Experience the beauty of Everest Base Camp Trek in autumn. The trek offers you breathtaking clear views of the snow-capped Himalayas. Learn more in detail!
Everest Base Camp Trek in autumn is a scenic trip to the Everest region of Nepal. The experience is surreal, while the scenery is straight from the picturesque album.
Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek is every passionate trekker’s dream. It takes you to the vicinity of the world’s highest snow-capped mountains, and getting close to the world’s highest summit is a heavenly experience. The trek is a delight for all adventure, mountain, and nature lovers.
EBC Trek can be done in all seasons, providing a unique trekking experience. However, the spring and autumn seasons are considered best for trekking at Everest Base Camp. The monsoon and winter seasons are risky and very demanding trekking season in Nepal. Only experienced trekkers who want a thrill can do the trek in these seasons with proper preparation.
Everest Base Camp Trek in Autumn offers breathtaking clear views of the snow-capped Himalayas. The autumn and spring seasons are highly favorable times to trek, as the weather is bright and 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 trail’s surroundings attractive. There are stunning and clear views of mountains from a distance. 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 mild and favorable for trekkers during autumn (September to November). It is warm during the day and a little colder at night and morning. Little rain showers are possible, but there is no need to worry.
Everest Base Camp in October offers stunning scenery. The weather is sunny, bright, and clear during the day. During the night and early morning, it is also a little colder. The best part is no rainfall, a clear view of the mountains, and 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 learn about the culture closely.
Early November is the perfect month to trek to Everest to witness the spectacular Mount Everest view, other snowy mountains, and lovely surroundings, as the days are sunny and not cloudy. You can admire the incredible scenery during your EBC Trek at this time. In late November, the weather starts to become a bit colder and foggy in the morning. But there is still a superb view during the day, and walking on the trails is easy and pleasant.
The temperature in the EBC Trek differs depending on the altitude. During the daytime, it ranges from 15℃-20℃ and may vary as the altitude rises. During the night and early morning, it ranges from 6℃ to (-15℃) and gets warmer at daytime. The temperature in Everest Base Camp is cold throughout the year. So, prepare with appropriate clothing that suits these temperatures.
Unobstructed Views
Autumn is the best time to visit Everest Base Camp and witness its exquisite beauty. The sky is crisp and clear, allowing unobstructed scenery and mountain vistas. The region’s flora and fauna also thrive at this time of the year.
The picturesque views of diverse landscapes, panoramic views of Mount 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 are highlights of the EBC Trek during autumn.
The charismatic, beautiful views in the lap of mountains make the trekking experience an unforgettable experience for the trekkers.
Fully Operating Accommodations
Tea/Guesthouses are the accommodation in the Everest Region. These are fully functional and run by local natives. During the autumn, the tea/guesthouses are mostly occupied as it is the peak season for trekking. So, book the accommodations in advance. A guide companion can also assist you more easily and quickly with accommodation.
Most accommodations in this region provide only basic, shared facilities, such as twin rooms, communal bathrooms, and dining spaces. However, Namche Bazaar, the eastern region’s trading hub, has luxurious accommodation facilities. Over the years, the region has seen a spike in trekking and tourism, so plenty of fully operating accommodations exist.
Festive Season
October is the month of festivals in Nepal. The biggest Hindu festival, Dashain, falls this month. In Kathmandu, you can participate in and celebrate the Dashain festival. Likewise, Solukhumbu (Everest Region) celebrates the Mani Rimdu festival conducted by Buddhist monks. The series of 19-day festivals is organized with a 3-day public festival during which various rituals and dances are performed wearing colorful masks.
Tengboche, Thame, and Chiwong monasteries celebrate the Mani Rimdu festival. Trekkers who visit in October can participate in this festival. It offers an opportunity to learn more about the culture, customs, and religion while interacting with the natives. For an adventure and a rich cultural experience, Everest Base Camp Trek in October is the ideal time.
Companionship
Autumn is the peak trekking season for Everest Base Camp, so many trekkers worldwide flock to the region. The tea/guest houses are full of fellow trekkers heading to the same route. Likewise, you can meet up with other trekkers on the trails. It is an excellent chance to meet a new companion and form a group. You can share stories, encouragement, motivation, and pain with fellow trekkers.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp with a new companion group allows for forming a new bond and making the journey more enjoyable and comfortable. After completing the trek, you can celebrate the success and memorable journey and cherish your friendship with a new companion.
Documents & Permits For EBC Trek In Autumn
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is a safety tool for all travelers and trekkers. The Everest Base Camp Trek is adventurous yet challenging. Due to the temperature change, weather at high altitudes, and steep trails, many risks are involved. Many trekkers find adjusting to the mountain environment difficult.
