Weather and Temperature of Everest Base Camp Trek in August
August is the last month of the Monsoon season in Nepal. In August, hot & humid temperatures and rainy
weather are around the country, including the Everest Region. However, the Monsoon is less active in August than June and July.
The average temperature of the Everest Base Camp Trek in August is around 14.7 to 4.8 degrees. The hottest place on the trek during August is Namche, whereas the coldest is, of course, Everest Base Camp. The more we head up, the cooler the temperature gets.
Likewise, the rainfall level of the Everest Region is moderate in August. Lukla and Namche Bazaar have the same level of precipitation. Due to periodic rainfall, muddy trails and landslides are possibilities. It doesn't rain throughout the day, though. Do not wholly write it off.
Also, the lower parts are rainy places, not the higher ones. The higher parts are in the rain-shadowed position; hence, there is significantly less or no rainfall in the upper areas.
The average wind speed is about 16 km/h. It means the month does not see too windy weather. You can trek without being blown by air.
Similarly, the sun is on for 6-7 hours daily if no clouds block. As it is Monsoon season, the clouds will come often. You have to wait for the sun and the mountain views at times. When clouds open, you get a fantastic mountain panorama of Mt Everest, Ama Dablam, Lobuche, and others.
This is how the weather is in August.
The high side of Everest base camp trek in August
Let’s start from the bright side. Here are several perks of making it to Everest Base Camp in August:
Intriguing Scenaries
August is a scenic month to visit the Everest Region. Everything looks much fresh and charming, thanks to the rain. All the terrain gets water to wash off the dust and dirt. Hence, you will see the true colors of the landscape and vegetation.
Likewise, mountains may be under the veil of clouds at times. But when they open, they open so beautifully like never before. You will catch unique faces of Mt Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and many others.
Unique Experience
Autumn EBC Trek is full of novel EBC experiences. Usually, people do the trek in the Autumn and Spring months and share the regular stories. Many people do not experience walking on the Everest Base Camp trail in months like August. If you look at it positively, you can have a new and off-the-beaten trekking adventure. You will have a different story to share with the world.
Serene Walk
The route to EBC is busy all around the year. It is jam-packed in Autumn and Spring. But if you choose August, you will find it peaceful and less crowded, unlike other periods. The months of Monsoon and Winter are the low times for the trek and trekking in Nepal. Consequently, only a few people plan a visit to the home of Everest. You can be on the trail with a few around in August.
Month of Celebrations
August is also a month full of festivals. It is one of the most happening months for the Nepalese. Teej, a famous festival for women, falls in the month. Women in Nepal dance, sing and pray in Teej. Likewise, the renowned street festival of Gai Jaitra is in August. The birth festival of Lord Krishna, known as Krishna Janmashtami, is also in the month.
Similarly, Eid-Ul-Haajah, a prominent Muslim festival, is also in August. Nepal, a diverse country, is in an excellent mood for celebration during the month. You can experience all of it if you pick Autumn.
Easy accommodation and huge discounts
Everest Base Camp Trek in August has fewer trekkers. As a result, the teahouses and lodges are only partially occupied.
Firstly, you can choose any available accommodation. You do not get to do that in the Autumn and Spring months. The tea houses are easily packed in the high times. Whereas, in August, you have all options available.
Secondly, you get discounts on food and accommodation compared to peak months. The flight tickets to Lukla also get cheaper in August. So If you like discounts and offers, this could be your month for the trek.
Rain is in low areas only
Rainfall in August occurs in lower places like Phakding, Lukla, and Namche. The higher we go, the lower the rain will be. The higher parts of the trek are in the rain-shade region. So if you avoid rainfall while in lower areas, you will not have to face it in higher sides; you can enjoy a rain-free walk there.
The low side of the Everest base camp trek in August
After highlighting the bright side of the August EBC Trek, let’s talk about the low side of it. There are not many, though.:
Still a Rainy Month
August is still a monsoon month. It means rainfall and clouds, and hot temperatures will be there. The lower parts of the trek, like Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar, are more open to the rainy season. While you trek through these places, you may get caught by rainfall. The trail can turn slippery and muddy. In case of non-stop rain, landslides can also occur. You have to be alert about these things.
Odds of Flight Delays
Due to rainy weather around the Himalayas, flights to the mountains in August can get delayed. The flights to Lukla are operable when the weather is all right. Otherwise, it can be treacherous. That is why the flights to higher parts of Nepal during lousy weather get altered or delayed. As a result, you may have to wait until it is good to fly.
