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Everest Base Camp Trek In November

Everest Base Camp Trek in November

The Everest Base Camp Trek in November gives you amazing views of the Himalayas covered in snow. The trail starts from Lukla and ends at Kala Patthar, the highest point of the trek, where you can see wide, beautiful views of the Everest region. Clear skies and stable weather conditions make November one of the best months for the EBC trek. If you are lucky enough, you might even get the chance to witness Mani Rimdu at Tengboche Monastery, a 19-day festival of Buddhists in the Khumbu region that falls in November. 

EBC is inside the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. So, depending on your itinerary, you will visit various settlements inside the Park, including Namche Bazaar and Gorak Shep. You will also encounter multiple 6000 m plus peaks throughout your trek to the Everest Base Camp. After completing the trek in November, you will not only have visited the foot of the tallest Mountain in the world- Mount Everest, but also have walked on the highest glacier on the planet- Khumbu Glacier.

Why to Trek Everest Base Camp in November?

November is the last month of the autumn season, and it is a perfect month to trek to Everest Base Camp due to its stable weather, mild temperatures, and stunning scenery. The trek is not only beautiful to see but also one of the easiest times of the year to travel.

Stable Weather

November is the post-monsoon month that plays a role in the transition between summer and winter. Therefore, the weather is very stable. The skies are as blue as possible, making the surroundings clear. This allows trekkers to experience unobstructed mountain views. The trek to the base camp offers travelers the view of Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. The monsoon season has long passed, and there is minimal risk of unexpected disruptions.

Mild Temperature 

Even though November leaves behind the longer rainy days and welcomes the longer cold nights, the daytime temperature is mild. It is not very hot or cold, perfect for starting your trek. The lower altitudes in the Everest region experience a temperature of around 10 to 15 degrees Celsius during November. The higher altitudes, however, will have a chilly but perfectly manageable environment, even for an adventurous trek. 

Less risk of rainfall

Nepal experiences very little or nearly no rainfall in November. The average rainfall is about 9mm, even lower in the Everest region. Therefore, November offers dry trails, as the monsoon season has already ended. Trekkers can focus on walking and enjoying the scenery without worrying about sudden precipitation. The risk of rainfall is minimal, so the trails are less muddy and slippery, making the trek to Everest Base Camp a lot safer and more enjoyable. 

Stunning Landscape

Ebc Stunning Landscape

Imagine this: The towering peaks piercing the chest of the blue sky, standing tall above everything. The lush greenery has just turned vintage. The snow looks like white gold as it reflects light. The view is mesmerizing, right? You can experience all this in your journey to  Everest Base Camp in November. Every step of this trek shows amazing mountain views that will make you feel happy and amazed. 

Everest Weather in November

November is the month when Everest and nearer regions experience quite predictable weather. It is by far the most favorable for many trekkers. The usual day of this month in settlements and base camps is characterized by warm and sunny longer days. The nights, however, can get windy, and you might experience difficulty sleeping on your trek.

The average precipitation during this period is about 3mm. The temperature in lower regions like Namche Bazaar can reach 10-13 degrees Celsius during the day, while it might fall to minus 20 degrees Celsius at night. In November in the Everest region, most days are windy at higher altitudes.

The table below provides the average temperature of the different areas you will explore during your  November Everest Base Camp trek.

Place ElevationTemperature Range
Lukla2860 m7°C to 15°C
Namche Bazar3,440 m-4 to 10°C
Dingboche4,410 m-12°C to 6°C
Lobuche4,940 m-15°C to 3°C
Gorak Shep5,140 m-16°C to 2°C

Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty in November

November is one of the best months to do the Everest Base Camp Trek. But it has its pros and cons. Yes, the skies are clear. Yes, the temperature is mild. And, oh yes! You will get to squeeze the most out of your trek. But it has its own set of challenges. It involves long hours of walking, longer days of acclimatization, and dealing with colder temperatures.

Challenging Terrain

No matter the season, you must win over the challenging terrain from Lukla to EBC. Your path is not going to be easy. The steep and rugged trail gets narrower at times. You will have to cross multiple suspension bridges. And, god forbid! If it rained, the way would get slippery. You must be mentally and physically prepared to face this rugged landscape. For extra safety, you can always hire a trek guide. 

Arrival of Winter

Arrival Of Winter At Ebc

November marks the end of summer and the onset of winter, not just in Everest Base Camp areas but all over Nepal. This month in Nepal is such that the days are shorter, and the nights are comparatively colder. In the high altitudes, the jet streams start shifting southwards. This intensifies the wind speed. So, your trek in the Everest region might be adventurous and chilling. 

Risk of Altitude Sickness

Most of Nepal’s other lower parts are warmer than the Everest region. However, it is always colder at high altitudes. Once trekkers ascend beyond Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, altitude sickness becomes a concern for many. Your body, accustomed to the environment at lower altitudes, might experience difficulties adjusting to the thinning of oxygen. While preparing the Everest Base Camp trek itinerary, you should add as many acclimatization days as your body requires. 

