10 Feb 2021 Prakash Devkota
Have you always dreamed of summiting Mount Everest? Are you finally fulfilling your dream? Are you Climbing Everest in October and wondering what it’s like during that time?
Our article tries its best to give you information on the weather, temperature, reasons, and many more. Everest Expedition in October is both thrilling and adventurous.
October is the second month of the Autumn Season and one of the peak months for trekking in the lower region. By far, this month has one of the best climatic conditions.
But the weather on your way to the summit can be a bit challenging. However, it is not impossible to expedition during this time. To know more about climbing Everest in October, read further below:
About Mount Everest
Mount Everest is also known as Sagarmatha, is the highest peak in the world. It resides at an elevation of 8848.86 m above sea level. It lies in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range in the Himalayas.
The magnificent peak is located in the Solukhumbu district of Sagarmatha Zone. And the border of China-Nepal runs across its summit point. For Centuries, this peak has attracted several climbers.
There are two routes to begin your climb, i.e., South base Camp and North Base Camp. These base camps lie on the mountain’s opposite sides, the South base camp in Nepal and North Base Camp in Tibet.
Among these bases, the South Base Camp is mostly used to reach the summit. This base camp is also a popular trekking destination for both novice and experienced trekkers.
In 1953, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary first submitted this magnificent peak via South Col. Still, several climbers followed in their footsteps to reach the summit.
Mount Everest is a part of Sagarmatha National Park, so entry permits are compulsory to enter this region. This park is the country’s first national park to be written as a natural world heritage site.
Climbing Mount Everest has been a benchmark of climbing achievement. Every year the mountain records around 1000 summit attempts. Among these, only a few climbers with strong will and determination have reached the summit.
Highlights of Climbing Everest in October
- Walkthrough lush green forest paths
- View several marvelous peaks such as Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Cho Oyu, etc
- Clear skies, sunny, bright weather, and warm temperature
- Summit the world’s highest peak
- Walkthrough Khumbu icefall
- Trek while enjoying the warm hospitality and friendly welcomes
- Experience nights in both tea houses and tents
- Visit some of the Khumbu region’s popular places like Namche Bazaar, Lukla, Tengboche Monastery, and many more.
- Hike to Kala Patthar for the close-up view of Mount Everest and beautiful sunrise
- An opportunity to learn about their tradition, culture, and lifestyle closely
Routes of Climbing Mount Everest in October
Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding – Namche Bazaar – Tengboche – Dingboche – Lobuche – Gorakshep – Kala Patthar – Everest Base Camp – Ascend Mount Everest and return base Camp – Pheriche – Tengboche – Namche Bazaar – Lukla – Kathmandu
The journey for Everest Expedition in October begins by flying to Lukla from Kathmandu. After a half an hour flight, you reach your destination and trek towards Phakding the same day.
The next day you trek towards Namche Bazaar and have your acclimatization here. Then, you head towards Tengboche, well known for its ancient monastery. From there, you walk till Dingboche and stay the night.
After a peaceful night, your next destination is Lobuche, then Gorakshep the following day. You then hike up to Kala Patthar to view the sunrise and return.
Then again, packing your bags, you head towards Everest Base Camp, the first point to begin your expedition. You acclimatize here and prepare yourself for the further journey.
Finally, the day has arrived when you begin your ascend to summit Mount Everest. After several days in the mountains, you reach the peak and return to base camp.
Then you trek down to Pheriche, where you stay for the night. The next day you head back to Tengboche, then Namche Bazaar, and finally Lukla. You catch a flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu
Day 2: Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley
Day 3: Fly to Lukla (2800 m) (25 to 30 min) then trek to Phakding (2640 m) ( 3 to 4 hours)
Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 m) ( 4 to 5 hours)
Day 5: Acclimatize in Namche Bazaar
Day 6: Trek to Tengboche (3867 m) ( 5 to 6 hours)
Day 7: Trek to Dingboche (4260 m) ( 3 to 4 hours)
Day 8: Trek to Lobuche ( 4930 m) ( 4 to 5 hours)
Day 9: Trek to Gorakshep ( 5280 m) (3 hours)
Day 10: Early morning hike to Kala Patthar ( 5545 m) (2 hours) back to Gorak Shep, then trek to Everest Base Camp (5380 m) ( 2.5 to 3.5 hours)
Day 11 – 13: Acclimatize at Everest Base Camp and Prepare for climbing.
Day 14 – 60: Begin the journey to ascend Mount Everest and back to Base Camp
Day 61: Trek to Pheriche ( 4243 m) ( 5 to 6 hours)
Day 62: Trek to Tengboche (6 to 7 hours)
Day 63: Trek to Namche Bazaar ( 5 to 6 hours)
Day 64: Trek to Lukla ( 4 to 5 hours)
Day 65: Fly back to Kathmandu (1400 m) (25 to 30 min)
Day 66: Departure
Weather and Temperature around Mount Everest in October
There are differences in the weather and temperature of the lower and higher region around Mount Everest. October is the second month in the Autumn season, so the weather and climate are quite favorable during this time.
