Everest Base Camp Trek in Autumn Season 2023
24 Jul 2022 wstadmin
Everest Base Camp Trek is every passionate trekker’s dream. Everest Base Camp Trek takes you to the vicinity of the world’s highest snow-capped mountains. Getting close to the highest summit of the world is a heavenly experience. Everest Base Camp Trek is a delight for all adventure, mountain, and nature lovers.
Everest Base Camp Trek can be done in all seasons. All seasons provide a unique trekking experience. But, the Autumn and Spring seasons are considered best to trek Everest Base Camp. The monsoon and winter seasons are risky and very demanding. Only trekkers who are experienced and want a thrill in life perform Everest Base Camp Trek in these seasons.
Everest Base Camp Trek in Autumn Season offers you breathtaking clear views of the snow-capped Himalayas. This season is highly favorable for the trekkers as the weather is bright, vibrant during the day, and a little colder at night and morning. The tea/guest houses are fully-functional and the trails are comfortable to walk. The pleasant weather makes the surrounding of the trail attractive. The stunning and clear views of mountains from the distance during the autumn season. September, October, and November are the main months of the autumn season in Nepal.
Highlights
- A scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
- Diverse flora and fauna in the vicinity of Sagarmatha National Park
- The vibrant Sherpa capital “Namche Bazaar”
- Fully-functional Tea/Guesthouses and a group of many Trekkers
- Acclimatization day rest
- Visit the Tengboche and other Monasteries
- Attend Mani Rimdu festivals at Tengboche Monastery (in October)
- Comfortable trekking route with sightseeing of verdant forests, and colorful Buddhist monasteries in a pleasant weather
- Adore the Everest Base Camp (5364 m) and close mountain vistas
- The crystal clear view of the snow-capped world’s highest Mt. Everest and surrounding mountains from Kala Patthar and the massive Khumbu Glacier
Benefits of Everest Base Camp Trek in the Autumn Season
Favorable Weather and Temperature
The weather is favorable for trekkers during the autumn season. Late September is the beginning of the Autumn Season in Nepal. The weather is mild. It is warm during the day and a little colder at night and morning. One can expect little rainfall but no need to worry as a beautiful view after the weather is clear. October is the best month of the autumn season. The weather is sunny, bright, and clear during the day. During the night and early morning too, a little colder. The best part is no rainfall and a clear view of the mountains as well as beautiful scenery. October is also the month of festivals in Nepal. Trekkers can be a part of the festival at Tengboche and other monasteries and get to learn about the culture closely too. Early November month is perfect to get spectacular views of snowy mountains, and lovely surroundings as the day are sunny and not cloudy. Admire the incredible sceneries during your EBC Trek in the autumn season. Late November weather is a bit colder and foggy in the morning. But, still has a superb view during the day, and walking on the trails is easy and pleasant.
The temperature during the autumn season in the Everest Base Camp Trek differs depending on the altitudes. During the daytime, the temperature ranges from 15℃-20℃ and may differ if the altitude rises. During the night and early morning time, the temperature ranges from 6℃- (-15℃) and may rise at higher altitudes. Be prepared with appropriate packing for the trekking.
Festive Seasons
October is the festival month in Nepal. The biggest Hindu festival Dashain falls this month. Be a part of the Dashain festival and celebrate it if you are in Kathmandu. Likewise, Solukhumbu (Everest Region) celebrates the Mani Rimdu festival which is conducted by Buddhist monks. The series of 19-day festivals is organized with 3 days public festival performing various rituals and dances wearing colorful masks. Tengboche, Thame, and Chiwong monasteries celebrate this festival. Trekkers can participate in this festival if they are here in October. They can learn more about the culture, customs, and religion and interact with the natives. An interesting trek as the adventure gets mixed up with culture.
Beautiful Views
Trekkers can witness the beautiful views while trekking at the Everest Base Camp in the autumn season. The picturesque views of diverse landscapes, panoramic views of Mt. Everest and surrounding mountains, a lush green forest at lower altitudes, lovely villages, Sherpa settlements, and diverse flora and fauna in the vicinity of the Sagarmatha National Park. The charismatic beautiful views in the lap of mountains make the trekking experience remarkable for the trekkers.
Accommodation
Tea/Guesthouses are the accommodation in the Everest Region. During the autumn season, the tea/guesthouses are mostly occupied as it is the peak season for trekking. The tea/guesthouses are fully-functional and operated by local natives. The accommodation must be shared and are basic in a facility. Everest Region is growing rapidly due to the flourishing of trekking in that region. So, trekkers can get accommodation. A guide companion can assist you more easily and quickly with accommodation. So, it is better to have a guide during the trek.
