Everest Base Camp Trek in September – Best Time To Visit
Everest Base Camp Trek in September is an all-rounder experience for you. As you not only get the best of the views, you also get to experience the cultural activities firsthand, in one of the major festivals of the country. The trek is filled with vibrant colors of the leaves and the clear skies. But mostly it is filled with the colors of the festivities of the people.
This month is especially popular for the Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return. With the helicopter return package, you will get the best of the views of the mountains with panoramic views. The Everest Base Camp Trek in September with helicopter return allows you to enjoy your trek to the fullest with great views, a true experience of the trekking and the remote lands along with the helicopter view.
The September trek is an exceptional trek with light drizzles from the monsoon but the beautiful skies and the colored paths from the autumn season. The blend of the two seasons makes your trek a beautiful one. The view from the base camp is also exceptional during this time. With the temperature and climate being moderate and suitable for trekking, the trekking experience is also enhanced by the beauty and favorable situations.
Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek in September
Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is one of the main attractions of the Short EBC Trek. Especially in September with so many major festivities, the aura of the Namche Bazaar is on a different scale of cultural diversity. This provides you with the best experience of the country’s diverse culture. The marketplace, especially on Saturdays, has a wide variety of items that can be mesmerizing for you. So don’t miss out on this opportunity during your Everest Base Camp in September.
Kalapatthar
Another major highlight of the Everest Base Camp trek in September is the famous Kalapatthar (5643m) viewpoint. The viewpoint is famous for the views of Mount Everest along with its neighbouring mountains standing in full glory. In September, the view from this point is majestic as the skies are clear and the view of the mountains is not obstructed by any rain, fog or snow.
Tengboche Monastery
Tengboche Monastery located a short walk from Namche Bazaar is a famous pilgrimage site. You can feel the Buddhist energy flowing in the winds with the colorful flags hanging on the way to the monastery as the wind blows them. The monastery is a Sherpa Buddhist monastery. This has been a popular attraction among the tourists heading to the Everest Base Camp.
Ngozumpa Glacier
One of the longest glaciers in Nepal flowing below the Cho Oyu peak is one of the major attractions in the Everest Base Camp Trek in September. With a clear view of the glacier slowly flowing, trekkers along the way are mesmerized by the beauty of the glacier.
Gokyo Ri
Another major highlight of the Everest Base Camp trek is the Gokyo Ri and the lakes that flow from there. The lakes that elegantly flow from the Gokyo mountain range is a beautiful sight to see. The sacred lakes of Gokyo Ri are a significant attraction in the Everest Base Camp trek in September.
Cho-La pass
Situated at the altitude of 5420 meters in the Solukhumbu district, Cho La pass is an excellent viewpoint for most trekkers. The pass provides you with awestruck views of the tallest mountains of the world. Especially in September, the view from this pass is impressive and clear.
Weather and temperature of the Everest Base Camp Trek in September
September offers pleasant weather for the trekkers even though it isn’t the warmest month. Monsoon ends by early September providing you with clear skies.
The weather is sometimes unpredictable in this region of the country. The weather could get better or worse. So, it would be best to be prepared for a little rain or snow during the trek. It is possible that rain stops earlier too. In this case, the stable and clear weather after the monsoon offers you spectacular views.
Early September provides a little monsoon drizzle here and there in Nepal. The temperature on average is about 10 to 20-degree Celcius in case of a little rain. The upper regions are around 5 to 10-degrees celsius. This is not that cold or warm. The weather is perfect for trekking. However, at night the temperature may drop down from -10 to -15 degrees celsius. Do stay warm at night.
Best Routes for September
There are various routes you can take to reach the Base Camp. However, the 14 days Everest base camp trek that takes you through the trails of Namche Bazaar along the monastery is the best one in September. You can enjoy the best of the views along with the cultural diversity at just $1290 for 14 days.
You can take other alternative routes to get to the Everest Base Camp in September and the routes are pretty convenient. Other routes you may want to try include :
Everest Tengboche Monastery Trek
One of the many routes you can take is the Everest Tengboche Monastery Trek where you will be trekking to the Tengboche Monastery as per the 14 days Everest Base Camp trek itinerary and then fly back to Kathmandu.
You will not have to worry about walking back the same route., Instead, you will be provided with a helicopter ride back to Kathmandu. This is especially fun during September as the views are clear and you can see the panoramic views of the mountains from the helicopter.
Gokyo Valley Route
The Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp Trek is a slightly longer route than the 14 days route. This route allows you to enjoy the view from the Gokyo village fully. The small village with great views of the mountains is an awesome deal with the Everest Base Camp.
Along with the village, you get to see the Gokyo mountains and the lakes that flow from the mountains. This is a brilliant sight to see. The roads are a little difficult but if you take proper acclimatization days, you will be glad you took this route instead. Especially during September, the sky is clear and the roads are in good shape during late September making the journey easier and safer.
Why is the Everest Base Camp Trek in September the best time?
Mild temperature
September marks the end of the monsoon rains and the start of autumn in Nepal. With small drizzles of rain during early September, the temperature of the Everest Base Camp during September is the best for the Everest Base Camp Trek. Everest Base camp trek in September is the best due to the mild temperature which isn’t freezing cold or dry hot.
Less traffic
The month of September is not very crowded. With light drizzles here and there, you are less likely to encounter huge traffic of people. You can enjoy your trek to the fullest without having a crowd of people blocking your way or crowding the teahouses.
