The Everest Base Camp Trek during October will have spectacular mountain views, fantastic weather, and crazy crowds.
Weather for Everest Base Camp Trek in October
October is when the monsoon rain gives up for the year. While there is a noticeable drop in rainfall in September, it is in October that the skies finally breathe again. The best part of October, however, is that the dry spell coincides with perfect temperature to create the ideal month for trekking in the Everest Region.
However, please note that the monsoon has started to encroach into October for quite some time now. Expect at least two days of fluke downpours during a two week Everest Base Camp Trek.
| Lukla (2,860m) | Namche (3,440m) | Lobuche (4,950m) | |
| Max Avg Temp | 17° C | 13° C | 6° C |
| Min Avg Temp | 6° C | 2° C | -4° C |
| Precipitation | 17 mm | 17 mm | 6 mm |
| Precipitation Days | 6.6 days | 6.6 days | 2 days |
| No. Sunny Days | 21.8 days | 21.8 days | 27.6 days |
| Sunrise (Oct 15) | 5:58 am | ||
| Sunset (Oct 15) | 5:30 pm | ||
Hazards, Gear and Planning Tips for EBC Trek in October
Other than preparing for the usual Environmental Hazards and Altitude Illnesses, you do not need to worry about additional risks. However, please go through the Gear Checklist carefully, so you don’t miss anything. Sleeping bags, while helpful, will not be necessary.
However, please note that in October 2014, there were severe snowstorms in the Himalayas after Cyclone Hudhud made landfall. The storm killed 43 people, including 21 trekkers, mostly along the Annapurna Circuit. Post monsoon tropical storms are getting more frequent and more powerful every year thanks of course to climate change. Hence, it makes sense to be vigilant even during the darling month of October.
Three High Passes of Everest in October
October is one of the better months for the High Passes of Everest. However, as mentioned above, please update yourself on the weather religiously. And it goes without saying that an experienced guide will be of massive help for the high passes.
How crowded is the Everest Base Camp Trek in October?
October has consistently been the most popular month for the Everest Base Camp Trek, with above 20 percent of trekkers entering the Everest National Park in October. In 2008, the number stood at a little over ten thousand. It is no brainer to infer from this that the trails will be busy, and lodges will be full.
Lukla Flights in October
Chances are very high that flights to Lukla will operate from Ramechhap Airport. Hence, you will need to drive four hours from Kathmandu to Ramechhap to catch your flights to Lukla. While delays are possible, the backlogs at Ramechhap Airport clear very quickly. If the past few seasons are any indication, gone are the days of multi-day delays in Lukla flights in the high season.
However, we still recommend having a buffer day just in case. It is easy to change flight dates anyways.
Hotels and Prices in Everest Base Camp Trek in October
Hotels are all packed to the rafters in October, and finding rooms can be an issue, especially at Namche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. For small groups, it is highly recommended to book lodges in advance and reconfirm bookings a day before arrival.
Prices are generally stable throughout the year in the Everest Region, and chances of discounts are close to zero during October.
Attractions in the Everest Trek in October
The mountain views are amazing, and they are made even more stunning by little wisps of clouds floating around. There are a few flowers around, but nothing to write home about. One big October attraction is the masked dance festival of Mani Rimdu. The dates are as follows:
| Year | Mani Rimdu Date |
| 2016 | November 14/15/16 |
| 2017 | November 4/5/6 |
| 2018 | October 24/25/26 |
| 2019 | November 12/13/14 |
| 2020 | October 31 and November 1/2 |
| 2021 | October 20/21/22 |
| 2022 | November 8/9/10 |
| 2023 | October 28/29/30 |
| 2024 | November 15/16/17 |
| 2025 | November 5/6/7 |
| 2026 | October 26/27/28 |
| 2027 | November 14/15/16 |
Note: The dates are usually confirmed a few months before the main festival by the Tengboche Monastery. The above are predictions. Old dates have been included so you can verify the accuracy for yourself.
To the Mountains!
