Everest Base Camp Trekking in October and November

Basu Panday Updated on May 3, 2023May 3, 2023

Welcome to my guide on Everest Base Camp trekking in October and November! As an experienced trekker, I understand how daunting it can be for beginners to plan a trek to this iconic destination.

October and November are two of the region’s best months to go trekking. The weather during this period is generally stable and dry, with clear skies providing stunning views of the Himalayas. The temperatures are also mild, making it easier to trek without being too cold or too hot.

In this article, I’m here to cover everything you need to know to make the most of your Everest Base Camp Trek in October or November, including the best routes, weather conditions, and difficulty level of the trek.

So, let’s get started.

But what about those of you who are interested in trekking to Everest Base Camp in September? As September falls under the same season as October and November – autumn – it’s also an ideal time to trek to Everest Base Camp. So if you want to learn more about the EBC trek in September, be sure to check out our guide on Everest Base Camp Trek in September.

Weather Conditions in October and November

Weather in October

October is the season of autumn in Nepal. The weather remains typically a bit humid, with warm and mostly sunny days during autumn in the Everest region. Therefore, October is one of the best months to trek to the Everest Base Camp. Along with the mild temperature, the trekkers will enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountains, while the trails are also safer and easy to navigate in October.

	Lukla (2,860m)	Namche (3,440m)	Lobuche (4,950m)
Max Avg Temp	3.4°C	3.4°C	-4.2°C
Min Avg Temp	-5.3°C	-5.3°C	-12.4°C
Precipitation	44 mm	44 mm	54 mm
Precipitation Days	5.8 days	5.8 days	2.7 days

Weather in November

November is the month which consists of seasons like the end of autumn and the beginning of winter. As the winter begins, the number of trekkers in the Everest region decreases because the cold increases dropping the temperature to as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. Despite the cold temperature, trekkers who prefer a more peaceful trek with less crowd can find November the most suitable month for a hike, while prices for accommodations and other services are also found to be lower than in October.

	Lukla (2,860m)	Namche (3,440m)	Lobuche (4,950m)
Max Avg Temp	0.9°C	0.9°C	-6.4°C
Min Avg Temp	-9.5°C	-9.5°C	-17°C
Precipitation	8 mm	8 mm	11 mm
Precipitation Days	2.1 days	2.1 days	0.7 days

Difficulty Level For Each Month

October: In October, the winter season approaches and the temperature in the Everest region can drop to a sub-zero level, making it essential for you to have appropriate clothing and gear. Similarly, the altitude of the Everest region can also cause altitude sickness.

However, due to the clear skies and mild temperature, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayas without dealing with the extreme cold of winter or summer monsoon rains. The trails are also well-maintained, and the risk of landslides and rockfalls is low, making the trek safe and easier to navigate the paths.

November: November, apart from having the altitude sickness issue, is also considered one of the coldest months in the Everest region, with a high chance of temperatures dropping to as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius, which is why the you need to ensure that you have adequate clothing and gear to stay warm.

However, despite the difficulties, November is considered a shoulder with fewer crowds on the trails than during peak season, making yours’ experience more peaceful. In addition, with fewer tourists, the prices for accommodations and other services are usually lower than in peak season, making it more affordable for budget-conscious trekkers.

Attention all trekkers! If you are planning to trek to Everest Base Camp in the spring season, then, we highly recommend that you check out our guidelines for Everest Base Camp Trekking in March, April and May for the best possible experience.

Crowd and Costs in October and November

Number of Trekkers in Everest Base Camp (2019)

October and November are the peak months for trekking to Everest Base Camp. As a result, there will be a significant increase in the number of trekkers during these months. The crowds can be challenging, especially in popular areas such as Namche Bazaar and Everest Base Camp. So it is better if you book your accommodation to avoid disappointment.

Similarly, flights from Kathmandu to Lukla in October and November fill up way ahead of time, so make travel bookings as early as possible.

Towards the end of November, fewer people are trekking, which means it’s less crowded. This can be a good time to go if you prefer a quieter and more peaceful experience.

With the increased demand, the cost of accommodation, food, and other trekking services also tends to rise during these months. Therefore, it’s essential to budget accordingly to avoid any surprises.

