish Pub in the town and other eateries. With that, we will spend a memorable evening in Namche Bazaar.
Day 5: Acclimatization in Namche
Acclimatization is crucial for a trek like Everest Base Camp Trek. For that, Namche Bazaar is the best place. We will hike to nearby places like Everest View Hotel, Khumjung, or Khumdu Village. The hotel offers a wonderful sight of Mt Everest and its vicinity. We can enjoy a great view and brunch at the same time.
Likewise, Khumjung and Khunde villages are two big traditional villages of Sherpa People. We will explore the living style there. However, there is no specific plan or place for the day. We will do what feels good to make the day exciting. After, wherever we go, we will retrace Namche Bazaar for the night.
Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar(3,440m) to Tengboche(3867m)
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Trek Distance: 9.6km/6miles
Total Elevation Gain: 420m/1,378ft
Now we’ll be off to Tengboche, a peaceful stop known for its monastery. After acclimatizing to the altitude by spending two nights in Namche, we will continue gaining height.
The trek will start by taking an upward hike from Namche. As we leave Namche and reach a straight trail, we will be bestowed by the amazing views of Ama Dablam, Everest, and other peaks. It will be one of the best sights.
After some hours of easy trek, we will begin a downhill walk going rapidly through lush woods. We must be careful while descending. Then we will reach the river banks and cross the river.
The uphill begins after this. It will be the toughest part of the day. Taking it slowly, we will climb the section to finish at Tengboche. The serene ambiance and glorious mountain panorama of the place will welcome us. We will spend some time around the monastery. We will spend a great evening in Tengboche.
Day 7: Trek from Tengboche(3,860m) to Dingboche (4350m)
Trek Duration: 6 hours
Trek Distance: 10.5km/6.5miles
Total Elevation Gain: 550m/1,805ft
After Tengboche, it is time to see Dingboche. The walk to Dingboche is not that steep. We have to perform several gentle uphills and downhills. Like on the last day, we will catch amazing glimpses of Ama Dablam, Everest, and other peaks. However, as we advance in the valley, Mt Everest will start to hide.
En route, we will pass several Sherpa hamlets. The major will be Pangboche, where we will stop by for a break and food. We can even watch a great panorama. Following Pangboche, we will do some ups and downs in the semi-deserted land. The landscapes begin to change and turn unique. Our lovely day of walking via all kinds of trails will end shortly in Dingboche.
Day 8: Rest day in Dingboche
Like in Namche Bazaar, we will take a day off trekking and stay in Dingboche. It is for adequate acclimatization. We can stay just in Dingboche and watch the mountains from our teahouse. Or we can go on a hike to viewpoints like Nangkartshang Peak. The hike is a better option for good results.
However, we must gain over 2,000m and cover 3 miles. It is an uphill walk to the hill. Upon reaching the top, we can get displays of Ama Dablam and other peaks. We will sit at the top for a while and enjoy a great wind blowing with the views. After enough time there, we will descend to Dingboche for the night.
Day 9: Trek from Dingboche(4,410m) to Lobuche (4950 m), 5 to 6 hours
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Trek Distance: 10.9km/6.8miles
Total Elevation Gain: 500m/1,640ft
After even better acclimatization in Dingboche, it is time to go higher. So we will leave Dingboche by taking an easy uphill climb. It is one of the most relaxing walk days of Everest Base Camp Trek.
Out of Dingboche, we will walk via the valley towards the Khumbu Glacier. We will have gradual altitude gain. Shortly, we will reach a small village named Thukla, where we will take a break and meal.
After that, we will do the hardest part of the day, the walk to Thukla Pass. It is a 45-minute climb. Succeeding the climb, we will walk on a comfortable trail. We will also reach a place of memorials of people who died in the mountains. Beyond this place, we will continue our trek and reach Lobuche.
Day 10: Trek to Gorak Shep(5160m), hike to Everest Base Camp (5364m), and back to Gorak Shep.
Trek Duration: 7 hours
Trek Distance: 11.7km/7.3miles
Total Elevation Gain: 454m/1,489ft(Lobuce to Everest Base Camp)
It is one of the most exciting days of the trek. We will trek towards Gorak Shep along the well-known Khumbu Glacier early in the morning. The walk is not super demanding. We will have to cross some gentle uphills.
