18th Mar, 2025

Everest Base Camp in November: Is It Worth It?

- Magnificent Himalayan Treks

November is most likely the best month to trek in Nepal. The weather is dry, offering some of the best views of the mountains. It's around a high of 9oC (48oF) and a low of -3oC (26oF) in Namche Bazaar and day treks at and below this altitude are very comfortable .

As long as you come well equipped, nights in the lodges aren't so bad.

Higher altitudes will obviously be colder, but you're prepared, aren't you? It will be cold from mid-November and then winter so for best in terms of weather, early November is recommended.

On the other hand, as it is a peak season to travel, the lodges will be rather full. It is also climbing season so there will be movement at base camp with climbers and their support teams.

As usual, we advise an early booking if you want to travel to EBC or any of the other itineraries in the Everest Region in November.

November Weather and Climate in the Everest Area

The temperature still drops from October to the middle of November, but for both months the skies are clear, and it is not extremely cold. As November advances it will get colder as it approaches winter.

The temperatures for Namche Bazaar for the first half of the month will be a high of 9oC (48oF) and a low of -3oC (26oF).

Benefits and Drawbacks of November Trekking to EBC

The biggest plus is the unobstructed mountain views! The temperature is not too cold, and the air is dry, crisp, and fresh.

The biggest drawback is that it is very busy on the trails and in the teahouses/ teahouses. You might have to wait thirty minutes for your dinner and you'll probably get frustrated at the huge numbers of other trekkers walking in front of you.

Others, though, enjoy sitting with other trekkers and chatting with them.

Getting Ready for the November Everest Base Camp Trek

Autumn is just a wonderful season to be in the mountains and in Nepal. But it's one that you have to prepare for in advance because it could be warm, or it could be bitterly cold.

You have to prepare for both. And of course, you have to get your body conditioned.

Training and Physical Preparedness for Everest Base Camp

Even if you are otherwise very active, unless you are a regular trekker you probably need to 'train' for hiking uphill and downhill (if feasible) and for hours at a stretch.

Try to fit this into your usual routine of the gym and/or exercise classes. Remember, hiking at altitude is very different (i.e., harder) than hiking at elevations close to sea level.

Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization for the EBC Trek

On the matter of altitude – acclimatization is required of all who are doing this trek. You might see local Sherpa individuals disembarking the plane and strolling off to Namche Bazaar on the same day. This is because those born at altitude, science maintains, carry a certain gene or at least have a quicker ability to acclimatize.

For the rest of us, we take two days to arrive in Namche and once there we need to acclimatize by spending two nights in this busy market town. There is another acclimatization day in Dingboche too.

But why must trekkers acclimatize, even highly young and healthy ones? There is less oxygen present in the air the higher you are in altitude. Bodies need time to adjust to that fact or be susceptible to altitude sickness.

Altitude problems are with just a headache. This is something that the majority of people will have when they get to Namche, but the majority will also acclimatize and the headache will go away. But if you are paying no heed to the signs, not acclimatizing at all and pushing on at a rate you are putting yourself at risk for altitude problems. The worst outcome of this is death. It is something that can be easily avoided, but something to be taken very seriously as we shall describe below–

How to Prevent Altitude-Related Illnesses During the Trek to Everest Base Camp?

Drink plenty of water in order to remain well-hydrated. If you are drinking a lot of tea, soft drinks, and sports drinks, water is still the mountain solution for optimal health.

Enjoy a good dinner and breakfast – proper food gives you the energy and power to hike under such harsh weather conditions. Don't even consider saving money by skipping meals. If you don't feel like eating lunch served at teashops along the trails, then bring plenty of healthy foods and chocolates to eat during the day.

Don't climb too high in altitude without acclimatizing. Acclimatization days are scheduled into the itinerary for a reason.

Don't drive so fast that you get dehydrated. The faster you drive the faster your body will dehydrate. Sure, you can drink more water but there are other factors as well which say not to drive too fast.

Anyway, you drove to see the mountains, not just drive by them, right?