Main Attractions and Events in October and November

October: Graceful Weather and Mani Rimdu Festival

Stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas with clear skies and experiencing the graceful weather while trekking in the Everest region are what every adventure lover seeks to share at least once in a lifetime.

During your trek to the Everest Base Camp, your lungs are not only delighted with the fresh air of the Everest region but your heart also gets filled with joy as you can enjoy the full bloom of colorful faunas of the forests and hillsides. At the same time, you can also spot various wildlife species along the way.

Another attraction of Everest Base Camp Trek is the Buddhist festival “Mani Rimdu,” celebrated in the majestic highlands of the Himalayas by the Sherpas for 19 days in the Tengboche Monastery. All the Sherpas of the Everest region celebrate this festival by performing traditional masked dances with music and food.

Some of the festivals that take place in October:

Kojagrat Purnima: Kojagrat Purnima is a festival celebrated in Kathmandu in October. People prepare unique dishes from freshly harvested rice and offer them to the Goddess Laxmi (Goddess of Wealth).
Dashain: Dashain is one of the biggest and most important festivals celebrated by the Hindus of Nepal for 15 days. Dashain is held as the victory over evil and is a time when Nepalese people come together to celebrate with their family and friends.

November: Mesmerizing Natural Beauty and Unique Cultural Traditions

Despite the cold and dry days, November also offers good visibility while trekking to the Everest Base Camp, which is why it is considered one of the best months. You will be amazed by the natural beauty of the Everest region offered by the weather during November.

Aside from the beauty of nature, you will be greatly surprised by the mountaineering skills of the Sherpas and the unique cultural traditions that they have. Of course, their lifestyle and food are different as they are amazing.

Some of the festivals that take place in November:

Tihar: Tihar, also known as Deepawali, is another biggest festival of Hindus after Dashain. It is celebrated for five days honouring different animals and relationships while people decorate their houses with lights and create colorful rangolis.

Chhath: Chhath is a Hindu festival mainly celebrated in the Terai region and some parts of Kathmandu. During the festival, people fast, offer prayers and take holy dips in rivers or ponds while thanking the sun god for its energy and warmth.
Bala Chaturdashi: Bala Chaturdashi is a festival celebrated in November in memory of deceased family members. It is believed that if the oil lamps are lit and placed on the Bank of the Bagmati River, which runs through Kathmandu, the souls of the departed will be guided to heaven.

Conclusion

In conclusion, trekking to Everest Base Camp in October and November is an excellent experience for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. You can witness the region’s beauty while enjoying the peaceful trails, fewer crowds and lower prices during the shoulder season.

Both months offer favourable weather conditions, stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and unique cultural experiences. In contrast, some challenges exist, such as high altitude, cold weather, especially in November, and challenging terrain.

Overall, October and November are two of the best months to trek to Everest Base Camp, and it is an adventure that should be on every trekker’s bucket list.

FAQs

What is the maximum altitude reached during the Everest Base Camp trek?

The maximum altitude reached during the Everest Base Camp trek is 5,545 meters (18,192 feet) at Kala Patthar, a popular viewpoint to get a close-up view of Mount Everest.

How many days does it take to complete the Everest Base Camp trek?

The Everest Base Camp trek usually takes 12-14 days, including acclimatization days. However, the duration of the trek can vary depending on the individual’s fitness level and the itinerary chosen.

Can beginners trek to Everest Base Camp in October and November?

Yes, beginners can trek to Everest Base Camp in October and November with proper preparation and training. However, it is important to consult with a doctor before embarking on the trek and to increase physical activity levels prior to the trek gradually.

How much does hiring a guide or a porter for the Everest Base Camp trek cost?

The cost of hiring a guide or a porter for the Everest Base Camp trek can vary depending on the agency and the level of service provided. On average, hiring a guide can cost around $25-$30 per day, while hiring a porter can cost around $15-$20 per day.

Are there any health risks associated with the Everest Base Camp trek in October and November?

Altitude sickness is a common health risk associated with the Everest Base Camp trek. However, with proper acclimatization and gradual ascent, it can be prevented. Other health risks include dehydration, diarrhea, and respiratory infections, so taking proper precautions and consulting with a doctor before the trek is important.

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