As we continue our trek, we will have amazing views of glaciers, Mt Everest, and adjoining peaks. The top of Mt Everest will tease us at times. After some hours, we will reach a place where we have to cross a glacier path. It is a tricky part, but we can overcome it. No need for special gear and skill.
On the other side, we will have Gorakshep, the last human settlement on the trek. We will check in a teahouse to book our room for the night. After lunch, we will leave for a hike to EBC by keeping our bags there. In sum, we will need 4 hours to complete the beautiful hike. The walk happens along the glacier. Hence it is a bit dramatic to walk. In the pursuit, we will also see the Khumbu Ice Fall, the special section of the Everest climb.
Soon, we will reach the landmark of EBC, the famous EBC rock decorated with prayer flags. We will celebrate the great moment by cherishing the view. We will click pictures at the place. Once we feel enough, we will take the same road back to Gorakshep. It will be a celebration evening in the teahouse.
Day 11: Morning Hike to Kala Patthar (5554m) and down to Pheriche (4371 m), 5 to 6 hours
Trek Duration: 8 hours
Trek Distance: 15.2km/9.4miles
Total Elevation Gain: -885ft/-2,903ft
After Everest Base Camp, we will have Kala Patthar to tick. We will rise early and hike to Kala Patthar(5,554m) for a breathtaking sunrise and mountain panorama. The hike is around 2 hours long and steep. We will get amazing views of the terrain with every next step.
Upon arriving at the place, we will celebrate the great scenery. The 360-degree panorama of the spot is heart melting. We will watch the sunrise and the panorama and click photos.
After the visit, we will return to Gorak Shep for the gradual downhill walk to Pheriche. We will take a good breakfast before leaving. Our walk will happen on the same route as we will pass via Lobuche, Thukla Pass, and the region. The trek is normal and majorly descending. We will reach Pheriche for the night comfortably.
Day 12: Trek from Pheriche(4,240m) to Namche(3441m)
Trek Duration: 6 hours
Trek Distance: 19.5km/12.1miles
Total Elevation Gain: -800m/-2,625ft
We will ramble towards Namche Bazaar from Pheriche. The walk should be easy as it is largely downhill. Following the sides of the Dudh Koshi River and crossing serene vegetation, we will find Namche in the evening. Several sherpa villages with Buddhist sanctums will come along. Overall, it will be a good trek back to Namche Bazaar.
Day 13: Trek from Namche Bazaar(3,440m) to Lukla (2860m)
Trek Duration: 7 hours
Trek Distance: 19.1km/11.9miles
Total Elevation Gain: -600m/-1,968ft
The trek should complete today as it is the last day of the trek. We will begin by taking a downhill walk out of Namche Bazaar. Retracing the trail, we will walk via villages, forested trails, riversides, and bridges. Ultimately, we will reach Lukla to complete the great walk. We will trek via the places we walked on 1st and 2nd days.
Day 14: Flight back to Kathmandu(1,400m)
Flight Duration: 30-35 minutes
We will catch a morning flight to Kathmandu. As we leave the airport, we will have a great picture of terrains and peaks to observe. It will be a 30-35 minutes long flight. Soon we will touch Kathmandu and move to our hotel for the rest.
This is it. Everest Base Camp Trek in October is completed. Without experiencing any weather turnaround, we will have a lovely two weeks in the mountains. We will have cameras full of pictures, minds full of memories, and hearts full of experiences.
Trip Cost US$ 1350 Per person
Cost Includes:
- Airport to Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private vehicle.
- Two-night hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Your entire stander Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek, A Cup of Tea/ Coffe During the Breakfast.
- Seasonal Fruits.
- Tea House hotel accommodation during the trek. Attached bathroom Namche and Lukla.
- A highly experienced, helpful and friendly government,license holder Guide, his food, accommodations, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicine etc.
- A Strong Porter among the two trekkers ( one porter sharing among two member ) including all his expenses including full insurance during the trek.
- Round Trip flight fare Kathmandu - Lukla-Kathmandu for member and Guide.
- Kathmandu & domestic airport taxes in Kathmandu and Lukla airport for Group and crews.