Tips for Smooth November Trek

You cannot just book a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and start heading towards the Base Camp for trekking. There is a broad range of things you should consider. 

Book in Advance

The trails are very crowded since November is the peak time to trek to EBC. Many tourists land in Kathmandu, Nepal, with the dream of conquering Everest, so finding good accommodation might be a problem. You should book them way before your trek starts. 

Right Clothing

In November, at Lukla, the starting point of the trek, you might not experience much cold. But as you ascend to the top, you will feel those chilly winds piercing your skin. So, you might want to carry clothes that are easy to add or remove depending on the weather conditions. 

Plan for Acclimatization 

You must do this while planning the Everest Base Camp Trek. Your body is at risk of getting altitude sickness, so give yourself a day off or two to get used to the weather of EBC. 

Start early in the morning. 

EBC in November gets crowded as it is the peak trekking season. Plus, the days are shorter. So, starting your journey to the base camp early will ensure you reach your destination before it gets dark and full of people. 

Hire a Guide and Potter 

Whether in November or March, trekking in unknown territory with a bag of gear and clothes is more challenging. It is always a good idea to hire local guides and potters. They will ensure you are safe and reach your base station in time. 

Hydration and Snacks

Yes, November is a good trekking season, but it’s not helpful if you get too tired to enjoy it. So carry high-calorie snacks and energy drinks with you. 

Packing list for EBC Trek in November 

As a trekker, you must be ready for any unforeseen challenges. If any difficulties arise in your journey, you must have adequate equipment to face them. The favorable weather conditions in the Everest area in November will allow you to remove additional highly insulated gear and extreme cold-weather protections you would have needed in the winter. But that doesn’t mean packing less. Your trek involves long hikes in challenging terrain, so you must be prepared. 

Here are the list of things that you should pack: 

  • Layers of Clothing- Thermal base layers, Insulated down jacket, Balaclava, Fleece pants, 
  • Footwear- Waterproof trekking boots and thermal socks. 
  • Sleeping BagsA sleeping bag that can withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius.
  • Trekking Poles- The trails are rocky, steep, and rugged. Trekking poles will be your friend through the trek. 
  • Trekking Bag- You want a bag that can carry all your gear and equipment
  • Handwear– Gloves to keep your hand warm and safe.
  • Headlight- A headlight if you get late to reach your tea house or have to get out at night. 
  • Thermal Flasks- You need to hydrate yourself and don’t want to do so with cold water, especially during your Everest base camp hike. 
  • Camera-  You don’t want to miss to capture the landscapes 
  • Medicine- Antibiotics, Diamox for altitude sickness, anti-diarrhea pills and painkillers. 
  • Note: You should consult your doctor if you have any medical conditions.  
  • Toiletries- Toothbrush, Paste, Small towels, Sanitary Pads, Soaps. 

In addition to these, you should also bring your chargers and undergarments for the change, and yeah, don’t forget your documents. 

Itinerary for Everest Base Camp in November

Assuming November is an excellent month for a trek and provides the best views is not enough to start your Journey to Everest Base Camp. You must plan it. You must have an itinerary. What path do you want to take, and which route do you want to trek back? Do you want to do a three-passes trek, or is it the Gokyo Lakes trek that you truly desire? Here is an example of a route plan for your trek. 

DaysActivity
Day 1Arrive at Kathmandu, Nepal
Day 2Kathmandu to Lukla and Phakding
Day 3Trek to Namche Bazzar
Day 4Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar
Day 5Trek to Tengboche
Day 6Trek to Dingboche
Day 7Acclimatization at Dingboche
Day 8Trek to Lobuche
Day 9 Lobuche to Gorak Shep and EBC and back. 
Day 10 Gorak Shep to Kala patthar and back to Pheriche Via base camp
Day 11Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Day 12Namche to Lukla
Day 13Lukla to Kathmandu
Day 14Leaving Nepal 

Remember that this is one way to hike to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. Depending on your goals, you can follow another path. 

Conclusion

The base camp in November offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes. Various factors, like stable weather, moderate temperature, less rainfall, and clear skies, make it the best month to travel to the foot of the Himalayas. The vegetation and greenery in this season turn into different shades of yellow, providing that golden look. Combine that with the snow-clad mountain and rocky terrain, and you will have an experience for your life. If you want to visit the foot of Mount Everest (Sagarmatha), November is a great time to go. 

FAQs

Atma Ram Bhatta
Aatma Ram Bhatta has been guiding trekkers with CoreTreks since 2016. Mr. Bhatta is a licensed trekking guide (licensed by Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal). He was born and raised in Gorkha District – the native of Gurkha soldiers of Nepal. Overall, he has 8 years of experience and has been rated as one of the top guides in our team. Mr. Bhatta is known for his knowledge about the trekking areas like Langtang Valley Trek, Upper Mustang Trek & Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. He is a planner and always ready for possible emergencies while trekking. Our trekkers reviewed him as a great storyteller and have created a long-lasting bond with him over past years.