The weather is bright and hot during the days while mild during the night in the lower region. But as you climb higher, the days get windy and sunny while nights are chilly.
As Autumn begins after Monsoon, the level of snow will have increased on the way to the summit as well. But don’t worry as climbing Mount Everest in October is not impossible.
The skies are clear during October, giving the best view of your surroundings. It is also not too hot nor too cold, making the walks comfortable till Everest Base Camp.
There is no accuracy for the temperature because it can drop surprisingly while climbing to the summit. The temperature gradually increases with an increase in elevation.
The temperature till EBC ranges from 20 degrees to 10 degrees during the day. In contrast, it can drop from 2 to -5 degrees during the night. The temperature on the way to the summit can reach up to -33 degrees during October.
Accommodation While Climbing Everest in October
The routes of Everest are popular for climbing and trekking, but still, the region is underdeveloped. You can find high-class hotels with wifi till Namche Bazaar. But from here onwards, you will be staying in tea-houses and lodges till Everest Base Camp.
The lodges in higher elevations produce electricity from solar power, so that it can be expensive. You will have to share rooms with a fellow companion as October is a peak month. And also wait in line to use the bathroom. They charge extra for hot showers as well.
After Base Camp, you will be staying in tents till you summit the peak and return. So, sleeping bags and inflated sleeping mats are compulsory to bring along on your expedition.
Food while Climbing Everest in October
There are not many food options when climbing Everest in October. You will have a traditional Nepali set for lunch and dinner for most of the expedition.
Finding western food is a challenge in the Everest region. The standard set offers rice, curry, pulses, pickles, and other side dishes.
During breakfast, you will have porridge, scrambled egg, omelet, boiled egg, bread with jam and honey, etc. You will also find coke, tea, honey with lemon, black tea for drinks.
You can refill your bottles with hot water in the lower altitudes, but they will charge you with extra price. After base camp, you will have foods made by the cook for breakfast and dinner while packed food for lunch.
Reasons for Climbing Mount Everest in October
October is one of the best months all around the year. During this month, the weather is favorable, beauty is at its peak, and many more. There are several reasons for climbing Everest in October, and some of them are given below:
Picturesque views
One of the most important reasons for climbing Everest in October is its Picturesque views. The beauty of nature in the lower region is unbeatable during this month.
The forest paths are blooming with unique and colorful species of flora. And if you have luck, you might even get a chance to see some rare animals living in this region.
The snow-covered peaks look marvelous along the way, as it keeps you accompanied till the base. The monsoon rain has cleared the pollution bringing a fresh atmosphere.
The less humidity offers sharp views of peaks, landscapes, and valleys around you. You can also see locals harvesting in their farmland in the lower region during October.
Good Climatic Condition
The climatic condition is the best part of the Everest Expedition in October. The weather and temperature are delightful during this time. The skies are clear and bright during the day and starry during the night.
Walking under the warm blue sky viewing the incredible scenarios is not to be missed. There are low chances of snowfall, and rainfall in the lower region makes the walks comfortable.
The snow level might have increased above the base camp, but the bright days and clear sky make the climb exciting. The climatic condition is mild during October.
Less traffic from Base Camp to Summit
October is the peak month for trekking, so Everest Base Camps routes are swarming with trekkers. Due to nature’s beauty and pleasant climatic conditions, most people visit Base Camp during this month.
But October is not the peak season for climbing Everest, so there is less traffic from Base Camp to Summit. You will have enough privacy on the way to the summit.
There are low chances of meeting other fellow climbers from different groups during this month.
Festive month
The major festivals of Nepal Dashain and Tihar fall in October. During your stay in Kathmandu, you will see people roaming with tika on their forehead during Dashain. And houses covered with colorful lights and rangoli during Tihar.
You will be Climbing Everest during a festive month. But as most people living in the Everest region follow Tibetan Buddhism, they don’t celebrate the same festivals as Hindu. So, you might not be able to see much gusto around these areas.
What Makes Everest Expedition in October Difficult?
Everest Expedition in October is a moderate to difficult level climb. Climbing the world’s highest peak is not an easy task. You will be facing several difficulties during your climb. Many reasons make Climbing Everest in October difficult. Some of them are mentioned below:
Altitude Sickness
You will be reaching an altitude of 8848.86 m so suffering from altitude sickness is pretty standard on this trip. People usually suffer from acute mountain sickness when traveling at an altitude above 3500 m.
Altitude sickness is the negative effect on health caused by ascending to high altitude. It is caused by continuous exposure to low oxygen at higher heights. Everyone has different ways to respond to high altitudes.
Some symptoms may include headaches, tiredness, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, and many more. If the sickness progresses, you can experience shortness of breath, walking difficulty, confusion, etc.
If AMS worsens, it can be fatal for health as you can even lose your life. So if you see any symptoms inform your guide or someone immediately. They will give you further instructions on whether to rest there or trek to a lower altitude.