Thus, travel insurance plays a significant role in providing a safety net to trekkers. It covers medical and emergency expenses. Travel insurance from a trusted agency is mandatory. The insurance should cover altitudes above 3000m, altitude sickness, loss or theft of luggage, emergency evacuations, helicopter rescues, and medical emergencies.
Permits
All foreign trekkers must obtain permits for Everest Region trekking. These permits include the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Entrance Permit and the Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) Permit. Trekkers can obtain these permits through government-registered trekking agencies. However, since many trekkers visit EBC in autumn, it is best to apply for the permits as quickly as possible.
- 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).
Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty in Autumn
Route And Duration
The Everest Base Camp Trek in the autumn season is pleasant. However, as you reach higher elevations, the weather becomes unpredictable. A sudden change in weather and temperature can catch anyone off-guard.
The weather is generally bright this time, and the trails are not snowy or slippery. However, despite the dry trails, trekkers may still find them challenging because of the steep ascents and descents. Likewise, the rough and zigzag trails also make the trek tough and tiring.
First-time trekkers may find trekking on rugged routes at higher altitudes challenging. Thus, it is crucial to hire an experienced guide. Experienced guides are familiar with the trail and help keep you on a safe path. Always listen to your guide and follow the guidelines properly. Support from guides will make your journey safe and comfortable.
The Everest Base Camp trek typically lasts 12 to 15 days but can be extended depending on your preference. It is quite challenging and requires walking for 6 to 7 hours each day, so prepare yourself physically and mentally before the EBC Trek.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness is common in mountains above 2500 m. Some trekkers may suffer mild symptoms, while some can experience severe ones. Everest Base Camp is at an altitude of 5364 m, and Kala Patthar is at 5644.5 m. Therefore, there is a risk of altitude sickness during the trek.
The common symptoms of altitude sickness are headache, hangover, nausea, fatigue, breathlessness, and loss of appetite/sleep. Meanwhile, in extreme cases, trekkers can become unconscious and start hallucinating. It can even prove to be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
However, there are guidelines and preventive methods for minimizing the risk of altitude sickness. Ascend to higher elevations slowly and keep hydrating yourself. Avoid foods and drinks like caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. You can also take medications like acetazolamide to prevent or reduce the symptoms.
Daily health check-ins using a finger pulse oximeter can monitor heart rate and oxygen level. If you experience altitude sickness, don’t panic and act calmly. Inform your guide immediately if you start feeling discomfort. Descend to lower altitudes immediately if the symptoms persist.
Lack Of Privacy
The Everest Base Camp Trek trails are mostly packed in the autumn. Since it is the best season to travel, the trails are full of trekkers. So, trekkers may have to share a room with other trekkers. It might be uncomfortable for a shy trekker or a trekker who doesn’t like sharing. There is less privacy or no privacy at all.
It is also common to meet other trekkers on the trail, so trekkers may not be able to enjoy the serene nature to their hearts’ content. The trail can get too crowded and noisy. The best solution is to compromise, 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 get along with others.
Personal Expenses During EBC Trek In Autumn
Trekking in the mountains is usually full of uncertainty. Additionally, the Everest Base Camp Trek trails are usually full in autumn. Booking accommodations and other facilities in advance can make the trek easier.
EBC Trek packages usually include accommodation, transportation, meals, permits, and fees for guides and porters. However, the package does not cover extra services, which trekkers must pay for. These are considered personal expenses.
Similarly, there are no ATMs or banks at higher altitudes. Namche Bazaar is the last stop to find a few ATMs and bank services. So, it is wise to carry additional cash for extra personal expenses.
The personal expenses may include:
- 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 costs.
- Extra or personal porter fees.
- Emergency evacuation cost.
- Souvenirs from the Himalayas, including medicinal herbs, paintings, and other things.
- Any kind of drinks, snacks, and tobacco during the trek.
- Tips to the guides and porters at the end of the trek. It is not mandatory but is highly appreciated.
Tips for Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek in Autumn Season
Physical and Mental Preparation
You do not need to be a professional trekker or hardcore athlete to trek to Everest Base Camp. However, trekkers must be physically fit and mentally prepared for the Everest trek. Physical and Mental fitness are key factors for trekking in the mountains or at high altitudes.
Trekkers must be fit enough to walk for 6/7 hours a day while ascending and descending on rugged terrains. Attaining the necessary fitness level for Everest Base Camp is crucial, as it significantly helps make your journey more comfortable. You can exercise and train to increase physical strength, stamina, and endurance.
Similarly, you can go for short hikes, which include ascent and descent, carrying a backpack of 6-7 kg. This serves as a practice trek before starting the EBC Trek. Also, perform cardiovascular exercises (running, jogging, squatting, skipping, etc.).
Besides this, eat a properly balanced diet, sleep properly, avoid toxic food and drink, and take on no/less stress. You must also do your research and familiarize yourself with the trek route. This will help you better prepare for the harsh conditions and build mental resilience.