- Check in Baggage 10 KG and Hand carry 5 KG, (Kathmandu-lukla-kathmandu)
- Medical supplies, first aid kit box, including Oximeter and pulse meter checker.
- An arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service (paid by your Travel Insurance company). If in case.
- Sleeping bag, down Jacket, Duffel bag and walking Poles (if you don’t have your own, To be returned after trip completed).
- Sagarmatha National Park permits.
- Trekking route map.
- TIMS (trekkers’ information management System.)
- All ground transportation.
- All our government taxes.
- Official expenses .
Cost Excludes:
- Your travel insurance, Recommended.
- International air fare.
- Nepal entry visa fee.
- Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry.
- Personal trekking Equipments.
- Extra baggage check in during the flight(Kathmandu-lukla-Kathmandu) if more than 15 KG, 01 USD per KG extra, can pay directly to the airline.
- Extra hotel night in Kathmandu.
- Activities in Kathmandu.
Is Everest Base Camp Better in September or October?
Both months are suitable for the trek. However, October is better, as September has a higher precipitation level. Plus, the grand festivals in Nepal occur in October. Hence, October ranks slightly higher than September. You should also choose Everest Base Camp in October.
Is Everest Base Camp better in May or October?
May is a month of Spring, and October is a month of Autumn in Nepal. Both months are the best times for the trek. The crowd is huge during October than in May. The weather is also firm. Hence, October is barely better than May. If you are confused, go for Everest Base Camp Trek in October. You will love the experience.
Can beginners do Everest Base Camp?
Yes, the trek is possible for beginners. However, a beginner can feel more challenged than experienced trekkers. They are not used to the terrain of the Everest Region. The steep uphills, fast downhills, and rough terrains can be a problem. Also, altitude sickness is another worry. All these reasons make the trek a challenge for beginners.
What is the hardest day of the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Lobuche to Gorak Shep and hike to Everest Base Camp day is the hardest. You have to trek via rough sections at a high altitude. By trekking via Gorakshep, you have to reach EBC to explore the place and return to Gorakshep. Therefore, this day is the hardest. But it is also the most scenic as well.
Can you sleep at Everest Base Camp?
Yes, you can sleep. The climbers install camps to sleep in the base camp only. However, you, as a trekker, will not sleep there. You will sleep in a teahouse in Gorakshep, the nearest settlement from EBC.
Do you need oxygen at Everest Base Camp?
No, normally, you do not. Having trekked via the region, you should feel comfortable at the base camp. A well-acclimatized body does not require oxygen.
What is the fitness level for Everest Base Camp?
An average fitness level is enough for the trek. Your body should be comfortable enough to walk 6-7 hours daily with short breaks in hilly areas. The uphills and downhills should be fine for you. You can build such fitness by doing cardio and strength training before the trek.
Can you do Everest Base Camp without Training?
Yes, you can do without training. Nevertheless, you will find the trek much more difficult without training. Hence, training is suggested to every trekker. The training provides physical and mental endurance levels, which is useful on a trek like this.
What is the shortest time to do Everest Base Camp Trek?
The shortest time to complete Everest Base Camp Trek is ten days. You do not have acclimatization days in such an itinerary. They are more like rapid treks to EBC. Only highly accustomed and experienced trekkers can do this kind of plan.
Can I go solo to Everest Base Camp?
Although solo trekking has been banned in Nepal since early 2023, you can still do solo EBC Trek. The trail of the trek is well-directed, and there are enough human settlements along the trail. The chances of the trekker getting lost are almost zero. Hence, solo trekking is allowed.
However, a solo trek can be daunting in October. The region has a good crowd, so the teahouses, probably the good ones, may remain packed. You have to face such problems everywhere. But they will manage everything efficiently if you do it via an agency.
Weather and Climate During October in Everest
No brainer, October is the best time for Everest Base Camp Trek. The month is the crux of the Autumn season, known for pleasant trekking conditions in Nepal.
As everyone says, October is thus one of the busy times in the Everest Region. The month is ideal for Everest and every part of the country.
The average temperature of the region during October is 10-12 degrees. Lukla, the lowest part of the trek, is around 9 to 20 degrees. Likewise, Dingboche, the midpoint, experiences 5-10 degrees temperature.