Prevention
Not everyone suffers from AMS, so do not panic. You can use various methods to prevent altitude sickness, and some of them are:
- Do not drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes.
- Climb as slowly as possible
- Eat plenty of healthy snacks.
- Keep your body hydrated.
- Drink plenty of water
- Do not try strenuous exercise.
- Climb higher during the day and return to a lower altitude for the night
- Acclimatize to various destinations
Long Duration and distance
Climbing Mount Everest and returning takes more than two months of your time. And the preparation takes about two to six months before the actual climb. So, it would help if you cleared your schedule beforehand.
You will face several challenges like extreme weather, low temperature, and various climbing conditions while climbing. So, you will acclimatize to multiple places to prevent altitude sickness.
Before beginning your journey to the summit, you will acclimatize and prepare for 3 to 4 days in the base camp. After climbing halfway above the Khumbu Glacier, you acclimatize to Camp 1 for a few days and return to base.
You will make several ascend, descend, and acclimatize while climbing Mount Everest in October. This expedition covers about 10 to 15 km distance each day.
Unpredictable weather
Weather plays an important factor in how your trip will turn out to be. The temperature is never constant in the Himalayas, so you should always check the weather forecast in advance.
It can be sunny one second and windy at another. Also, snowstorms are expected at the summit. So, Unpredictable weather can affect your flight schedule as well. Flight cancellation and delays are normal when flying to the Everest region.
The temperature drops by 0.65 degrees with every 100 m gain in altitude. So, your surroundings get very cold as you arrive at the summit. The nights are colder than the days.
Crevasses
Crevasses are deep cracks that appear in an ice sheet or glacial ice that can swallow a climber. If you are careless, you can fall into a crevasse risking your life.
You will face these cracks while passing through the western Cwm and Khumbu ice falls. To prevent your fall, the team will tie ropes so that they can drag you if you drop by chance.
Unbalanced Diet
It would be best to consider the diet before beginning your expedition as it is an essential factor. Many climbers return due to improper diet, which causes food poisoning.
Due to Buddhist beliefs, the people of the Everest region consider slaughtering animals a sin. So, meats are transported via a flight to Lukla and carried by porters and yak to the higher elevation.
There are no refrigerators to store the food, so suffering from food poisoning is common. So, avoiding meat and eating nutritious food is essential in this trek.
Lack of training
Summiting Mount Everest requires enormous stamina and proper mental health. You will be walking through rough terrains and making several ups and down each day.
So, if you are not physically and mentally prepared, the expedition can be a challenge. Everest Expedition in October is a hard level climb that requires extensive training.
You need both technical and physical training to complete this expedition. Be well prepared as climbing Everest is not a joke.
Similar articles you may like:
Different routes for climbing Everest in October
Training Required for Climbing Mount Everest in October
For completing this expedition, you need to be physically, mentally, and psychologically healthy. You will be practicing both Physical and Technical training.
Climbing Everest requires the climber to be in great shape. To know more about these training read further below:
Technical Training
You must have previous experience dealing with mountaineering gear such as carabiners, crampons, fixed ropes, and other necessary equipment. The temperature is cold in high elevation, so you must be able to overcome the cold.
It is essential to have crampon skills on snow, ice, and rock to overcome rugged terrains to the summit. This expedition requires fixed-line to use jumars and ascenders. You need to have skills to climb snow and ice at higher altitudes.
Physical Training
Your priority should be increasing your stamina and preparing yourself mentally. The climb requires strength, endurance, and altitude tolerance.
You can build strength via physical exercises. These exercises include running, short hikes, long-hour walks, swimming, aerobics, cycling, etc. You can hire personal trainers or visit the gym to increase your strength.
We hope our article on Climbing Everest in October was helpful for you. Be well prepared and climb safely. We wish you the best with all our hearts.
Contact us for more information.
Prakash Devkota
Managing Director and Team Leader
Mr. Prakash Chandra Devkota is an established name in the Tourism Sector in Nepal. He is a focused individual gifted with a brilliant mind. He is also hugely dedicated to social work. Born in the Gorkha district, a beautiful hilly region of Nepal, he first entered the tourism industry as a guide in 1997. He has gained extensive experience in almost all the trekking and climbing routes like Mera, Island, Lobuche and, Ama Dablam, etc.
He registered Nepal Guides Treks & Expedition in 2009 AD. Due to his passion for adventure and efforts to provide quality personalized service to his clients, he has established himself as a successful tourism entrepreneur. He has dedicated most of his time working diligently to elevate the tourism industry and collected more than 15 years of experience in organizing trekking and expeditions in Nepal, Bhutan, and India. He believes in the power of the tourism industry and the employment opportunities that can be created through it. He constantly looks for innovative ways to run the company.
Mr. Devkota has always been an avid practitioner of eco-friendly tourism and has always promoted environmental conservation throughout his career. He motivates his staff to embrace eco-friendly tourism through responsible tourism practices. He believes promoting eco-tourism will preserve natural resources and positively impact the environment.