Companion
Autumn Season is the peak season to trek the Everest Base Camp. So, one can witness many trekkers from around the world. A good chance to meet a new companion and form a group. To trek in the Everest Base Camp with a new companion group allows for forming a strong bond. One can share different stories, encouragement, motivation, and pain throughout the trekking. One can cherish friendship with a new companion and make beautiful memories after the completion of the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Tips for Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek in Autumn Season
Physical and Mental Fitness
A person needs to be physically and mentally fit for Everest Base Camp Trek in Autumn Season. There is no need to be a professional trekker or hardcore athlete to trek the Everest Base Camp. Physical and Mental fitness is the key factor for trekking in the mountains or high altitudes. You are required to be fit enough to walk for 6/7 hours a day on rugged roads having many ascents and descents. Attaining the necessary fitness level for Everest Base Camp is crucial, as it significantly helps in your remarkable journey. It is best to go for hikes including ascent and descent carrying a backpack of 6-7 kg. Maintain the same pace while hiking. In a backpack, only include necessary items. It is an easy way to practice mini trekking before starting EBC Trek. Besides this, eat properly balanced diet food, get proper sleep, avoid toxic food/drink, and take no/less stress. Also, perform cardiovascular exercises (running, jogging, squatting, skipping, etc.) to be physically and mentally fit.
Start Early Trekking
The autumn season is very pleasant and the views are also very clear and beautiful. To start early trekking EBC Trek provides you with an opportunity to explore the region’s beauty. A sufficient time to walk on the dry trails admiring the vicinity and picturesque views. To start early also means reaching the destination on/before time. Thus, a great chance to visit nearby places and take a rest comfortably.
Carry Lightweight Warm Clothes
Everest Base Camp Trek is very challenging due to the change in temperature and weather at higher altitudes. During the autumn season, the temperature starts to fall slowly. Late November is the beginning period of the winter season in Nepal. So, the temperature during that month may drop below the freezing point. Thus, wearing proper clothes to protect the body is essential. You need to wear a layer of lightweight warm clothes that protect the whole body. Pack the essential but lightweight warm clothes that are handy in higher altitudes.
Guide
Everest Region is unknown to many new trekkers as well as two-three-time trekkers. The region is huge and the change in temperature and weather at the high altitudes is very demanding. So, it is best to have a guide with you during the trekking at the Everest Base Camp. The guides are well-known about the region in and out as they have trekked the region multiple times. Having a guide is an assurance of safe trekking. The guide gives necessary guidelines related to the trek route, meals, drinking water, altitude sickness, do’s and don’ts, and some information about the region’s culture, religion, and lifestyle too. In case of emergency, the role of guides is essential. The guide is an angel in disguise while trekking in the mountains/higher altitudes.
Porter
Porters are another crucial member while trekking in the Everest Base Camp. The trekking route includes many steep ascents, descents, rough trails, slippery, and icy in rainy and winter seasons. To carry 20-30 kg of luggage and walk on such trails is a Herculean task. Porters carry the luggage of two trekkers weighing 20-30 kg. The average luggage limit per person is 15 kg. Having a porter means comfortable trekking. The luggage-carrying load minimizes and trekkers can delightfully accomplish the trek.
Permits
Everest Region trekking requires permits and is mandatory. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Entrance Permit and Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) Permit are two required permits. The Pasang Lhamu permit costs NPR 2000 for foreigners and NPR 1000 (for SAARC nationals). The SNP permit costs NPR 3000 for foreigners and NPR 1500 (for SAARC nationals). Buy the permits at the tourism office in Kathmandu or Lukla and SNP permit in Monjo. So, while filling up a form having all primary identity documents is good. Visa is always a plus point along with your passport-size photographs.
Acclimatization
Acclimatization is the most necessary thing to do in trekking at higher altitudes. It helps prevent altitude sickness and gives proper rest to the body. It helps in adjusting to the altitude. Acclimatization days are properly scheduled in the itinerary. Follow the guide’s instructions carefully. Acclimatization day in the mountains means climbing and not proper rest like sleeping or lying. It is best done for the benefit of the trekkers and to get easily adapted to the environment. The main motto is to climb higher and sleep lower. On the acclimatization day, a short trek of 3/4 hours to get the body used to the environment. A painful yet fruitful activity that makes coming trekking days a bit at ease.
Pre-Booking
Everest Base Camp Trek in the Autumn Season is usually occupied. It is the best season to trek and the trails are full of many trekkers. The tea/guesthouses are mostly occupied. Trekkers might have to wait to get the Lukla flight. If the trekker wants hassle-free travel pre-booking is a better option. Contact a trusted travel agency and book an EBC Trek in the autumn season a few weeks before your travel. All your trekking trips are taken care of by your travel agency. Flights, accommodation, meals, guides, and safety are concerns of your travel agency. Simply follow the instructions of the travel agency and come to Nepal and create great memories in the EBC Trek in the autumn season.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is a safety tool for all travelers/trekkers. The Everest Base Camp Trek is adventurous yet challenging. There are lots of risks involved due to the change in temperature, weather at high altitudes, and steep trails. For many trekkers, the mountain environment is new, and find it difficult to adjust. Thus, Travel Insurance plays a significant role. It is mandatory and purchases travel insurance from a trusted insurance agency. The insurance should cover altitudes above 3000m, loss/theft of luggage, emergency evacuations, and medical emergencies.
Extra Personal Expenses
The trails of Everest Base Camp Trek in the autumn season are usually full. Trekking in the mountains is usually full of uncertainty. A little difficulty in finding better accommodation and other facilities. There are no ATMs and banks at the higher altitudes. So, it is wise to carry additional cash for extra personal expenses. The expenses are used for:
- Extra stay due to flight pack.