And Gorakshep, the highest stop of the trek, measures 2-12 degrees. As it is clear, the temperature drops as we go higher. The temperature degrades during night hours and reaches around 0 degrees.
If you compare the temperature of the Everest Region in October with other months, October probably ranks well. October is known for its manageable and warm temperature.
The other weather conditions during October are equally friendly. We can experience stable, clear, and cheerful weather. The sun is out and bright every day. As a result, we get enhanced visibility of the region. October is a good month for mountain lovers. Mt Everest remains barely hidden.
The precipitation level is the lowest this month. Although the rain and snow chances are extremely low, we should remain ready for all conditions. As they say, you cannot predict things in the mountains. Little rainfall or snowfall can occur in October.
FYI, Autumn is a post-monsoon season. Thus, we get to see a renewed Everest Region. Like everywhere else, the rain washes all the piled dirt of the region. You get to see Everest Region like in no other season.
In sum, October is an impeccable month for Everest Base Camp Trek. Those who plan Everest Base Camp Trek in October experience it amazingly.
See also:
What a day is like on Everest Base Camp Trek in October
The days of October are just amazing. They start with an eye-pleasing sunrise. We will wake up at one of the scenic stops of the trek, which could be Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, etc. The first thing that will amaze us will be the mountain sunrise.
After sunrise, we will have a lovely local breakfast at our teahouse. The meal cooked by the locals will please our stomachs. Depending on the day and the duration, we will start our trek. If we have to walk longer, we will start our trek early and vice versa.
As we start our trek, we will meet locals, travelers, mules, horses, birds, etc. If lucky, we may see some wild animals. We will walk via vegetation in the lower region while listening to the sound of birds and trees.
On the higher side, there is no tree line. We will enjoy clear views of tall hills and snowy mountains. You will probably see at least one among Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The month of October promises clear views and blue skies. We will just love every angle.
We will also pass several villages, Buddhist shrines, farm fields, suspension bridges, and rivers. Then we will stop at a place for lunch and a tea/coffee break. We re-energize ourselves for the other half of the day.
After lunch, we begin the walk. Just like earlier, we come across amazing scenery of the surrounding place. Every step will take us closer to our night stop. This way, we will reach our destination late afternoon or evening. At our teahouse, we will have dinner and go for a restful sleep after a lovely day of trek.
Things to Pack for Everest Base Camp Trek in October
Here is the basic packing list for Everest Base Camp Trek that you should remember be backpacking.
- Quick Drying Trekking T-shirts/Shirts
- Thermal Layers for Higher parts
- Comfortable Trekking pants
- Breathable underwears
- Down Jacket
- Fleece jacket or hoodie
- Windbreaker
- Waterproof trekking shoes/boots
- Trekking socks
- Neck gaiters
- Sun hat or Cap
- Woolen cap
- Trekking pole
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen and cold cream
- Gloves
- Torch
- Water bottle
Why is the Everest Base Camp Trek much better in October?
For the most suitable weather
As mentioned in the earlier section, October has great weather for trekking. The weather is the main concern for any trekker on any trek. People certainly want to trek in beautiful and stable weather conditions. October has that for its trekkers. In October, you will get warm temperatures, vibrant sunny days, and blue skies. Overall, you will have an amazing Everest experience.
For no flight delays and cancelations
There are times when you have to face frequent flight delays and cancelations. You may even have to postpone and extend your trek. Luckily, October has no such delays. The weather is fine most of the time. As a result, the flights happen on time. You do not have to face any annoyance. You will finish the Everest Base Camp Trek in October as planned.
For crystal clear views
October is the time after Monsoon, the rainy season, in Nepal. What happens here is the region gets cleaned. Monsoon clears all the dirt off the terrain. The vegetation looks vibrant, and so do the landscapes. In October, everything, from terrain to peaks, looks crystal clear. You can enjoy the Everest Region in such a phase during October.
For glorious mountain vistas
October is also a time for superb mountain views. The majestic peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam remain snow-clad. Those who do Everest Base Camp Trek in October will surely see the most amazing mountain views. The sky-touching peaks with whitish snow look fabulous. You will love the snowy peaks of October for sure.
