Everest Base Camp Trek in September is a fascinating and dreamy adventure for trekkers arriving in Nepal. Many trekkers believe that trekking in EBC should be done in the Autumn and Spring seasons, and September is the first month of autumn. The weather and temperature are mild for trekking; clear views and green vegetation are everywhere.
It is the adventure of your lifetime. The EBC trek will remain in your heart for a long, especially if you complete it in the correct month. When you reach the base camp, you will see stunning panoramic views of beautiful mountains.
Witness the fantastic mountain vista and see Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Cho-Oyu. The journey will quench your thirst for adventure. Far away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, this is the minor break you need.
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However, choosing the best month is vital for such a fantastic adventure in the Everest region. Let’s discuss why September is optimal for an EBC trek.
What to Expect on an Everest Base Camp Trek in September
Understanding what to anticipate is crucial for trekking to Everest Base Camp (EBC) in September. This month heralds the beginning of autumn, although it still experiences some rainfall from the lingering post-monsoon period. Detailed information on the trek route and the weather conditions, including temperature, during September is provided here.
Trek Route
September brings the end to the monsoon season, but due to occasional rainfall, the trek route is still wet and slippery. Although rainfall doesn’t fall as often as in previous months, it is wise to pack rain gear, such as jackets, boots, and equipment.
September is the best time for EBC because the trekking route is less crowded. Only this month will you experience the beauty of the autumn season without being overcrowded.
Average Temperature
The average temperature at EBC is very different in September, the trekking season. EBC trek in September is favorable for those who don’t mind a bit of chilliness during their trek.
The weather at Everest Base Camp is mild during the day but cold at night, with temperatures dropping to zero degrees or below. In September, the daytime temperature ranges from 8 to 15 degrees Celsius; at night, it ranges from 7 to -1 degrees Celsius.
The weather at Everest Base Camp is mild during the day but cold at night, with temperatures dropping to zero degrees or below. In September, the daytime temperature ranges from 8 to 15 degrees Celsius; at night, it ranges from 7 to -1 degrees Celsius.
Weather Conditions in September
September is one of the months when the weather conditions for the EBC trek are optimal. Since it arrives right after the end of the monsoon, you will experience post-monsoon weather during the early days. So buy rain protection gear in Kathmandu before heading to Lukla.
As the days progress, the weather starts becoming more stable. The days start becoming more warmer, but the nights are still chillier. The autumn season in Nepal starts becoming visible during the latter days of the month.
| Location | Altitude | Avg Temp | Min Temp | Max Temp |
| Lukla | 2829m | 14°C | 9°C | 18°C |
| Namche Bazaar | 3463m | 10°C | 6°C | 15°C |
| Dingboche | 4483m | 6°C | 0°C | 12°C |
| Lobuche | 4910m | 4°C | -6°C | 10°C |
| Gorak Shep | 5180m | 3°C | -11°C | 9°C |
Highlights of Everest Base Camp
- Explore the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain, Mt Everest.
- Experience breathtaking views of the mountains from Kala Patthar.
- Visit the majestic village of Tengboche and climb Tengboche monastery.
- Get to stroll around the capital of Sherpa in Namche Bazaar.
- Indulge yourself in the culture and tradition of Sherpas.
Acclimatization During Everest Base Camp Trek
Acclimatization is the process of getting used to new conditions and climates. It is generally used when people move from one place to another and must adjust to the new place’s weather and climate. Just like moving from one place to another, acclimatizing is vital when climbing altitudes.
While climbing high altitudes, your body needs to adjust your oxygen level. The oxygen molecules at higher altitudes are smaller, so acclimatization is even more necessary. Failing to acclimate and rushing toward high altitude can cause altitude or acute mountain sickness.
Ways to Acclimatization
There are two main approaches for acclimatization days:
Stay Put: You spend an extra night or two at the same altitude, giving your body time to catch up on producing more red blood cells to carry oxygen and adjust other physiological functions.
Climb High, Sleep Low: You hike to a higher elevation during the day but then descend to a lower altitude to sleep. This exposes you to thinner air for a while but allows you to benefit from better oxygen availability at night for recovery.
Acclimatization Places During Everest Base Camp Trek
During your trek to Everest Base Camp, your itinerary usually includes at least one and a maximum of two places to acclimatize. The first place to acclimatize is Namche Bazaar, a town famous for being the capital of the Sherpa people.
