Fall is the most incredible time of the year to be anywhere in Nepal. Its freezy weather with colorful autumn leaves, crisp air, and bright days make any place look fabulous. To make it even better, November offers spectacular views to all its visitors, wishing for a delightful trip.
Autumn’s allure doesn’t spare the Himalayas either, causing it to captivate trekkers. With a picturesque backdrop, glistening mountains, and charming villages, it stands out from the rest. That speaks volumes for the madness and fascination of hikers for Everest Base Camp Trek.
Most travelers visiting Nepal prefer trekking Base Camp in November for its impressive view, mild weather, and easy walking trails. Whether it’s the deep valley, hilltops, or flat terrains, the region doesn’t leave a bit to impress visitors.
Trekkers can spot the change in the color of leaves while walking through the forest and valleys. As autumn prepares to take time off and winter, ready to make its way, trekkers can sense the iciness in the air.
It’s still fine at the lower hills with beautiful sunny days. But the higher they climb, the colder it gets with the temperature falling below 0 Degree Celsius. However, in general, the weather is cooler and dryer during the month.
Mornings and nights are pretty cold in November, while days, bright and sunny. By the end of the month, visitors can even witness light snowfall at the campsite. Cooler temperature provides relief to hikers while ascending steep hills and rugged terrains.
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How is the weather like at Everest Base Camp in November?
Everest Base Camp Trek has always astounded visitors with its magnificent vista, breathtaking landscapes, and unique topography. It brings out the best from each season that travelers can’t help but fall for the beauty of base camp.
Autumn being no exception, offers astonishing scenery to its guests especially, in November. The month provides moderate weather with splendid mountain views and landscapes for a pleasant trip. But that’s not all; it even brings fall colors to life with tinted red, orange, and yellow leaves all around the woods.
November is a magical season with a mix of fall and winter colors. The crispness in the air with the subtlety of warm sunshine is what makes it so appealing. Trekkers can experience a hot climate at the beginning of the month, but it gets bitter cold in and around the base camp as the day passes.
The weather is nice and lovely till early November, but by mid, it gets frosty with the temperature dropping below -11 Degree Celsius. Trekkers can expect light snowfall at the end of the month as the winter finally arrives in the valley.
Read more on Everest Base Camp Weather in Autumn
Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek in November
- A pristine view of Mt. Everest alongside Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Cho Oyu
- A quick visit to ancient Tibetan monastery in Khumbu Valley
- Snap of stunning fall foliage with lush green terrains
- Breathtaking sunrise view from Kala Patthar at 18,500 ft
- Exploring the rich culture and lifestyle of people in the Himalayas
- Walking through the subalpine forest of Sagarmatha National Park
Why trek Everest Base Camp in November?
With mild weather, marvelous sceneries, and fewer crowds, November may be one of the best times for a trip to Everest Base Camp. It offers terrific scenes with beautiful fall foliage, clear sky, and warm sunshine before the winter looms.
Although the weather cools down in the month, it’s still incredible walking the trails of base camp. Trekkers will get an excellent chance to snap unique flora and fauna before they go into hibernation.
Also, since the weather is crisp and clear, it’s easy for them to catch a glimpse of dazzling snow peaks in November. Here are some other reasons to trek Everest Base Camp in the month.
1. Fewer Crowds
Compared to the earlier months, November has fewer visitors arriving at the base camp due to unforeseeable climatic conditions. As the winter is close to arrival in the region, many trekkers avoid hiking the campsite in the month.
Following that, the trail remains empty for most of the days in November. As a result, trekkers to base camp can explore more hidden places and relish sweeping views without being disrupted.
Even getting the flights to Lukla won’t be that tough in the month as not many hikers flock to the region. The trails are quieter in November, which means visitors don’t have to compromise with their privacy.
2. Scenic View
The astounding view of Everest Base Camp in November has a stronger pull. It draws visitors from wide across with picturesque scenes of rolling hills, diverse landscapes, and vibrant valleys. The fresh wind with clear blue sky enables the trekker to catch a glimpse of snow-capped mountains from miles away in November.
