October is one of the best months to trek in the Nepal Himalayas. An Everest Base Camp Trek in October offers the ideal trekking conditions – stable and pleasant weather, clear skies, and stunning views of the mountains. There’s something special about an autumn trek; the whole mountain scenery appears at its best – the cloudless blue sky, dazzling snow-covered peaks, green forests and milky rivers. October is also the time when the Nepalese Hindu population celebrates Dashain, their biggest festival. While Sherpas, who are Buddhists do not celebrate this festival, people in the middle hills and valleys celebrate this festival in a big way.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp in October is highly recommended due to its stable, dry, and clear weather after the monsoon, offering excellent visibility of the Himalayas and comfortable daytime temperatures. The fresh, crisp air and vibrant autumn landscapes enhance the trek, while opportunities to witness local festivals like Mani Rimdu and experience a lively trail create a unique cultural and social dimension. However, it is peak season, so booking flights, permits, and accommodation well in advance is crucial, as the trails and teahouses can become crowded.
Advantages of trekking to Everest Base Camp Trek in October
- Good weather and less precipitation
- Warm days and cold nights
- Clear skies with glorious views of the Himalayan mountains
- All the teahouses and shops en route remain open
- Lively trail with opportunities to meet trekkers from different parts of the world
- Opportunity to observe Dashain, one of the biggest Hindu festivals
Disadvantages
- A lot more crowd and noise on the trail
- Lukla flights operate from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap District
- Overland journey of about four hours from Kathmandu to catch your Lukla Flight
- Rates of services spike during October, which is the peak tourist season
- Most of the good rooms at teahouses fill up real quick
- Crowded viewpoints and queues at popular photography spots
Everest Base Camp Trek Weather during October 2025
During October 2025, the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek will experience some of the best weather of the year, with stable conditions, excellent visibility, and minimal rainfall. This makes it a peak season for trekking, but also means crowded trails.
October is mid-autumn, the most popular trekking season in Nepal. During autumn you get the best conditions to trek in the mountains. It's neither too wet as in the summer season nor too cold as in the winter season. The weather remains just right to walk in the mountains. However, be prepared for a stray drizzle or thundershower.
In October Lukla's maximum average temperature is 17°C and minimum 6°C. In Namche, the mercury rises to 13°C and drops to a low of 1.4°C on average. The maximum average temperature in Gorak Shep is 5.4°C and the minimum average temperature is –8.9°C.
EBC Trek Temperature in October in various location
Namche Bazaar (3,463 m / 11,361 ft)
- Daytime: Usually mild compared to higher elevations, averaging 7–12°C (45–54°F). On sunny afternoons, it can feel warmer when sheltered from the wind.
- Nighttime: Drops to 1–4°C (34–39°F). Lodges here are more insulated, but mornings often feel crisp with frost on rooftops in peak seasons.
Notes: Since Namche is a hub with bakeries, shops, and comfort lodges, trekkers usually feel relatively comfortable despite the chill.
Dingboche (4,483 m / 14,708 ft)
- Daytime: Noticeably colder, with highs of 2–8°C (36–46°F). Cloud cover and wind make it feel cooler than the numbers suggest.
- Nighttime: Typically falls between -7°C and 0°C (19–32°F). Freezing conditions are common after sunset, especially in October–November and March–April.
Notes: Dingboche is an open valley with less shelter from wind, so temperatures can feel harsher even at midday.
Lobuche (4,910 m / 16,108 ft)
- Daytime: Ranges from 0–6°C (32–43°F). Sunshine warms trekkers briefly, but shaded areas remain icy.
- Nighttime: Can dip to -8 to -10°C (14–18°F) or colder. Water in buckets or pipes often freezes solid overnight.
Notes: Cold nights here prepare trekkers for the conditions ahead at Gorak Shep and EBC.
Gorak Shep (5,180 m / 16,994 ft)
- Daytime: Generally -2–6°C (28–43°F). On windy days, the “feels like” temperature can be far lower.
- Nighttime: Often plunges to -10°C (14°F) or below. Rooms are unheated, so sleeping bags rated for extreme cold are essential.
Notes: Because Gorak Shep is the last settlement before EBC, trekkers often experience their coldest lodge nights here.
Everest Base Camp (5,364 m / 17,598 ft)
- Daytime: Usually hovers around -2–5°C (28–41°F), but strong winds can create sub-zero chill factors.
- Nighttime: Can be -10°C (14°F) or colder, especially in spring and autumn trekking windows. In winter, temperatures drop significantly further.