Be aware of any headache. It could be the start of something more serious. Tell other people if/when you experience a headache that continues when you have taken paracetamol or similar.

It is perfectly ordinary to go down to a lower altitude if you do not feel well. This will most likely help your body acclimatize and the next day you can climb up again. If after one night spent at a lower altitude you continue not to feel well, medical care should then be obtained.

Anyone can acquire altitude – it is not something that is based on your age or fitness level.

Essential Equipment and Clothes for the November Trek to Everest Base Camp

Don't forget to pack:

Four-seasons sleeping bag
Trekking boots which you have been wearing before arrival
Trekking trousers
Thermal leggings and tops
Trekking tops that are easy to put on and take off
Jackets (both down and fleece). You can rent a down jacket in Kathmandu.
Warm socks
Gloves and a warm hat for the evenings.
Sun hat for during the day
Trekking poles
Sunscreen for the high altitude sun
Lip balm
Moisturiser
Water bottle or flask
Water purifying tablets or straws for drinking water
Sunglasses – big and/or wrap around
Camera
Whistle (in case of emergencies)
Medical kit (including extras of your essential medicines in case of delays)
Personal hygiene kit: toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, sponge, towel, toilet paper
Washing soap for your clothes or just carry them down to Kathmandu
Notebook and pen for when there is no WI-FI
Phone charger and power pack

Getting Documentation and Permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek

To trek in the Everest Region, you require two primary permits:

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit: Nrs 2,000 per head.

Found in Lukla or Monjo. Not found in Kathmandu.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: Nrs 3,000 per head

The parking permit can be found at the Nepal Tourism Board Office, Kathmandu, or at the gate entrance in Monjo for Sagarmatha National Park. More easily found at Monjo.

Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit required if trekking in from Jiri at Nrs3,000 per person. Only available through the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu.

Paperwork required for trekking permits: you will need a photocopy of your passport for everyone. For the Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit, you will also need two passport-sized photos. Payment must be made in local currency.

Routes & Itineraries for the Trek to Everest Base Camp

November's Most Popular Route Choices

In November, every route in the Everest Region will be operational. The high passes and trails won't provide any issues.

November Trekking to EBC by Helicopter Tour

It is a nice time to hike but for the people who don't want to spend 12 days on trekking trails, there is an option now to trek to EBC for 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 days with the return journey back to Kathmandu by helicopter.

It means helicopter evacuation is possible in case if you are stuck with HACE or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

As it's the peak season, book any of these choices in advance in order to obtain a seat in the helicopter.

Changes Made to the Trek Because of the Weather

This season, there are no issues on the trails. Every trail is accessible and open! You can see the beautiful Kala Patthar , Khumbu region and so on.

Key Locations & Points of Interest During the Everest Base Camp Trek

This is a busy section of the trail with trekkers, climbers, and their support groups. There is enough here that you won't want to miss, however.

Two nights in Namche Bazaar for acclimatization purposes gives you the opportunity to explore the town and local area.

• Visit the Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Heritage Centre newly opened at the Sagarmatha National Park Visitors Centre to commemorate 70 years (in 2023) since the first ascent of Everest. Learn about these amazing early climbers.

Have a Guinness or soft drink and night out at the Irish Pub.

• Find the best bakeries in town. You may not necessarily need cake on the way to EBC, but we have no doubt that you will be glad to know where the bakeries are heading back down!.

• If you are here on a Saturday, visit the Saturday market for local fruit and handicrafts. Or simply to soak up the market atmosphere – special at this altitude.

• Trek to Khumjung where Hillary set up a school for Sherpa children. The best acclimatization is to keep walking.

• Go bird watching. Yes really! You may see Nepal's national bird, the Danphe.

• Hike to Hotel Everest View for coffee and/or lunch with the finest view of Everest and nearby mountains.

See monks at Tengboche Monastery. Tourists can attend the pujas (spiritual rituals) in mornings or evenings. Donations are welcome and common at all monasteries.

Lobuche is a tiny village at 4,940m/ 16,210 ft. and is the final village on the trek to base camp and thus interesting, though not much to see!