For breathtaking sunrises and sunsets
You will spend mornings and days in scenic places throughout the Everest Base Camp Trek. In those moments, you will get to watch amazing sunrises and sunsets. For example, the Kala Patthar sunrise is a remarkable thing to experience. You will see the sun rising and setting by the world’s top peaks and majestic landscapes. Isn’t it great?
For Nepalese grand festivals
It is one of the major reasons October is perfect for trekking in Nepal. You get an opportunity to participate in Dashain and Tihar, the two grand festivals of Nepalese. During these festivals, the entire country is joyous and vibrant. Likewise, Mani Rimdu, a major Sherpa festival, occurs in October. You will experience Nepal during such a carnival phase if you choose October. If you love to see the new and unique traditions of Nepalese, do not look further than October.
For meeting a lot of new people and making friends
If you are an extrovert who loves to meet new faces, October is the time to be on the Everest trail. As you know, October is a high time to do the trek. You meet hundreds of trekkers along the journey. People from various parts are on the trail. You will exchange talks and experiences and make good companions. So October is also about making friends.
What food and accommodation are available on Everest Base Camp Trek in October?
The Everest Base Camp Trek route has numerous teahouses, lodges, bakeries, and restaurants. Indeed, the trail is the most developed one in the country. Teahouses offer both food and accommodation. At the same time, some restaurants and bakeries offer food only.
The teahouses and other eateries along the trek serve a wide range of food and beverage options. The food menus include Indian, Chinese, Continental, and Local cuisines. Some popular food items are Noodles, Dumplings, Dal Bhat, Spaghetti, Sandwiches, burgers, Porridge, French toast, etc. The teahouses offer fresh and nutritious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
Likewise, accommodation facilities on the trek are from satisfactory to fine. In places like Namche Bazaar, you will get the best lodges and teahouses if you pay the price.
The other places offer just basic amenities. You will get a bed, blankets, and a pillow. The higher we go, the more basic the things become. However, the tea houses are good and warm enough to take a rest. It is just that they need more luxury.
The tea houses easily fill up in October due to the good crowd. Solo and free travelers must make bookings for food and accommodation. Thus, many trekkers prefer trekking via agencies. A trekking agency manages everything, even in a peak month like October.
Some possible difficulties on Everest Base Camp Trek in October
The trek in October is beautiful. However, Everest Base Camp Trek is a challenging trek. Along with good things, October Everest Base Camp Trek has some challenges. You should be aware of these and overcome or avoid them. Here are the major ones:
Altitude sickness
Everest Base Camp Trek is a high-elevation trek. You have to start the trek from 1400m to reach 5,500m. Each day, you will gain an average altitude of 600m. During the walk, you have to walk carefully.
You will experience altitude sickness symptoms while trekking. Not taken seriously, it could make you sick and worsen the situation. This phenomenon is common on a high-altitude trek. Despite it being October, you will have to face it. The only solution is to take precautions. So this is a challenge that you have to overcome.
Trekking Route
Not everything about Everest Base Camp Trek is beautiful. The trekking part is one of them. It is a demanding trek with lots of uphills and downhills. You also have to cross rough sections. Although the trail is nicely set, walking on such a long trail is difficult. You will need to push hard while climbing. Likewise, you have to watch out while descending. Throughout the trek, you will do nothing but trek.
October has pleasant weather. Hence getting enrolled in Everest Base Camp Trek in October is less challenging than in Monsoon or Winter. However, the trail is still the same. You have to trek 130 km in the mountains. That would be challenging on any day. The trek requires good preparation and physical training.
Tough time finding good accommodation
If you remember, Everest Region is flooded with people during October and Autumn. Thus it takes time to find desired accommodation. The teahouses, which are in good numbers, get easily booked in October. You may only find a good place to rest if you have pre-booked any. Or you may have to adjust in a room with other trekkers due to this.
Impossible to bargain and get discounts
As October is a peak time for tourist arrivals in the Everest Region, you may not get bargains and discounts. At the same time, you can enjoy a good discount in low seasons like Monsoon and Winter. We have to forget these things while trekking in October. The teahouses and lodges will provide no discount.
Quick selling flight tickets to Lukla
Many trekkers plan Everest Base Camp Trek in October. Consequently, the tickets for a flight to Lukla, the best option to reach Lukla, get sold out easily. It becomes a bit hard to get tickets. You may not even get the tickets on your chosen date. Most of the tickets get pre-booked and sold. Therefore, pre-planning for the trip is necessary.
