The Everest Base Camp (EBC) in August is truly an experience like no other; the trails are greener with lush forests and shrubby bushes and most of all, you do not have to deal with the excessive crowds like during peak season. One thing about traveling is that the destinations are constant but not the experience. Which means that even if you have been to the Everest Base Camp in April, it will be a totally different experience in August. From the people you meet to the sensational views of the mountain landscapes, it will never be the same as before.
The month of August might fall in the monsoon season, but it is the last month, which means there will be a huge decrease in the amount of rainfall received. That means, along with the rain, there will also be clear weather so you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a monsoon trek as well as the best mountain views. The Everest Base Camp Trek would not be meaningful if you never got the chance to see the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest (8,850 m/29,035 ft.), and August is the perfect opportunity.
Let’s discuss.
What makes the Everest Base Camp Trek so special in August?
Many have the misinformation that the Himalayas are completely un-trekkable during the monsoon season. While it definitely comes down to personal preference, you can absolutely do trekking during the monsoon, and especially during the month of August. And especially due to the rain experienced during this time in Nepal, many trekkers do not even entertain the idea of a monsoon trek, whether it is in June, July, or August. So, let’s debunk this misinformation and see what makes the Everest Base Camp Trek in August so special!
Lush, Vibrant Green Landscapes with Monsoon Showers
What we need to know about trekking or traveling in particular is that you will never experience a destination the same twice. It means that even if you go to the same destination again, your entire experience will never be the same, including the views. So, emphasize that, even if you have been to the Everest Base Camp during the spring season, it will be a completely different experience during the monsoon.
The mountains are typically known to be cold and dry, despite the ice and snow. The land itself is very dry and the higher you ascend, the thinner the trees become. And one thing about August or monsoon in general is that you get to see the vibrant green forests that are extremely pleasing to the eyes.
Home to numerous wild species of flora and fauna that fall under the spectrum of rare and endangered, the deep forest of the Sagarmatha National Park is a paradise for botanists and zoologists alike, especially during monsoon.
The forest full of trees of oaks and rhododendrons is the pristine shade of green that is not only eye-soothing but also makes your heart happy. The rain makes the trek an even more intimate experience where you can experience nature. And once the rain stops and clouds clear, the views of Mount Everest along with other majestic peaks are truly one of a kind.
Peaceful Trail with Fewer Crowds
If you search for the most popular trekking destination in the world on Google, chances are, the Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the top results. So, it is very easy to put into perspective how many people visit this place every year. The news about high traffic on Everest is very true. So, if you are someone who does not enjoy crowded places and wants to experience peace and calm, then instead of not visiting EBC, you need to change tactics.
There are two main trekking seasons in Nepal: spring and autumn. Known for its favorable climate, stable weather, and moderate temperature, trekkers from all over the world flock like birds of a feather to the Everest Base Camp, which can make the trail become overcrowded, and many find it not as enjoyable. So, the best solution is to pick off-season. And what better month to choose than August? It is the perfect time because the monsoon will be on the cusp of ending and autumn on the cusp of beginning. There will be far fewer people on the trail, and at times it will feel like walking on the trails of your private Himalayas.
And when you are enjoying the trek without any disturbances, you can connect to nature on a deeper level. The trails will be more peaceful, the forests will be greener, the river will reverberate louder, the skies will be clearer and the mountains of Everest will loom even higher.
August Monsoon Trekking, a Unique Experience
Trekking during monsoon is truly an experience many people do not have the privilege of. While many associate rain with getting wet and cold, it does take a different view to actually see the beauty of it. It is not an overexaggeration to say that everything is greener during monsoon. The deep forest of oaks and rhododendrons offers the view of different shades of green, from moss to emerald green and with the white peaks of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, etc., underneath the bright blue sky, the contrast makes the views look like they are straight out of photocards.
