Why Autumn is best for Everest Base Camp Trekking?

gwtadmin
June 11, 2023
Why Autumn is best for Everest Base Camp Trekking?

Everest Base Camp trekking is a renowned adventure that takes place in the naturally blessed country of Nepal, home to the world’s tallest mountain, Mt. Everest. Everest Base Camp trekking is considered one of the most revered adventures on Earth due to its lofty altitude. If you’re contemplating the Mount Everest Base Camp trek, prepare to push your limits and experience excitement and awe throughout the journey. This trek transcends mere hiking; it’s an exploration above the clouds, an adventure of a lifetime.

While Everest Base Camp Trek can be done every bit of the year; the journey at certain seasons contributes more amusement and lucidity than others. The best trekking in Nepal is mediated as Autumn and the most praised and chosen months because of benign weather situations are September, October, and November.

Tengboche - Everest Base camp trek - Trekking Team Group

September, October, and November (Autumn) for Everest Base Camp Trekking

September heralds the onset of autumn, a perfect season for Everest Base Camp Trekking and for other trekking too. The weather during autumn is ideal, with temperatures pleasantly mild in the higher elevations and not too hot in the lower valleys. This time also coincides with Nepal’s major festivals like Dashain and Tihar, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in local culture amidst the green hills and clear blue skies.

Autumn is widely regarded as the best time for Everest Base Camp trekking for unparalleled views of the mountains. By mid-September, the monsoon season has typically ended, ensuring minimal rainfall and avoiding both extreme cold and summer heat. Days are warm while nights are cool but not uncomfortably cold, creating smooth and comfortable trekking conditions.

Everest Base Camp Trekking in September offers breathtaking views of Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Nuptse (7861m), Ama Dablam, and other majestic snow-capped peaks. It’s an opportunity to experience the unique culture of the Sherpa community, its lifestyle, picturesque landscapes, and diverse vegetation. Mid-autumn particularly showcases the Khumbu region at its finest, with pristine snow-covered mountains, verdant hills, clear skies, and refreshing mountain air.

Temperature varies according to the altitude

During the trek in the mountains, the weather can change unexpectedly, especially as you ascend into the alpine valleys. While not extremely severe, such changes are common during this season. Typically, temperatures in September are moderate, ranging from 10-15°C during the sunny days and dropping to -10 to -15°C at elevations above 4000 meters.

In October, days tend to be warmer while nights are generally colder, with temperatures ranging between 20°C during the day and -10°C at night, varying with altitude. The climate in the Everest region is unpredictable; October may see occasional rain, but it usually clears up quickly, with mostly clear skies prevailing once the rain stops. Overall, rainfall is minimal during this period.

A group of 8 tourists on their journey of Everest Base Camp Trekking enjoying the view of Everest range from hill.
Everest base camp trek journey of a group of tourists ‘with trekkingteamgroup

Trek throughout the year

With a wide variety of diverse landscapes and regions ready for exploration throughout the year, the trekking seasons are predominantly Autumn and Spring. While Summer and Winter also see some trekkers, their numbers are significantly fewer compared to Autumn and Spring. Nonetheless, trekking opportunities are available year-round in Nepal, catering to adventurers regardless of their preferred season or month. Each of the four seasons leaves a distinct mark on the terrain, its lushness, and its features, offering unique trekking experiences throughout the year.

Permit for Everest Base Camp Trekking

To trek in the Everest region, you need to obtain the following permits:

  1. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit:
    • Required for entering Sagarmatha National Park, which includes the Everest region.
    • Cost: NPR 3,390 (approximately USD 30) for foreign nationals, NPR 1,695 (approximately USD 15) for SAARC nationals.
  2. Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Fee (formerly known as Pasang Lhamu Village Tax):
    • Required for entering the Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality area, which covers parts of the Everest trekking route.
    • Cost: NPR 2,000 (approximately USD 18) for foreign nationals, NPR 1,000 (approximately USD 9) for SAARC nationals.

These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board office or in Lukla. TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card is not required for the Everest Base Camp trek.

Accommodation

Everest region is not so modern and still count as the remote area of Nepal so you can expect homestay and simple accommodation in Everest Base Camp trekking. Being able to adjust to different situations is important when you go trekking. During the day, you’ll be exploring different places and enjoying yourself, but when it gets dark, finding a place to rest becomes necessary. You won’t always find fancy hotels everywhere; sometimes, you’ll stay in simpler places with good local food. In some places, you might even have to settle for very basic accommodations. So, being flexible and adapting to different conditions is crucial for a successful trekking trip.

A guide wearing red jacket and black pants with black googles standing on the location board showing the way to Everest base Camp in his Everest Base Camp trekking Journey.

Things you should have to take with you while trekking

During Everest Base Camp trekking you cannot carry all the items that you usually need; you have to carry the bag and walk/ hike from one place to another places. So that carry just the required and necessary items with you in your bag. Some items that must be in your bag while trekking are:

  • Trekking Shoes or Hiking Boots
  • Walking stick
  • Swiss Knife used for the multi-purpose toolset
  • Torchlight or Flashlight
  • Water Bottle: A savior in many ways
  • Trail Mix, Dry Fruits, Chocolates, or Energy Bars
  • Daypack or Backpack – Travel Light & Organized
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Trek Pants or Trousers
  • Cap or Hat
  • Sunscreen, Sunblocks, and Lipbalms
  • Trek Route or Map
  • Medical Kit or First-aid Kit

Check out the Equipment Checklist for more detailed information on what kinds of equipment you need before setting the Everest Base Camp trekking Journey.

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