Unlike in winter, trekkers won’t have to brave the stormy winds or fight against the fog and mist to sight the breathtaking view of Everest. In addition, wandering through the forest provides them glimpses of wild species and birds.
As far as escaping chilly wind and snowfall is concerned, November is the perfect time to visit the campsite. The month offers its visitor an overflowing charm of villages with vibrant valleys and picturesque meadows.
3. Availability of Accommodation
In November, Trekkers of Everest Base Camp won’t have problems finding accommodation as much as that in October. There’ll be plenty of lodges and guest houses willing to serve the guests as not many travelers visit the region in the month.
Even if the trekkers haven’t booked the room in advance, they can easily find lodging in tea houses. In addition, the visitor won’t have to line up or rush in the trail to avoid running out of accommodation and food.
4. Sharp Visibility
One of the perks of trekking Everest Base Camp in November is the easily visible snow peaks, sheer glaciers, and rock hills. Whether they’re miles away or near to the camp, trekkers can swiftly snap the glistening mountains, which otherwise they would be struggling to sight. In the absence of fog and mist, visitors can discover the surrounding mountains, glacial lakes, and icefall at the base camp.
5. Holiday Season
With Tihar just around the corner, November is a festive time in the Everest region. Trekkers can find the locals preparing to celebrate the festival of lights all around the villages. They can even partake in the celebrations and perform rituals. Religious gathering, dancing, and playing songs are the major highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek in November.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Flight to Lukla (30 mins), Trek to Phakding (2,610 meters), 2-3 hrs
Day 02: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,450 meters)
Day 03: Rest day at Namche
Day 04: Trek to Tengboche (3,865 meters), 5-6 hrs
Day 05: Trek to Dingboche (4,410 meters), 6hrs
Day 06: Trek to Lobuche (4,940 meters), 7-8 hrs
Day 07: Hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters), Return to Gorak Shep (5,140 meters), 7-8 hrs
Day 08: Trek to Kala Patthar (5,643 meters), 2-3 hrs Hike to Pheriche, 6 hrs
Day 09: Trek to Namche Bazaar, 7-8 hrs
Day 10: Trek to Lukla, 7 hrs
Day 11: Fly back to Kathmandu, 1,400 meters
Difficulties of Everest Base Camp Trek in November
Hiking Everest Base Camp is so demanding that even trekkers in November get quickly exhausted and annoyed. Whether it’s the long winding trails or steep climbs and temperatures, visitors are always challenged to extremes to get to the top.
They’ll even have to deal with the rugged terrains filled with rocks and boulders to arrive at the base camp, which is strenuous. Some other trek difficulties that hikers have to face while climbing Everest Base Camp in November are as follows.
1. Severe Weather
November indicates the start of the winter season, following which trekkers may have to endure cold weather. But, of course, with autumn still lasting in the month, they won’t have difficulty climbing the trails at lower elevations.
But at an altitude of 4,310 meters, the climate appears to tear down the hikers. It makes them combat bitter weather with icy wind and snowstorms. As the temperature falls rapidly, trekkers might even have to defy snow-covered trails that cause frostbite.
2. Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness has always been a matter of concern for hikers climbing Everest Base Camp. But, in November, it gets intense, with most of the trekkers struggling from insomnia, dizziness, headache, and fatigue.
Due to the unstable weather and continuously rising elevation, visitors often find it difficult to breathe after climbing high mountain terrains. With the decreased air pressure and rapid exposure at higher altitudes, they also struggle from acute illnesses like fatigue, loss of appetite, and dizziness.
Hence, to minimize this effect, trekkers are recommended to acclimatize before going to higher elevations. They are also suggested not to climb more than 500 meters and rest after reaching 900m and above.
3. Long Trails
November does offer pleasant weather and lovely views for multi-day trips like Everest Base Camp. But, it won’t take away the fact that the trek is still strenuous, with a long and bumpy trail ending at 17,598 ft.
Starting from Lukla, the trail runs more than 40 miles and back, tiring for any hiker. On top of that, they’re jagged and run through alpine forest. Most of the sections have steep hills with loose rocks, making it difficult for hikers to ascend.