This trek is truly a photographer’s holy grail. There are infinite chances to capture the true essence of Everest with multiple subjects and under different situations. The mountain weather is very fluctuating, which means a photographer can capture photos with different aesthetics of the same subject in the same day. For example, while clicking the picture of Mount Everest, there will be times when the sky will be deep blue and the next, grey. Both are pictures of Mount Everest but the aesthetics will be very different; its story will be different.
And even if you are not an avid photographer, you will get to experience everything—rain, clouds, and sun in a single day. It is the beauty of doing the Everest Base Camp Trek in August: a little bit of sunshine, a little bit of rain, and of course the mighty mountains and the cold weather.
Everest Base Camp in August: Weather, Temperature, and Climate Considerations
While it is extremely crucial to check the weather before traveling, it is more so when the said destination is located in the mountains, especially during the monsoon. The monsoon season in Nepal spans out for three months, June, July, and August, which is why some even call August ,post-monsoon. It is mainly because August does not get as much rainfall as June and July but also gets enough rain, which is why it cannot be classified as autumn.
The lower regions of the Everest Base Camp, like Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar, are susceptible to high volumes of rainfall compared to higher regions like Dingboche, Lobuche, and the base camp itself. The weather always remains unpredictable, as it might rain every now and then or just rain for hours without any break. The sky might remain cloudy throughout the day even if it does not rain but that also does not mean that the sky won’t clear up. It’s because the mountains generally have unpredictable weather and climate; nothing can be one hundred percent guaranteed.
The temperature is rather moderate or even warmer in August compared to autumn and winter. But it definitely varies per elevation, as the higher elevation has a lower temperature while the lower elevation has a higher temperature. The average temperature range of Everest Base Camp in August is presented in a table below:
Everest Base Camp Trek: August Average Temperatures
| Elevation |
Altitude Range |
Locations |
Average August Temperatures |
|
Lower Elevations
|
Below ~3,500m (11,500ft)
|
Lukla and Namche Bazaar
|
15-20°C Day / 10-15°C Night
|
|
Mid Elevations
|
~3,500m to ~4,500m (11,500ft to 14,750ft)
|
Tengboche and Dingboche
|
5-10°C Day / 3-7°C Night
|
|
High Elevations
|
Above ~4,500m (14,750ft) to Base Camp and above
|
Lobuche, Gorakshep, and EBC
|
2-5°C Day / -5-0°C Night
|
Food and Accommodation on Everest Base Camp Trek in August
When traveling to a different country, food and accommodation are one of the major concerns for everyone. And especially when the said destination is located in the middle of the Himalayas, wanting to know if there is provision of good food and accommodation is valid.
The accommodation during peak season is quite packed and sometimes it can be very hard to book a room that meets your requirements, more often than not having to compromise. But in August, which is still known as off-season, you will have many accommodation options and can choose tea houses as per your price range. And if you are doing the trek with the local trekking agency in Nepal, like our Alpine Ramble Treks, you will not have to worry about anything when it comes to accommodation, as we will handle everything for you.
The food options are also as diverse as they can be for the meals in the mountains. You can find varieties of food that range from Western cuisine to local Nepalese food. The western food like pasta, spaghetti, pancakes, pizza, etc. will all be available but might not be as authentic but will be delicious nonetheless! The prices for both food and rooms will differ from place to place, as the higher you ascend, the more expensive the prices become. The price range for both food and accommodation is lower in places like Lukla and significantly higher in Gorak Shep. Make sure to have a balanced diet of food and proper hydration to aid you on your trek; hygienic, healthy food will maximize your chances of success and lower your challenges.
Challenges of Doing the Everest Base Camp Trek in August
There are certainly many challenges that present themselves when trekking to the base camp of the tallest mountain in the world. While some of these challenges are only exclusive to August, most of them are what people generally face. But knowing what to expect on the trek will help an infinite amount in planning better and being prepared for the mentioned scenarios. Here’s what you need to know about the challenges of trekking to the Everest Base Camp in August:
Understanding August Weather and Temperature
As it has already been stated above, the weather in the mountains is always unpredictable, and in the monsoon season, even more so. While August is definitely the almost end of monsoon, rainy days are not uncommon. In fact, it can rain every single day, making the weather unclear. The temperature, however, remains moderate or even warm by mountain standards compared to the autumn and winter seasons. But nonetheless, packing accordingly is very crucial and always check the weather news from a credible source before planning out your day.
Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization
No matter which season you are trekking in, acclimatization is important. The elevations are always constant, which means the higher you ascend, the lower the oxygen levels are. And when people ascend to a significant altitude, it makes the body susceptible to altitude sickness as the body fails to acclimate to the high altitude. Thus, gradual ascent with proper acclimatization days is important. Not only will acclimatization help avoid altitude sickness, but it will also increase the chances of completing the trek successfully.
Rainfall and Trail Conditions
The trail conditions during August can be pretty wet and muddy because of the constant rain the route receives throughout the monsoon season. So, you will need to be extra cautious while trekking on the slippery trail by investing in some sturdy trekking boots. Other gear, such as a waterproof raincoat, is a must when planning for a trek in August.
The lower regions receive higher amounts of rainfall and become less frequent as you ascend higher. As the lower regions, such as Lukla and Phakding, are surrounded by forested hills, there are chances of minor landslides or even rockfalls in certain areas, so make sure you have a guide who can get you around in a safe manner.
And another minor inconvenience on the trail will be the leeches. So, make sure to pack anti-leech spray or cream to repel the blood-sucking parasites when walking on the forested part of the trekking trail.
Visibility and Flight Delays
Since August is still prone to rainfall, the skies are more often than not always covered by grey clouds. But it does clear up every once in a while, especially in the morning, allowing you to see some of the clearest views of the mountains that will be jaw-droppingly worthy.
And because of the rain and unpredictable weather, the flight delays and cancellations are not uncommon. Therefore, make sure you have a few extra days under your schedule so if your flight ends up delayed or cancelled, you can use the buffer days to cover it instead of outright cancelling the whole trip.
Packing Essentials for Everest Base Camp Trek in August
When packing for a trek to the mountains, your gear and equipment should be functional and durable. Especially when the trek is to the Everest Base Camp in August, which is the monsoon season. Having good gear and equipment does make a world of difference. While packing for this trip, rain is what needs to be focused on, and you need to get all the gear that will help you stay warm and dry throughout the trek. Waterproof and quick-dry clothes and gear will be your best friend on this trek.
Layered Clothing: Windstoppers, fleece jackets, trek pants, thin t-shirts, thermal wear, down jackets, etc., are very essential.
Footwear: sturdy waterproof trekking boots, slippers, thick socks, etc.
Other Essentials: Raincoat, dry bags, gloves, hats, etc.
How to Make the Everest Base Camp Trek in August Successful?
Here are some key tips we suggest, which can help to make your trek a pleasant experience and a hundred percent successful.
- Thoroughly plan out your trip and make sure you pack everything you need, even the smallest items. Much of the trekking gear can be bought in Thamel, Kathmandu, so last-minute shopping is possible.
- Instead of a solo trek, it is recommended to go with a trusted local trekking agency, which saves you the hassle of planning out the entire trek, such as permits, flight tickets, and so on. The guide provided by the company will help you to navigate through the entire journey without any hiccups.
- Make sure to have buffer days in case of delays due to unpredictable weather and even flight cancellations.
- Focus on having proper diet meals and hydration while gradually ascending to help acclimatize your body to the altitude and avoid altitude sickness.
- Prepare for the rain, muddy trails, and inconsistent visibility throughout the trek, especially in the lower regions.
- And lastly, enjoy the experience of trekking in rain, the bright greenery, and sensational mountain views of the Everest Base Camp in August to the fullest.
Alternative Trails to do in Everest in August
If the Everest Base Camp Trek in August is not what you prefer, then there are other treks that might catch your attention. Here are the alternatives for the Everest Base Camp Trek in August:
