Everest Base Camp Trek in August

Trekking Everest Base Camp in August is not that horrible as some people may believe. It is definitely not a walk in a park but it is not impossible either.

In fact, you can see the nature at its best as there will be greenery everywhere.

As it is the offseason, the trails will be empty. You can enjoy the scenery on your own.

In Nepal, it usually rains in the evening and at night. So, after the clouds clear out in the morning, you can get the breathtaking view of Himalayas.

Another thing to know is that the higher altitude gets very low rain. So, you are good to go for the higher altitude trek like EBC or Annapurna Base Camp.

Why trek Everest Base Camp in August?

Amazing biodiversity

As it is monsoon in August, the vegetation would be greener than ever. Various kinds of flowers and wild berries will welcome you on the way.

The air will be clean as it settles the dust down. You can see the river and waterfalls gush down.

The mornings usually clear out so you can get the breathtaking view of the panorama of mountains. The clouds also add a dramatic effect to the scenery.

No crowd

If you hate crowds then you can opt for trekking in August. There will be very fewer people attempting trek in this season.

The trail will be empty. You can get to enjoy the nature at its best for yourself.

Similarly, the lodges will be empty and you can get best of the rooms.

Discounts

You can be in luck for money if you are planning to travel to Nepal in August. There will be many offseason discounts and offers for you.

You can get flight ticket for cheap. The accommodation will be cheaper as well.

The tea houses and lodges have to transport food and every other thing from the lower altitude. The donkeys, yaks, and people have to carry everything. So, usually, the price will be fixed in lodges and tea houses.

But if you ask politely to the lodge owner, you might get a free hot shower.

Various Festivals

August is the start of various festivals in Nepal. Usually, three Nepali festivals fall in July or August: Naag panchami, Janai Purnima, and Gai Jatra.

Naag Panchami

Naag Panchami is the day when Hindu people worship snakes. During the monsoon, the snakes come out of the hiding place and ram around. People worship snakes to prevent themselves from snake bite.

In Kathmandu valley, the people worship snakes for regular rainfall. On this day, you can see people the people taping the pictures of snakes in the door to protect from the evil spirits.

Janai Purnima

Janai is a “Sacred thread” that usually Brahmins and Chhetris wear in their body. On Janai Purnima, they change the Janai to a new one and become clean.

Both male and female wear a colorful thread around their wrist as a symbol of protection.

In Kathmandu valley, most of the people eat Kwati which is the mix of various sprouted pulses. It is one of the most auspicious days in Nepal.

Gai Jatra

Gai Jatra or “Festival of the cow” has different traditions in the country.

If a family member of the Newar community dies, then the youngest male dresses up as a cow on this day. It is believed that the tail of the cow is the pathway to the heaven.

When King Pratap Malla lost his son, then the queen was in grief for a long time. The king wanted to make the queen happy so he asked whoever could make her laugh would take the reward.

The people began to dress up and mock the people of the society and made her laugh. So, to this day people make fun of important people in the society on Gai Jatra.

It can also be considered as Nepali Halloween as many people dress up to celebrate the festival.

If you come to Nepal in August, you can experience different cultures and festivals of Nepal.

Everest Base Camp Weather in August

It will be hot and humid in August in Nepal. So, wear breathable clothes.

As you ascend to the higher altitude, the precipitation decreases. So, it rains much less over 4000m altitude.

It seldom rains the whole day in Nepal. Usually, it rains in the evening and maybe the whole night.

The temperature can go high up to 18℃ (64℉) and fall down to 2℃ (36℉).

Rather than staying in tents, stay in a lodge.

A zero degree sleeping bag will be enough for you. You may also ask for a blanket if you need one to the lodge owner.

For more detail: Everest Base Camp Weather

Packing List

• Salt
• DEET containing bug spray
• Waterproof Shoes/ Gaiters
• Rain backpack cover
• Rain jacket
• Tops
• Rain trousers
• Trekking Poles (very important)
• Waterproof hiking glasses
• Down and Fleece Jackets
• Sun Hat
• Warm Cap (for the night)
• Gloves
• Socks
• Sleeping Bag
• Head Torch
• Mobile phone
• Portable charger
• Camera
• Water Bottle
• Water Purifying Tablets
• Waterproof Sunscreen
• Moisturiser
• Lip Balm
• Personal Hygiene Kits: Shampoo, Sponge, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Toilet paper.
• Quick Drying Towels
• Washing Powder
• Snacks
• Trash Bag
• Medical Kit
• Whistle
• Notebook and Pen

For more detail: EBC Trek packing list

Tips for Trekking in August

Weather updates

At the higher altitude, you cannot be sure of the weather. So, always update yourself with the weather.

Check the weather app and plan your day accordingly.

There could be cases of flight cancellation. If such things happen then you might have to just travel around that area. So, keep some buffer days in hand.

Rainproof clothes

The weather will be wet and humid. So, carry clothes that are breathable and waterproof. Jackets, trousers, and boot as well.

Use a waterproof backpack cover. You can also wear gaiters if you like. Trekking poles are essential.

Salt/ Anti-leech spray.

In monsoon, expect leeches to be on your way in the lower altitudes. You can carry anti-bug spray containing DEET(Diethyl Meta Toluamide).

Or,

You can simply use salt!

If you sprinkle salt on them, they will die of dehydration.

Take precaution and wear long trousers. Check your legs time and again for the possible leeches.

Guide/porter

Every year, few solo travelers are found missing and dead. Having a guide/porter is for your safety.

They can help you with many things. They can help you understand the culture. They can help you communicate with the locals. They can help you if you are hurt.

So, at least get one of guide or porter to give you company on your journey. They do not cost a fortune.

You are also supporting a family.

Trek early

In the morning and the day, the weather is usually clear of the rain. So start your expedition early and try to end it early.

Warm yourself with hot tea in the chilly rainy evening.

Alternatives to Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest View Trek

If you have less time to watch Mt. Everest, then you can opt for Everest View Trek.

This 7-day trek doesn’t exceed the altitude of 3956 meters. But, you can get the full panorama view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Nuptse, and Mt. Thamserku.

Gokyo Lake Trek

Gokyo Lake Trek is an 11-day tour to the Everest base camp. You take a detour to watch the highest freshwater lakes in the world; Gokyo Lake.

You can also see the largest glacier in Nepal, Ngozumpa. After climbing to Gokyo Ri, you can see Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu and Mt. Cho Oyu.