- Return via long route due to flight pack.
- Hot showers, internet access, battery charging, laundry, and other extra services in the mountains.
- Extra or personal porter.
- Emergency evacuation cost.
- Souvenirs from the Himalayas, such as medicinal herbs, paintings, and other things.
- Any kind of drinks, energy bars throughout the trek, tips to the guides and porters at the end of the trek.
Difficulty in Everest Base Camp Trek in Autumn Season
Route Difficulty
The Everest Base Camp Trek routes in the autumn season are quite pleasant. Since the weather is bright, the trails are not snowy and slippery. The trails are dry but trekkers may find it hard to walk as it consists of steep ascents and descents. Trekkers may find it tough and tiring to walk on the rough trail on the zigzag road on a bright sunny day. First-time trekkers may find it a little challenging to trek on the non-pitched route at higher altitudes due to temperature changes. Besides this, it is a comfortable walk compared to walking on slippery and icy during the rainy and winter seasons. Always listen to your guide and follow the guidelines properly. Guides know the trail very well so follow the guide route. A guide takes you to the safe, comfortable trail as far as possible.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness is common in mountains above the altitude of 3000 m. Some trekkers may even suffer below the altitude of 3000 m too. Everest Base Camp Trek is at an altitude of 5364 m and Kala Patthar is at 5644.5 m. Altitude sickness symptoms are headache, hangover, nausea, fatigue, breathlessness, loss of appetite/sleep, and in extreme cases unconsciousness and hallucination. Altitude sickness prevention is following the guidelines properly. Maintain slow speed while trekking and keep hydrating yourself. Avoid toxic foods/drinks and take medicine by consulting the guide. Daily health check-in using a finger pulse oximeter to keep track of heart rate and oxygen level. Carry some altitude sickness prevention medicine with you. If hit by altitude sickness don’t panic and act calmly. Inform the guide in case of any difficulty and descend immediately but slowly.
No Privacy
The route in the Everest Base Camp Trek in the autumn season is mostly packed. The trails are full of trekkers. Due to it, trekkers have to share a room with other trekkers. It might be uncomfortable for a shy trekker and a trekker who doesn’t prefer sharing. There is less privacy or no privacy at all. The best solution is to compromise and get along with fellow trekkers and adjust to the environment. It may be a great opportunity to make unforgettable memories, build sharing habits and learn to be frank.
Everest Base Camp Trek Duration
The Everest Base Camp duration is normally 12 days. The duration extends depending on the itinerary, acclimatization days, and trek routes. Everest Base Camp is very challenging and can’t be accomplished in less than 12 days. The itinerary is prepared best suited for the trekker. The continuous long 6/7 hour walk can be strenuous. So, prepare yourself physically and mentally before the EBC Trek in the autumn season.
Everest Base Camp Trek in Autumn Season Itinerary (12 days)
Day 1: Fly 35 minutes to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2610m) /4-hour trek
Day 2: Phakding to Monju/Jorsale to Namche bazaar (3440m) /6-hour trek
Day 3: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar (3440m)
Day 4: Namche to Tengboche (3890m) /5-hour trek
Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche (4350m) /5-hour trek
Day 6: Acclimatization day at Dingboche (4350m)
Day 7: Dingboche to Lobuche (4940m) /5-hour trek
Day 8: Lobuche to Gorakshep (5164m) to Everest Base Camp (5364m) /6-hour trek
Day 9: Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5644.5m) to Pheriche (4371m) /7-hour trek
Day10: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3440m) /6-hour trek
Day11: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2860m) /6-hour trek
Day12: Lukla to Kathmandu flight (35-minute flight)
Equipment list for Everest Base Camp Trek in Autumn Season
Mostly carry lightweight warm layer clothes. The essential equipment list for Everest Base Camp Trek in Autumn Season is:
- A pair of hiking boots, Rubber sandals
- A windcheater jacket, Thermals, Down Jacket
- Fleece, Long sleeve shirts, Gloves, Towels, Inner garments
- Trekking pants, Trousers, Shorts, Socks
- Sunglasses, Hats/Caps, Sunscreen, Lip Balm
- Warm Sleeping bags, Raincoat, Map, Trekking poles
- Duffel bag and a day pack
- First-Aid Kit, Medicines for preventing Altitude sickness
- Heat/Leak proof water bottles, Water Purifying solution (Iodine based)
- Lightweight Woolen clothing items and socks (For Winter Trek)
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Everest Base Camp Trek in the Autumn Season is a magical experience. Witness the spectacular world’s highest mountains from Kala Patthar and feel victorious upon reaching the dream destination Everest Base Camp. Admire the massive Khumbu Glacier, colorful Buddhist monasteries, lovely Sherpa settlements, and fascinating festivals while trekking in this pleasant autumn season. The crystal clear views of snow-capped mountains, bright and vibrant days, changing landscapes, verdant forests, cold cascading rivers, glacial pools, and diverse flora and fauna make the Everest Base Camp Trek in Autumn Season unforgettable.
Everest Base Camp Trek Map