Everest Base Camp. Take marvelous selfies and snaps as proof! And these days you can now get a tattoo while you are there. We haven't a clue how this has become possible but presumably demand would be high and you can give it a glance.

Kala Pattar is the best place to have fantastic views of Everest. It is hard to ascend up to almost 5,500m altitude but achievable. And so worth it for the mountain view.

The Month's Top Events at Everest Base Camp

There is the Rimdu Mani Festival to celebrate the spread of Tibetan Buddhism by Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava in the 8th century.

Autumn Climbing Expeditions to Mount Everest are proceeding well in November.

On Mt Everest, the major windows of good weather occur in November so the climbers will already be at their positions and waiting. You can identify their base camp set up a little earlier than the base camp that trekkers reach.

The climbing base camp is divided so that they are not disturbed during their practice or subjected to colds and flu etc.

Tihar Festival The Dashain festival will have just finished in the remainder of Nepal during (October) that you might have witnessed in Kathmandu upon arrival. The nation is eagerly waiting now for Tihar to arrive.

Actually, between Dashain and Tihar it's almost like between Christmas and New Year: nothing much happens as people reluctantly go back to work, or not.

Additional Highlights of the November Trek to EBC Include:

Stand at 5,545m on Kala Pattar to see the sunrise or sunset – stunning at any time but particularly against the unobscured autumn sky.

Look for expedition tents at base camp as you rest and take in the scenery at the trekker's Everest base camp.

Learn more about the previous mountaineers at the new Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Heritage Centre in Namche. And by tracing their steps on the trail.

Speak with other trekkers over dinner.

Take great pictures and videos for family and friends back at home.

Being here, within the Himalayas, is in itself a high point of your Nepal trip.

Teahouses and Lodges for Everest Base Camp Trek Accommodations and Logistics in November In November, during the Trek for EBC

Teahouses, as they are known in Nepal, are family-run guest houses/ trekking lodges and provide accommodation and meals. Most are basic, with twin beds, shared bathrooms, and cold water.

Some luxury lodges lower down on the mountains are usually full of luxury group tourists during the peak seasons. You may be able to get a great room at a reasonable rate during the winter and monsoon seasons.

Meanwhile, the teahouse will charge you for hot water for a shower, and for charging your devices. Around $3 each. Some, but not all, have Wi-Fi. You can purchase a Wi-Fi card when you arrive in the area.

Availability of Food and Water for the Everest Base Camp Trek

You need to pay in Nepali rupees for water, food, and extras. If you have booked the tour through an agency, you will have food and accommodation taken care of. This does not take into consideration drinking water, soft drinks, snacks etc.

We suggest that you carry sufficient Nepali rupees to at least take care of your drinking water intake every day. Around $1 to $2 per liter, which will soon add up. Drops/tablets or a Steripen will reduce the cost. Plenty of food is available on the trek, but most of the lodges all offer very similar menus.

Nepali, Sherpa (Tibetan), Chinese, Continental – which will feature dishes such as pasta, omelets and toast. Lunch will be at the small teashops on the way, and it will likely be noodles and curry food. It is handy to take some snacks with you.

There's more choice of restaurants and cafes in Namche but remember it's traditional you eat where you stay on the trails as rooms are very reasonably priced and lodge owners supplement their income more from the food. Coffees and snacks etc. eaten outside are fine providing you eat at your lodge too.

Beers and sodas are available for sale along the way. You might have nausea, headaches or dizziness as oxygen levels goes on decreasing. Make sure you wont ignore such symptoms. Carry Diamox with you as Diamox is the best for your troubles.

Don't drink – that's our advice from several years of experience! It dehydrates you too much. But also don’t forget hydration is the key.

Your physical fitness, balanced diet is compulsory at high altitude. Especially for HACE.

Employing a Guide and Porter for the Trek to Everest Base Camp

If you trekked through an agency you can look for a guide and/or porter when you get to Lukla. Remember November, especially the first half, is season high and it is also the Nepal festival time when almost the whole country is on holiday away from their office.

