Trekking Nepal in October-A detailed Guide

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Amid all, October is considered the best month for trekking in Nepal. It allocates towering white peaks touch the sky, monks peacefully meditate in ancient mountainside monasteries, and lumbering yaks haul goods to quaint villages largely disconnected from the outside world. To put it simply, Nepal is a backpacker’s dream come true.

World-class peaks, ever-smiling hospitable people, magnificent environment; own diverse culture and ethnicity can be witnessed while visiting Nepal. Moreover, this country has a lot to offer to travelers looking for a different and unique experience. Trekking conditions are glorious, the crisp skies offer excellent mountain views, and cultural festivals offer many opportunities to celebrate.

Climate is a significant factor to keep in consideration. It can either make or break your trekking venture. In October, it is neither hot nor cold; perfect climate for a smooth trek. In this moderate climate, the environment is dry which initiates clear blue skies. So, there is no possibility of rain or snow. Actually, the weather isn’t the only best thing for trekkers in October. Here are our top 5 reasons why you should opt for trekking in Nepal in October.

Highlights of trekking in Nepal in October

Favorable atmospheric conditions and weather

The weather condition in the Himalayan regions remains chill yet bearable in October. In the daytime, it will be sunny and bright and mornings and evenings are cold and a bit windy. The climate may change rapidly being hazy in the late afternoon however the probability of precipitation and snowfall. 

Due to the diverse topography of Nepal, there are some variations in the weather conditions and temperatures from place to place. As you go higher the temperature certainly drops. After 4000m, the temperature drops by 5 degrees with every 100m ascend.

During the day, expect the average temperature to be above 20 degrees Celsius. During the nights and early mornings, the temperature is slightly lower. The temperature can drop to 8 degrees Celsius during these times.

Luminous views

The perfect weather condition allows you to experience the best of nature. Clear sky, clearer mountain vistas, green grasslands, smiling Himalayan ranges are lovely. The giant peaks are obvious and seem crowning with the blue of the clear sky which looks astonishing.

Great Festivals

Visiting Nepal in October offers you to take part in some religious celebrations as Dashain (the longest and biggest festival in Nepal). The settlements of the trekking destinations seem colorful and people seem super busy welcoming guests and decorating houses for the great ceremonies.

Some possible short treks for October in Nepal

Langtang Valley Trek- 11 Days

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek- 7 days

Everest View trek- 8 Days

Everest Short Trek-5 Days

Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek-11 Days

Tamang Heritage Trek-10 Days

Helambu trek- 10 Days

Longer treks for October in Nepal

Everest Base Camp Trek-16 Days

Annapurna Base Camp Trek- 16 Days

Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek - 19 Days

Everest Base Camp Trek with Night Camp at EBC - 16 Days

Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek - 24 Days

Upper Mustang Trek-17 Days

Manaslu Circuit Trek-17 Days

Annapurna Circuit Trek-20 Days

Everest High Pass Trek - 20 Days

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek-24 Days

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek- 20 Days

Nar Phu Valley Trek-18 Days

Accommodation food and drinks while trekking Nepal in October

Accommodation facilities are sound during this month as all the hotels, restaurants and teahouses are opened and the flow of the tourists increases each day. As all the teahouses and hotels en-route are busiest, we advise you to book them beforehand.

The teahouses are warm, comfortable, and well decorated. Ascending higher the amenities become quite basic. There are twin sharing beds per room and may not have an attached bathroom you wish to purchase an upgrade during the trek and only in some lodges.

In every bed, you will be offered mattresses and pillows, and some blankets. The dining room area used for eating and relaxing is heated in the evenings with a pot-bellied stove. In this place, you can meet other trekkers, guides, porters, and even hotel owners and share your experiences. Most of them offer hot showers and are gas heated mostly.

Trekking with the guide benefits you choose the right hotels. They frequently reach there and familiar which one offers better facilities at a reasonable price. They contact them beforehand and book your room which makes you comfortable even on the busiest days.

Concerning the eateries, it differs according to the trekking routes and destinations. The most popular journeys of Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang offer you an impressive menu in comparison to other routes. You can choose dishes from Indian, Nepalese, Chinese, and Western cuisine. Some places like Namche Bazar, Manang, Jomsom, or Ghandruk even facilitate German bakeries, Italian coffee shops, and pizzerias where you can get a piece of chocolate cake, a cinnamon roll, a pizza, or a cappuccino.

Trekking in the off-the-beaten paths, you will have fewer choices. They may offer you Dal Bhat, noodles, eggs, pancakes, Tibetan bread, different kinds of soup, etc.

You can’t drink tap water in Nepal even locals buy bottled water. We never drink unfiltered water when trekking regardless if it comes from a river, a stream, or a tap. Buying bottled water on a trek every day is expensive.