Crowded Trails and Teahouses
Suppose you are an introvert who doesn't like crowded places. October may not be the right month for you. As discussed in this blog, Everest Region receives many visitors in October. The trekkers remain scattered across the trek. Likewise, the tea houses remain bustling with enough people. It might be intimidating for you if you prefer to avoid crowds.
Also read: Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty
Some helpful suggestions for a beautiful Everest Base Camp Trek in October
Here are some useful tips that you can use to make your trek a satisfying one.
Plan and Execute
You should start with a plan. For Everest Base Camp Trek in October, you should plan everything. You can plan training, preparation, travel insurance, packing list, date, budget, schedule, and agency. Have a good plan and execute it thoroughly. While creating a plan, make it specific and attainable. Remember to include the essential things in the plan.
Obtain covering travel insurance.
Travel insurance is an important thing that you must have while on EBC Trek. You never know what happens on the trek. At worst, you may need emergency evacuation by helicopter. If you have travel insurance that covers such costs, you will not regret it later. Travel insurance keeps you insured against unprecedented situations. Hence, buy insurance that covers at least helicopter evacuation.
Pre Book Tickets and Accommodation
If you are trekking without the help of any trekking agency, you have to arrange everything. The tickets to Lukla take a lot of work in October. Likewise, accommodations on the trek remain full due to peak season. You might face problems if you have yet to pre-book those things. Therefore, book on time and in advance.
Choose a good agency.
Doing Everest Base Camp Trek is open. However, there can be hassles in arranging everything by yourself. You can avoid most of the hassles just by choosing a good agency. Ask them for an experienced guide. A guide will arrange everything on the trek, so you do not have to worry. The agency and guide will book your flights, hotels, food, etc. You will just have to worry about trekking. So look for an agency that promises an excellent trekking experience.
Acclimatize and take precautions for altitude sickness
The itinerary will have one or two acclimatization days. You should use the days to adapt to the region and the heights. Likewise, you should take necessary precautions such as hydrating your body, trekking calmly, avoiding drinking and smoking, etc. In these ways, you must avoid the chances of mountain sickness. Above all, never take acute mountain sickness lightly.
Hire a porter if you need
If you have a heavy backpack, you must hire a porter. By doing this, you will make the trek quite comfortable. A normal-weight bag also resembles a heavy stone on a trek like EBC. You quickly get tired, and your speed needs to be faster. But if you transfer your weight to your porter, you can trek comfortably. Therefore, if you have a heavyweight, do hire a porter. Porters are easily available.
What else can you do in October in the Everest Region?
Everest Base Camp Trek attracts all the spotlight in the region. However, there are some equally rewarding options that you can plan for October in Everest Region. Here are some of them.
10 Days Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return
You trek to Everest Base Camp, explore Kala Patthar, and return to Lukla by helicopter. With this special itinerary, you will complete the Everest Base Camp trek in 10 days. You will reduce days by returning on a helicopter.
This plan is perfect for those who want to reduce days and experience a regional helicopter tour. You will have a complete adventure in the region, from trekking to helicopter riding. It has become a popular option recently. Many people want to avoid the return trek and feel the luxury and thrill of a helicopter ride in the Everest Region.
You can also choose the same plan instead of a normal EBC Trek. October is also a perfect time for this outing. You will catch the views of Mt Everest and the place from the ground and air. That is what makes it the ultimate experience.
Everest Three High Passes Trek
Everest Three High Passes Trek is a level-up alternative to Everest Base Camp Trek. It is one of the most adventurous treks in Nepal. It is quite a popular itinerary among adventure seekers.
People who do not get a kick from EBC Trek tend to use this itinerary. The trek happens via EBC and three major passes of the region. You will cross Renjo La Pass, Kongma La Pass, and Cho La Pass. You will touch Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar alongside these three points. Moreover, it passes via Gokyo Valley as well. For all these reasons, the itinerary is a complete adventure.
This is the best if you have been looking for a challenging trail. You will test and extend your limits while exploring the whole Everest Region. Like other treks, you can do this one in October. The month is the perfect time for the trek. Hence, it is a good alternative to Everest Base Camp Trek in October.