Clear view
September is a great month for a trek as the monsoon rain is slowly clearing up. This helps clear the sky from any clouds blocking the view. With clear blue skies, the views of the mountains are very clear and beautiful. You can enjoy the view to the fullest extent without any obstacles on the way.
Autumn season
September marks the beginning of the new season of autumn. This is the season that fills your view with clear blue skies and vibrant colored leaves falling off the trees on your path. With the autumn season coming to full rise in Mid September, the views and the trails are magnificent. This is one of the reasons that make the trek in September memorable and the best one.
Festivities
Everest base camp trek in September is not only about the beautiful views of the mountains but also the cultural experience along the trails and the people you meet on the way. That being said, the cultural experience in September is on another level than any other month. With the biggest festivals of the country celebrated during this month, September brings you a lot of new experiences. Dashain, Tihar, Indra Jatra are some of the main festivals that fall in September.
Food and Accommodation in September in Everest Base Camp Trek
The month of September provides you with a wide variety of food and options in accommodation.
You can find many tea houses and restaurants on the trek. Until you reach uphills, you can enjoy a wide variety of food in restaurants of your choice. However, after gaining a little altitude, your options will be limited to teahouses. The tea houses also have food like Pizza and Bread and other junk food but the price elevates as we go up. The traditional and common food you will find is Dal Bhat Achar. This is the traditional Nepali food.
As for accommodation, September is the beginning of the peak season. So most of the tea houses are open. This means you will have many choices for accommodation and won’t have to suffer searching for accommodation. The accommodation will consist of sharing one room with a twin bed among two people and hot showers will be charged extra.
Preparation for the Everest Base Camp Trek in September
For you to have a fulfilling trek with a wholesome experience of the views and the culture, you should be prepared beforehand. The trek requires you to walk 7-8 hours a day through steep trails. This requires a certain amount of physical and mental preparation. The preparations required for the Everest Base Camp Trek in September are as follows:
Physical preparation
You will have to be physically prepared to take the Everest Base Camp Trek. the Everest Base Camp Trek requires you to walk 7-8 hours daily. This is easy for professional trekkers. But if you are a beginner, then you should try to do some exercises prior to the trek. Doing cardio like swimming, running, skipping helps improve your stamina for your trek. You should ensure that your body can take the challenge head-on.
Mental Preparation
Being in a remote area away from your busy life for 14 days may seem easy but it requires a lot of mental strength. Without proper mental preparation, you cannot accomplish your goal of reaching the Everest Base Camp. so prepare yourself mentally before venturing in this challenging journey where you will need your passion for achievement just as much as your physical strength.
Packing essentials
Another part of the preparation for the trek is the packing of essentials. It would be best to have a lightweight carry-on with all the essentials. Especially during the Everest Base Camp trek in September, it isn’t cold, but it isn’t the warmest time either. So it would be best if you packed accordingly.
Clothing:
It would be best if you packed lightweight, comfortable and dry clothes. Since there is a chance of sudden drizzle of monsoon end rain, you should pack some waterproof jackets. The nights are cold so be sure to pack something warm.
Footwear
The trails are steep and narrow. This means you will need some quality hiking and trekking boots to get your through safe and sound from the trails. Carry extra pairs of socks.
Other essentials
- First aid kits with essential meds like cold, altitude sickness meds, etc.
- Everest Base Camp Trek Map
- Extra Batteries
- Flashlight
- Whistle, etc.
Itinerary Outline for Everest Trek with Helicopter return
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel
Day 2: Sightseeing tour local market at Kathmandu Valley and trek preparation.
Day 3: Flight to Lukla & trek to Phakding 4-5 hrs.
Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar 5-6 hrs.
Day 5: Rest day at Namche Bazaar and excursion to Everest View Hotel 2-3 hrs.
Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Debuche via Tengboche 5-6 hrs.
Day 7: Trek from Debuche to Dingboche 5-6 hrs.
Day 8: Rest day at Dingboche for acclimatization and excursion to Nagarjun Hill 3-4 hrs.
Day 9: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche 6-7 hrs.
Day 10: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep, hike towards Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,598 ft.), and return to Gorak Shep. 6-8 hrs.
Day 11: Hike to Kalapathar 2-3 hrs, Helicopter fly back to Lukla & Normal flight to Kathmandu approx. 45 min.
Day 12: Free day in Kathmandu.
Day 13: Farewell and Final Departure.
Itinerary for Standard Everest Base camp Trek
Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu and transfer to hotel by private vehicle
Day 2: Flight to Lukla from Kathmandu then trek to Phakding
Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 4: Rest and Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar.
Day 5: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Day 6: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 7: Acclimatization day at Dingboche
Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
Day 9: Trek Lobuche to Gorak Shep and trek to Everest Base camp
Day 10: Hike to Kala Patthar and trek to Pheriche
Day 11: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Day 12: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Day 13: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Day 14: Final Departure
Difficulties during the Everest Base Camp Trek in September
Altitude sickness
One of the main difficulties you may face during the Everest Base Camp Trek in September is the Altitude sickness brought upon by a sudden altitude increase. Especially while taking the Gokyo route, without proper acclimatization days and rest for your body to get used to the altitude, you may suffer altitude sickness.
Sudden drizzles
Another major difficulty may be the drizzles during early September. There is a chance of a sudden downpour in early September as the monsoon is ending. So make sure to prepare yourselves by carrying waterproof clothes and an umbrella. And be careful not to slip on the way. This may cause issues for the helicopter ride home as well.
Steep trail
The trail is kind of steep and the monsoon drizzles may make it more slippery. So make sure to bring proper gear so you don’t face any troubles on the way. With professional guides, you will be fine.
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