You may have more luck when groups or individuals are leaving from Lukla as their guides/ porters will then be present and looking for a business. Scan over Lukla on arrival. But, once again on the basis of experience spanning years, it is always safer to trek through a dependable agency.

Travel Advice and Safety Advice for the EBC Trek Tracking the Weather for Everest Base Camp in November

Weather in November is ideal for trekking weather, and it is hard to get an accurate weather report in Nepal.

But you can check out National Geographic’s own weather centre – the Everest Weather Station Network. This is primarily for very high altitude locations, specifically on Mount Everest itself – designed for mountaineers.

Through your phone set the site to its lowest setting, which is Base Camp, and you get an idea of what it is like there. If you’re interested you can check out the weather on the mountain itself. https://everest-pwa.nationalgeographic.org/

Your mental preparation is the key. Make sure you can gradual ascent and descent if you are under altitude line.

Handling the Weather and Elevation on the EBC Trek

Above all, heed the acclimatization advice above to prevent altitude issues. Drink plenty of water and take care of your own and your travel buddy's health if traveling with a friend.

Keep in mind that it is always preferable to go downhill if you are unwell, but it might be hard to find a bed at this high season, particularly if you are not employing an agency. You will simply have to take that as it is.

Weather-wise, November is not cold but you would have to pack warm clothing and a good sleeping bag for the nights. Layers are best for all seasons.

Emergency Services and Travel Insurance for the EBC Trek

All trekkers must be carrying travel insurance that includes trekking and must include trekking up to a minimum of 5,000m.

Helicopter rescue is available, but they will require guarantee of payment i.e., insurance cover, before they come out. Otherwise, it's very undignified being carried out in a basket. Which you would also have to pay for.

Health Posts in the Everest Region Along the Trail

Medical Posts Along the Trail in Everest Region

Himalayan Sherpa Hospital in Phakding was opened in November 2022 with outpatient and emergency facilities for locals' treatment in its 15 beds. More information can be seen here http://www.himalayansherpafoundation.org/project/himalayan-sherpa-hospital-in-phakding/

Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA), is headquartered at Pheriche and is manned during the high spring and autumn trekking season by volunteer doctors. In existence since 1973, this non-profit association aims to reduce casualties in the mountains.

Their main job is to prevent altitude fatalities among foreign visitors and nationals. They give a daily altitude lecture at 3 pm that you are welcome to attend. Also, donate if you can when you stop by.

Namche and Dingboche have clinics of the Mountain Medical Institute (MMI). The Dingboche one is closed for winter seasons.

Operated by doctors specially trained in the unique needs of people residing and traveling at high altitudes, the Namche clinic has an uncomplicated laboratory, EKG, and ultrasonography.

Phone: 985-2850021/ 981-3933179 / 984-1936205.

Any of these health posts will be able to determine whether your headache and other symptoms are caused by altitude and advise you to continue or descend.

Advice for November Trekking

The mountains look their best in the fresh, dry air. The temperature is somewhat warm during the day and moderately cool at night. In honor of the Himalayas.

Although they are less likely to occur this month, flight delays can still occur, so be prepared with a backup plan.It's always necessary to plan. If you are traveling alone, it is also a good idea to have Plans C and D.

Examine your insurance thoroughly.

Take Responsibility

Be a sensible trekker. The villagers get thousands per year. They will do what they can and where when, but don't count on them to look out for you physically.

So you take care of your self by hiking at a steady pace, drink fluids regularly, and head downhill if you're not feeling good but can walk.

Accepting the Difficulties

There are not too many issues in the first half of November. Difficulty in finding a seat on an aircraft, a room, a guide or a porter would be the worst it could get if you are traveling alone. Weather at the tail-end of November is getting colder, and you should be prepared for that.

Conclusion

The mountains looks amazing from far, imagine what it looks when you are closer, mesmerizing right? Everest trekking in November offers you the best view of the Everest summit, the lush forests and much more. Pack your belongings and make your next move straight out of your room. The time never waits anyone.

Contact Magnificent Himalayan Treks for more information as we have the best trekking itinerary for you.