Notes: Since there are no lodges at EBC itself (only seasonal expedition camps), trekkers typically visit during the day and return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Lukla Flights
Lukla flight during October 2025 (EBC Trek in October)
Flights to Lukla during the peak seasons (spring and autumn) operate from Manthali Airport. The airport lies in Ramechhap District, about 132 km from Kathmandu city. As most trekkers try to trek to Everest Base Camp in October, flight tickets get sold really fast. You need to book your flight tickets in advance as there's no chance of getting a seat if you buy your ticket on the day of your travel. If you book your EBC adventure with an agency then they will arrange the tickets for you.
The drive to Manthali Airport is scheduled early in the morning (2 or 3 AM) as flights to Lukla are operated in the morning hours before it gets too windy. It takes around four to five hours to reach the airport via a mountainous road. If you want to skip the early morning drive you can arrange for a transfer to Manthali a day before your flight. There are some newly opened lodges near the airport where you can book your accommodation.
While precipitation gets pretty low in autumn, one cannot rule out some late monsoon storms or rainfall in October. Be prepared for flight delays due to bad weather.
Accommodation
It gets pretty crowded on the EBC trail in October and getting accommodation becomes a problem if not booked in advance. Try to make an early booking. It's better to book your trip with a reputed agency like Nepal Hiking Team so that you won't have to face any hassles while seeking accommodation in the mountains.
Facilities provided on the Everest trail are much better than on the other trails. Most teahouses provide rooms with en suite bathrooms, hot showers (for an extra fee), and a meal menu with an extensive choice of dishes. Beyond Namche, amenities at teahouses may get a bit basic. But you get shelter from the cold, a comfortable bed to sleep on, and nutritious meals.
Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary for October 2025
An Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek itinerary for October 2025 involves a 12-14 day trek starting with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, hiking through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche for acclimatization, then reaching Gorak Shep and EBC, and finally hiking Kala Patthar before returning. October is a great month for trekking due to stable weather and clear views, but remember to account for potential flights to Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu, and secure your permits (Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit).
- Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and prepare for the trek.
- Day 02: Take a morning flight from Kathmandu or Ramechhap to Lukla (2,830m) and trek to Phakding (2,652m).
- Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the Sherpa capital.
- Day 04: Acclimatize in Namche Bazaar by taking a local hike, such as to Sagarmatha National Park viewpoints.
- Day 05: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,867m), a spiritual center with a monastery.
- Day 06: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m), another crucial acclimatization stop.
- Day 07: Acclimatize further with a hike to a local peak like Nagarjun Peak (5,050m) for better acclimatization and views.
- Day 08: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940m), preparing for the final push.
- Day 09: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170m) and then to Everest Base Camp (5,364m).
- Day 10: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) for sunrise views of Everest, then trek back to Pheriche (4,240m).
- Day 11: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar.
- Day 12: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla.
- Day 13: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu or Ramechhap, and then drive to Kathmandu.
- Day 14: Departure/Farewell
What to pack for EBC October Trek?
For your October 2025 Everest Base Camp trek, pack moisture-wicking base layers, an insulated down jacket, and a waterproof outer shell, along with warm trekking pants, hiking socks, and sturdy, waterproof boots. Include a warm, -20°C sleeping bag, a 45-60L backpack, a 60-100L duffel bag for your porter, trekking poles, a headlamp, and water purification tablets. Don't forget sunblock, lip balm with SPF, and moisturiser for the dry, sunny conditions.
These are some of the items you need to have with you if you are planning to trek to Everest base Camp.
Bags:
- A large rucksack or duffel bag
- A small daypack
Both these bags should be waterproof or have a rain cover.
Clothing:
- Beanie or warm hat
- Balaclava, scarf
- Warm base layers
- T-shirts or shirts
- Trekking pants, shorts
- Socks
- Gloves
- Undergarments
- Quick drying towel,(large), hand towel
- Down jacket
Footwear;
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Crocs or flipflops
Toiletries and Accessories:
- Sunglasses with UV shield
- Sunscreen lotion, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper roll, wet wipes, tissue
- Sanitary pads or menstrual cup if you are female
Gadgets and trekking equipment:
- Power bank
- Head torch with extra batteries
- Trekking poles
- Sleeping bag
- Rain gear(umbrella or raincoat)
Miscellaneous items:
- Snacks
- Reusable water bottle with water purification pills or steri pen
Check out the detailed Everest Base Camp Trek packing List for this October 2025 in our gear manual.
Medicines
Diamox, Paracetamol, band-aid strips, pain relieving balm or spray, throat lozenges. ORS or electrolyte sachets, a course of antibiotics, and the medicines prescribed by your physician.
Safety
Nepal has some of the highest mountains in the world and an adventure to the foot of the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest is fraught with risks. You will be walking on high-altitude trails that are sometimes narrow and exposed.