Start Early
The autumn season is pleasant and offers clear and beautiful views. Starting the EBC Trek early allows you to explore the region’s beauty in a much quieter environment. However, the trails get busier as the day progresses.
Similarly, it provides sufficient time to walk on the dry trails while admiring the vicinity and picturesque views. Starting early also means reaching the destination on/before time. With extra time, you can visit nearby spots or explore around. You can also take early rest.
Pack Adequate Clothing
EBC Trek is challenging due to unpredictable temperatures and weather shifts at higher altitudes. During the autumn season, the temperature slowly starts to become colder. Late November is the beginning of the winter season in Nepal, so the temperature may drop below the freezing point.
Thus, pack adequate clothing and wear proper clothes to protect your body from changing temperatures. Pack essential but lightweight warm clothes that will keep you warm in higher altitudes. Also, carry clothing items ideal for warm temperatures in lower regions.
Acclimatize
Acclimatization is crucial for trekking at higher altitudes. It helps minimize the risk of altitude sickness and allows the body to adjust to the growing altitude. It also helps the body adapt to its surroundings, temperature, and humidity. Thus, acclimatization days should be appropriately scheduled in the itinerary.
During the acclimatization day, you must stay active. Thus, you can take short hikes that are not physically exhausting. For example, you can take short treks of 3/4 hours to get your body used to the environment. This painful yet fruitful activity makes coming trekking days easier.
Do not keep sleeping or lying down while you acclimatize. The main motto is to climb higher and sleep lower.
Hire An Experienced Guide
Trekkers must hire a licensed guide for all trekking destinations in Nepal. Nepal Tourism Board took this step to ensure the safety and security of the trekkers.
The Everest Region is home to many trekking destinations. Despite the well-marked trails, trekkers can get lost without proper navigation. Additionally, unforeseen changes in temperature and weather at the high altitudes and varied terrains add to the challenges of the EBC Trek.
Experienced guides are familiar with the route and its rough terrain. They help you navigate and provide vital support during your trek to Everest Base Camp. Having a guide assures safe trekking. The guide gives necessary guidelines for the route, meals, drinking water, altitude sickness, and dos and don’ts.
The guides are usually local experts with deep regional knowledge and insights. Thus, they offer valuable information about the region’s culture, religion, and lifestyle. Guides are also trained to provide first aid in case of emergency. Guides are essential because they are the first to respond to an emergency. Their support and expertise are indispensable while trekking in the challenging routes of Nepal.
Hire a Porter
Although hiring porters is not compulsory for the trek, they are crucial in providing support during the EBC Trek. The route includes many steep ascents and descents with rough trails. Carrying 20-30 kg of luggage and walking on such trails is a Herculean task. It physically strains trekkers and increases the risk of injury and altitude sickness.
To relieve you from this arduous task, porters will carry your luggage for you. A porter carries the luggage of two trekkers weighing 20-30 kg, with an average luggage limit of 15 kg per trekker. Having a porter means comfortable and luggage-free trekking. It takes the load off, and trekkers can focus on enjoying the trek delightfully.
Pre-Booking
Accommodations along the EBC Trek route are usually occupied in the Autumn Season. The trails are busy with trekkers because of the favorable weather conditions and clear views. Thus, tea/guesthouses are mostly full, and trekkers may have to wait for the Lukla flight. The cost of accommodations and flights is also higher.
If the trekker wants hassle-free travel, pre-booking your Everest Base Camp package is a better option. Contact a trusted travel agency and book an EBC Trek in the autumn season a few weeks before your travel date. Your travel agency takes care of all your trekking trips. Flights, accommodation, meals, guides, and safety are concerns of your travel agency. Simply follow the agency’s instructions and come to Nepal to create great memories.
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
The essential equipment list for the Everest Base Camp Trek in the Autumn Season is as follows:
- A pair of comfortable hiking boots with good ankle support and rubber sandals
- A windcheater jacket, Thermals, Down Jacket
- Fleece, Long sleeve shirts, Gloves, Towels, Inner garments
- Trekking pants, Trousers, Shorts, Socks
- Lightweight Woolen clothing items
- Sunglasses, Hats/Caps, Sunscreen, Lip Balm
- Adjustable trekking poles, flashlights
- Warm Sleeping bags, Raincoat, Map, Trekking poles
- Duffel bag, portable chargers
- Toiletries and personal hygiene products
- Heat/Leakproof water bottles, Water Purifying solution (Iodine based)
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. Similarly, admire the massive Khumbu Glacier, colorful Buddhist monasteries, lovely Sherpa settlements, and fascinating festivals while trekking in this pleasant 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 unforgettable. Hillary Step Treks can make your trek in Nepal an unforgettable experience!