After a relentless trek from the remote villages, you will reach Namche on the third or fourth day. At Namche, the altitude is already 3,440 meters, and there is a good chance of altitude sickness. During your acclimatization at Namche, there are a few places you can hike to and return to town. Some places you can go on the hike are Everest View Hotel, Khumjung Village, Sherpa Museum, Syangboche Hill, etc. You can also stroll around the town as there are many cafes and restaurants like Irish Pub, Café Danphe, etc.
The second acclimatization day during your Everest Base Camp Trek falls in Dingboche. Dingboche is also a remote settlement at 4410 meters, where guides and the trekking industry recommend taking a break. You will arrive here after approximately one week of trekking, so your body is usually tired. You can rest a day in your lodge or teahouse or hike towards the famous Nangkartshang Peak.
Acclimatization is the best way to prevent altitude sickness, which is expected at higher altitudes. It increases the chance of completing your excursion without any difficulty. With a few acclimatization days in your trek, you can properly enjoy the adventure without struggling daily.
Outline Itinerary for Everest Base Camp Trek in September
Day 1: Flight to Lukla from Kathmandu and 4 hours Trek To Phakding
Day 2: 6 hrs Trek To Namche Bazar
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Namche (Includes short hike)
Day 4: 5 hrs Trek From Namche To Tengboche
Day 5: 5 hrs from Tengboche to Dingboche
Day6: Acclimatization Day at Dingboche
Day 7: Trek From Dingboche to Lobuche
Day 8: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakstep, Trek to Everest Base Camp, and return to Gorakstep.
Day 9 : Trek to Kala Phattar and Trek to Pangboche
Day 10: Trek from Pangboche to Namche Bazaar
Day 11: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Day 12: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Challenges of Trekking to Everest Base Camp in September
Trekking EBC in the month of September can be fun, but it can also bring various challenges.
Monsoon Season Impact
During the monsoon season, rainfall significantly increases at Everest Base Camp. Monsoon transforms the trekking experience. It makes the once-firm trails muddy and slippery, leading to falls and slowing your pace.
The heavy rain can also loosen the slopes, increasing the risk of landslides and avalanches. Additionally, thick clouds and fog become common. These fogs obstruct the beautiful mountain views and cause disorientation on the trails.
Weather Risks
Despite the start of the autumn season, weather in high altitudes is still changing. The unpredictable weather can lead to rainfall, snowfall, and even snowstorms. Hence, you must always be careful and pack all types of conditions. Due to cold weather, you will feel less thirsty even if your body wants more water. The negligence in hydrating your body can cause dehydration. Dehydration is another major cause of altitude sickness.
Tough Trails
Trekking in Nepal, especially in the Khumbu region, is strenuous. The path to a close view of Mount Everest is not easy, but it is also not impossible. There are many steep inclines and declines, loose and slippery rocks, and rough, rocky, or gravelly terrain. The trail is often shared with yak herds, which are not cautious and may push trekkers off the cliff.
Benefits of Trekking to EBC in September
Trekking to Everest Base Camp (EBC) in September offers several advantages:
Less crowded trails: September falls before the peak trekking season in October and November. This means you can enjoy a more peaceful trek with fewer crowds on the trails and at teahouses.
Stunning mountain scenes: During September, you can start seeing brown and amber environments. Along the route, the monsoon bloom will add to the visual appeal. As you begin climbing altitudes, the mountain vistas become more apparent. High mountains like Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Lhotse are visible.
Enjoy Nepalese Festivals: Some popular festivals fall in September, and sometimes national festivals like Dashain and Tihar fall in September. These festivals can make the trek even more unique, as you’ll witness Nepal’s beautiful culture and festivals. Other festivals like Indra Jatra are also extraordinary for Nepalese. Enjoy local rituals, culture, traditions, and delicacies during your trek in different villages of Nepal.
Everest Base Camp via Salleri (Alternative route by land)
An alternative way of trekking to Everest Base Camp is by land. We will trek to Everest Base Camp via Salleri on this alternative route. The trek is cheaper than the trek, where you’ll trek a flight to Lukla. The EBC trek via Salleri is perfect for those with a limited budget who want to stay longer during their holidays. Similarly, this trek is the least crowded to enjoy peaceful trekking.
First, you will travel to Salleri from Kathmandu via the BP Highway. It takes 9 to 10 hours to reach Salleri by bus or jeep. The Kathmandu to Salleri Jeep Drive is an attraction in itself. Before reaching Salleri, you can take a brief rest in Pattale Village. After reaching Salleri, you will stay overnight at the lodge. The next day, you will continue your drive to Thamdanda. Your trek begins as you walk for about an hour to reach Puiyan.
On the third day, you will reach Phakding from Phuyan by trekking for five to six hours. Now, you are on the trek for another Everest Base Camp Trek, which you will begin from Lukla. As mentioned earlier, you will reach Phakding on the third day, but this trek is cheaper than Kathmandu to Lukla Flight to Everest Base Camp Trek.
From Phakding, you will continue your trek to Namche Bazaar. The next day, you will acclimate to Namche and move to Tengboche the day after. The next day, you will head to Dingboche, where you will acclimatize again.
The destination is near as you move to Lobuche, Gorakhstep, and the Everest Base Camp Trek. The following day, you will return to Gorakhstep and then hike towards Kala Phattar before returning to Pheriche. You will continue returning as you drop by Namche and Lukla and then fly back to Kathmandu.
Essential Tips for Trekking to Everest Base Camp in September
Packing Tips— Be sure to pack what is most important to you. Furthermore, do not neglect the changing temperature, climate, and post-monsoon weather while you pack. Days are warmer, but nights are colder, so pack appropriate clothing. Also, don’t forget rain gear, equipment, waterproof jackets, socks, and shoes.
Insect Repellents— If you trek in September, remember that the monsoon affects the trail. The weather in September, especially early, is sometimes wet and sometimes extremely dry. You may encounter bugs, so be prepared by packing insect repellent for mosquitoes, flies, and leeches.
Mental and Physical Training— One important thing to do before trekking is to be physically and mentally fit. Especially if you are a beginner, ensure high stamina and physical endurance. Many difficulties during your trek include long distances, altitude sickness, harsh weather, etc. These difficulties can take a toll on everyone’s psyche and physicality. So, it is advisable to trek and hike daily before heading out for your actual trek. Furthermore, you can also spend time in high-altitude places like Nagarkot before moving towards Everest Base Camp.
Book Advance— As the September and autumn seasons also start, trekkers start booking their treks. You may not have to book in early September, but it is better than regretting later. There will be more crowds during your EBC trek, so we advise you to book early for adequate accommodation.
Guided vs. Solo Trekking in Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek ranges from easy to moderately complex. Hence, many foreign trekkers prefer trekking alone. The government of Nepal has created a rule for compulsory guided trekking in any region of Nepal. Guided vs. Solo Trekking Everest Base Camp Trek has separate pros and cons.
Guided Trekking
Pros
- The guide’s first motto is the safety and security of trekkers. Guides make trekking safer by evaluating risks, monitoring for altitude sickness, and offering aid in emergencies.
- Expert guidance in trekking will help you gain knowledge of the place, language, culture, and history.
- Guided trekking will ease your burden of logistics. The guides can handle all the logistics, such as homestay, teahouses, lodges, transportation, and meals.
Cons
- Lack of flexibility as you have to follow pre-determined itineraries.
- Guided tours are comparatively more expensive than solo tours.
- Sometimes, guided tours can make you alongside different groups that can ruin your vibes.
Solo Tour
Pros
- Solo Tour brings freedom and flexibility during your trek.
- During a solo tour, you must depend on your knowledge and experience, which can help you build your confidence and character.
- A Solo Tour is cheaper than a Guided Tour.
Cons
- Lack of immediate support and assistance in case of emergency.
- The chance of getting lost is higher, especially in the remote trails and villages.
- Your health and security will be in jeopardy during a solo tour.
FAQs
Is September the best month for the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Although September is one of the optimum months for the EBC trek, some factors don’t make it the best month. The early days of September are monsoon season. Hence, you may be impacted by brief rainfall and snowfall. There is also the chance of insect bites due to wet and slippery trails.
How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The EBC trek is considered easy to moderately challenging. You must climb slippery, steep ascents and traverse curly rolling flats. However, if you have little experience or are in good physical condition, you can efficiently complete your trek without hassle.
What is the highest elevation we reach during our EBC trek?
The highest elevation we will reach in the EBC trek is Kala Patthar, which is 5,644 m.
Is travel insurance compulsory for the EBC trek?
Although travel insurance for the EBC trek is compulsory, it is highly recommended. The insurance will cover several unforeseen circumstances, such as medical emergencies, helicopter rescues, baggage losses, and flight cancellations.
Can I get safe drinking water during my EBC trek?
In city areas like Kathmandu and Namche, you can get bottled or mineral water. Do not drink the water directly from taps, streams, or hand pumps. Always ask for filtered and boiled water, for which you may have to pay extra costs.