If your body is not properly acclimatized you might suffer from altitude sickness. Nausea, headache, breathlessness, vomiting, etc., are some of the symptoms. If you don't take precautions and ignore your symptoms, it might lead to far serious problems like HACE (high-altitude pulmonary edema) and HACE(high-altitude cerebral edema).
Therefore, you need to include acclimatization days in your itinerary to allow your body to get used to the thin air. Most trekkers prefer to spend their acclimatization days at Namche(3440m) and Dingboche(4410m). It's crucial to rest at these elevations before ascending to 5000 meters. It's best to travel with an experienced guide who will know what to do in case of health emergencies.
Having a copy of your travel insurance is important as you don't know when you might need it. The details of your insurance are necessary to avail services of an air rescue and evacuation team.
Ultimate Everest Base Camp Treks and Alternative
You can venture on some side routes and explore the Ama Dablam Base Camp or the Gokyo Valley. You can also combine your Everest Base Camp Trek with the Three High Passes Trek and cross three major mountain passes in Khumbu – Cho La, Renjo La, and Kongma La. If you are more interested in Sherpa culture, then you can trek to the ancient Sherpa villages of Pangboche, Thame, Phortse, Khumjung, and Kunde.
There are helicopter tours to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar for those who are unable to trek. You can take an aerial tour of EBC and set foot on Kala Patthar for a short while before flying back to Kathmandu. The tour starts and ends in Kathmandu and it takes only a couple of hours to complete.
If you want to save time and energy, you can embark on a heli trek. The helicopter flies you to Namche and you can trek to Everest Base Camp from Namche and return via helicopter from Gorak Shep to Lukla or Kathmandu. Or you take the regular route to Everest Base Camp and skip the return trek by flying to Kathmandu or Lukla from Gorak Shep.
Group Joining for Everest Base Camp Trek – October 2025
Join our Everest Base Camp Trek this October 2025, the most popular season for trekking in the Himalayas. With crisp mountain air, stable weather, and breathtaking views of Everest and surrounding peaks, October offers ideal conditions for this classic journey.
Our guaranteed group departures for October 2025 are available on the following dates: 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, 24, 27, and 30.
Each trip is 16 days long and priced at USD 1525 per person, covering all permits, guide and porter services, accommodation, meals during the trek, and domestic flights. This month is highly sought-after, so advance booking is strongly recommended to secure your preferred departure.
Festivals
October is a festive month. Dashain, the biggest festival of the Hindus falls during this month. During this festival, the different manifestations of Durga, the 'mother' goddess are worshipped. The festival which lasts for ten days sees people returning to their native villages and celebrating the festival with their families. It's the time of the year when people who live and work away from their homes return to their families to celebrate this joyous occasion. Big cities and towns empty out as people rush to their native villages. Do note during the last five days of the festival most business establishments, government offices, and public transportation services remain shut.
In the Khumbu or Everest Region, sometimes the Mani Rimdu Festival celebrated in Tengboche, falls in October. But this year it is on November 5th, 6th, and 7th of 2025.
Is October a good time to hike Everest Base Camp?
Yes, October is an excellent time for the Everest Base Camp trek due to clear skies, stable weather, and excellent mountain visibility following the monsoon season. While it is a popular peak trekking month, the stunning views, pleasant daytime temperatures, and the chance to experience local festivals like Mani Rimdu make it a highly recommended time to visit.
Is October a good time to hike in Nepal?
Yes, October is an excellent time for hiking in Nepal, considered the most favorable month in the autumn season due to clear skies, dry trails, mild temperatures, and spectacular mountain views, though it is a popular month, so expect crowded trails and the need to pre-book accommodation and flights.
Will Nepal be safe to travel to in October for the Everest Base Camp Trek after all the strikes and Gen-Z protests?
Yes, Nepal will be safe for traveling to in October 2025, even after the recent Gen Z protests, as these protests were peaceful, have ended, and did not disrupt the major trekking routes like Everest Base Camp. The protests were focused in specific urban areas, not the mountains. October is an excellent time for trekking with pleasant weather and is considered a peak season. It is wise to hire a licensed guide, remain aware of your surroundings, and follow the advice of official sources and your tour operator.
You can confidently plan your Everest Base Camp Trek in October, as tourism is fully open and operating smoothly across Nepal.
Conclusion
If you are planning a trek to Everest Base Camp, there can't be a better month than October. During October, the monsoon clouds recede and the weather gets dry and warm. The mountains that lay concealed by thick monsoon clouds and fog reappear again in all their snow-covered glory. The only downside is it'll get pretty crowded as there will be much more people on the trail. But then if you love interacting with people you might consider this as an advantage.