Therefore, hikers of the Everest Base Camp trek must come prepared to defy rocky trails. They must fully train themselves to stand the rugged terrains and steep slopes.
Read more on: How difficult is Everest Base Camp Trekking?
Food and Accommodations at Everest Base Camp Trek in November
The accommodation choice during Everest Base Camp Trek in November is mostly tea houses. These lodgings are comfortable but basic, with only necessary facilities like a pillow, blanket, and hot shower available for use.
Most tea houses have a range of rooms, from single to ensuite, which trekkers can book according to their needs. Lodges at places in higher elevations use solar energy to provide electricity and hot showers.
Therefore, they charge an extra amount to the trekkers willing to use the service. Other than that, visitors will have to pay for the meals provided in the guesthouses and lodges. At lower altitudes, they charge only US$1.50 for breakfast, but at higher altitudes, it costs relatively more.
Even the meals and snacks are a bit pricey in the upper region due to the unavailability of transportation. Foods served to guests are usually traditional Nepali dishes, consisting of rice, pulses, vegetables, and pickles. Seasonal ingredients and spices are used to make the dish for a delicious taste.
Some tea houses also offer various dishes and cuisines to guests, including stir-fried noodles, muesli, spring rolls, and spaghetti. Although these foods don’t look as fancy as in the restaurant, they still taste pretty good.
Equipment for Everest Base Camp Trek in November
Trekking a fine spot like Everest Base Camp is always fun, but it’s more remarkable in November. The month doesn’t disappoint its visitors with the sheer beauty, wonderful backdrop, and epic landscapes.
But, despite the splendid scenery and fine weather, trekkers still have to brace themselves for a challenging hike like Everest Base Camp. First, they’ll have to ensure that they have the right equipment and gear required for the trip; otherwise, it’ll be tough to make it to the top.
Having the right tools and apparatus makes the journey to the camp easy and comfortable. So, here are a few of the trekking checklists that’ll help you overcome the challenges during Everest Base Camp Trek in November.
Clothing
- Windproof and puffy jacket
- Long sleeves shirt and trouser
- Lightweight fleece pants
- Synthetic or woolen t-shirt
- Convertible hiking pants
- Woolen scarf and midweight fleece/winter hat
Footwear
- Sturdy climbing shoes
- Insulated mountaineering boots
- Pairs of synthetic and moisture wicking socks
Other Miscellaneous
- First-aid kit
- Personal toiletries and sanitizer
- Spare batteries, charger, and flashlight
- Water bottle and purifier
- Insect repellent
- Journals and pen
Read more on Packing List for Everest Base Camp Trek
Preparation for Everest Base Camp Trek in November
Since it’s a moderate hike with no technical difficulties, trekkers won’t have to overwork themselves. They can go easy on their workout routine and don’t rush things. That said, trekkers will still have to work on their physical fitness to withstand the rough terrains with steep hills and boulders.
Physical Preparation
It may be an easy walk for mountaineers, but Everest Base Camp Trek is demanding for beginners. Even the average walking course can be incredibly difficult for them in lack of physical stamina and endurance.
Therefore, trekkers of Everest Base Camp have to prepare themselves ahead of the trek. They’ll have to stay fit and regularly exercise for the long-distance walk. Before heading out on the trail, they’ll have to improve their physical strength and stability.
It doesn’t mean they have to follow an intense workout regimen and strict diet. Even regular exercise like jogging, cycling, and running can be of great help to beat the rough terrain of Everest Base Camp. Besides, both long and short-distance walks are pretty beneficial for the Preparation of the trek.
Mental Preparation
Mental Preparation is as important as physical to prevent the stress of walking steep trails. Hikers can get easily intimidated by the long-distance walk like Everest Base Camp. Therefore, they’ll have to keep their mind stable to avoid anxiety and additional pressure.
If the travelers are new to hiking, they better start with a day trip and small hikes to boost confidence. Studying the weather and itinerary of the base camp trek also helps the climber to avoid extra pressure.