The higher up you go the more expensive it gets, at some places 1l water bottle costs US$1,5-2. You have to drink 3-4 l a day to stay hydrated. Carrying a water purifying system is the best way to escape from it.

What to pack while trekking in Nepal in October

Trekking gears and equipment play significant roles to make the journey comfortable and enjoyable. Different trekking destinations may need different equipment. However, common trekking gears and equipment for trekking Nepal in October are as follows.

Head

  •     Sun hat
  •     Warm fleece hat (to cover ears)
  •     Sunglasses with UV protection
  •     Scarf to cover face (dust/wind)

Upper body

  •     T-shirts
  •     Light and expedition weight thermals tops
  •     Fleece long sleeve tops
  •     Down feather jacket
  •     Hands
  •     Lightweight fleece gloves
  •     Heavyweight gloves or mittens
  •     Waterproof/wind fleece gloves

Lower body

  •     Undergarments
  •     Hiking shorts
  •     Lightweight hiking pants
  •     Fleece or wool pants or tracksuit pants

Footwear

  •     Thin, lightweight inner sock liners
  •     Thick, warm wool hiking socks
  •     Hiking boots
  •     Walking sneakers
  •     Sandals
  •     Gaiters

Accessories

  •     Headlamp
  •     Duffel bag
  •     Basic First Aid Kit
  •     Large Plastic Bags- to keep items dry
  •     Water bottles
  •     Watch with light and alarm
  •     Money belt
  •     Trekking Poles

Toiletries and personal hygiene

  •     Quick-dry towel
  •     Shampoo
  •     Toothbrush and paste
  •     Multipurpose wipes (face and body)
  •     Face and Body Moisturizer
  •     Nail clippers
  •     Comb/brush
  •     Toilet paper
  •     Hand Sanitizer
  •     Sunscreen with high UV protection
  •     Lip block with UV protection

Miscellaneous

  •     Sleeping bag
  •     Sleeping bag liner
  •     Camera and extra batteries
  •     Binoculars

Altitude sickness and its prevention while trekking in October

Altitude Sickness can affect anyone regardless of unfit or elderly people. In fact, younger and fitter trekkers may get sick more often because they go up faster sometimes skipping recommended acclimatization stops.

Acute Mountain Sickness can be reflected in different forms and different stages. AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness is the mild form of the sickness. Worsening the circumstances may lead to HACE and HAPE. Usually, people get it from 2500m/8000ft up above sea level. The main symptoms are mild headache, difficulty breathing, tiredness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

What causes altitude sickness?

  • Walking in rush. Marching too fast and ascending higher elevations in a single day kicking the recommended acclimatization stops.
  • Not staying hydrated. At high altitudes, it’s recommended to drink 1-1,5l of water extra to what you usually consume.
  • Trekkers suffering from heart or lungs related problems.
  • Ignoring the advice of your tour leader     

How to prevent AMS;

  • Rest, during the day, stop to drink water, for tea or lunch.
  • Walk slow, make several acclimatizations stops on the route.
  • Stay hydrated, get plenty of snacks
  • Avoid smoking, alcoholic drinks
  • Be familiar with the symptoms. If you notice any of the symptoms, stop everything you are doing and rest. If the symptoms get worse, it is best advised to descend.
  • Consult your physician before embarking on a high altitude trek and taking the necessary medicines as precautions

Extra tips for trekking Nepal in October

  • Invest some time in training and exercising before the trip. This will help to increase your stamina.
  • Start the trek early so that you can complete the trek for the day before it gets dark.
  • Be physically and psychologically prepared for the trip. Because trekking in the mountains may not be always easy.
  • It is very important to stay hydrated especially while trekking to higher altitudes.
  • Beware of symptoms of altitude sickness. And learn about its precautions as well.
  • It is always better to hire a guide and porter from the authorized company. They will assist you in every moment ensuring your safety.

Conclusion

The peak month for trekking in Nepal- October offers you a plethora of options and destinations for trekking. It is the best month to trek in the Himalayas. Furthermore, the panoramic view of snow-clad peaks is majestic. Similarly, the rugged mountains and green pastures add to the beauty.

Mild temperature, perfect climatic atmosphere, the clear panorama, and the perfect vista of beautiful natural scenery are alluring throughout this month which attracts chiliad of explorers from the entire world.  

Krishna Sapkota

Krishna is a content writer and tour guide of Holy Mountain Treks. As a guide and a writer, he has paid a visit to almost all the touristic destinations in Nepal. He has also been to major Trekking termini in Nepal. By means of his personal knowledge and experiences, he responds all your interrogations, creates blogs, articles and develops itineraries for your trips.

Krishna has been working in tourism sector since 2017, as he was running his Masters' degree. Afterward the accomplishment of his graduation, he is fully keen in this industry.

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