Irregular Mountain Views
Unlike Autumn and spring, August doesn't guarantee regular mountain views. Due to rainy conditions, the mountains get blocked by clouds. Most of the time, you will find the beauties behind clouds. At times, they will open up for not sure for how long. If you are more into mountain views while trekking, Autumn may make you wait long or not fulfill your expectations.
Dos and don'ts for Everest base camp trek in August
Physical and Mental Preparation
It is necessary not only in August EBC Trek but overall. You are about to make one challenging journey to Everest Base Camp. It indeed requires good physical preparation to walk all the miles. You will do uphills, downhills, and rough trails. You will walk 6-7 hours daily to gain or loosen 500m+ altitude. Thus, physical preparation is a must.
Likewise, to complete the above journey, you also must be mentally ready and tough. Giving up and losing should not be your option. Plus, you should be open to facing the doable challenges of the August EBC Trek.
Check the weather
You’ll check the weather before commencing Everest Base Camp Trek in August. We hope you will. Knowing what kind of weather is coming, you can plan things accordingly. It can help in scheduling or packing things. You will also avoid trek delays if you know the weather forecast. They are not entirely correct, but they are helpful for planning.
Have extra days
If you are coming to Everest Base Camp in August, never have a tight schedule. You know the month’s weather is rainy. The weather may also not be friendly all the time. In such situations, you may need extra days to complete the walk. Hence, have some additional days in your schedule. The extra days will make your trip a freeing one.
Do not trek alone or solo
Everest Base Camp Trek in August can be tricky. The rainy weather can bring troubles along the trek. If you are trekking alone, you must face the unseen situation alone. That is not a good thing to do in the mountains. Therefore, be with an experienced guide or friends who can lead you in any such situation. It will be a savior.
Do pack rain gear
You know August is a Monsoon month. You also know there are good chances of rainfall, mainly in the lower parts of the trek. If you know these two things, you should also pack rain essentials.
Have water-resistant gear like hiking shoes, jackets, pants, a gaiter, and umbrellas. Also, insect and leech repellent spray or cream is helpful. While backpacking hiking shoes, ensure they suit rainy and snowy conditions. Do pack suitable pair of socks along with them.
Do pack sun gear
The ultraviolet rays are straight and mighty in the high areas. The UV rays can bring hassles if you do not have sun gear like UV-protected sunglasses and sunscreen. As you go higher to the snowy parts, the UV strongly reflects on the snow. It can even cause snow blindness. Likewise, the intense UV rays do affect your skin. Therefore, pack sun gear.
The Right Packing list for Everest Base Camp Trek in August
August EBC Trek needs enough rain gear. You should have clothes and equipment to safeguard yourself from rain on the trek. Alongside, you need the essential trekking packing list, as always. Here is the packing list to help you out:
- Waterproof jackets
- Rain-repellent pants or trousers.
- Fleece Jackets
- Breathable undergarments
- Trekking quick-drying t-shirts or shirts
- Rain-proof gripped hiking shoes
- Quick-drying hiking socks
- Gaiters and Crampon.
- Woolen hat
- Sun hat
- Inner and outer gloves.
- Raincoat
- Backpack Rain Cover
- Insect repellent spray
- Insulated jacket
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking sticks
- Headlight or torch
- Water bottle
- Waterproof Sunscreen, moisturizer, cold cream
- Lip balm
- Quick drying towel
- Basic toiletries like shampoo, soap, toothbrush, etc.
- Tissue paper
- Umbrella(optional)
- Sunglasses
- Day backpack and duffel backpack(if you are using a porter)
Alternatives to Everest Base Camp Trek in August
If you are single-minded about seeing Mt Everest in August, here are several alternatives to Everest Base Camp Trek.
Gokyo Valley Trek
Gokyo Valley Trek is a ten days Everest Region trek that takes you to scenic Gokyo Valley. Located a bit away from Everest Base Camp Trek, the tour is one of the best off-the-beaten experiences in the region.
On this journey, you will explore the beautiful valley of Gokyo and its pristine glacial Gokyo Lakes. You will also catch enchanting views of Mt Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu Lhotse, and others. The trek’s best part is the hike to Gokyo Ri(5,357m). If you want an alternative to EBC in August, it could be a shorter and unique option.
Everest Panorama Trek
Everest Panorama Trek is one easy and short alternative to the long Everest Base Camp Trek. The trek takes you on a panoramic journey of the Everest Region.
On Everest Panorama Trek, you will trek up to Tengboche(3,860m) via Sagarmatha National Park and Namche on this walk. This walk does not take you to high altitudes but still provides a fantastic panorama of the Everest Region and its peaks. Hence, it is a good option for those who want to see Mt Everest without going to elevated areas.
Everest Base Camp Trek 5 Days
EBC Trek 5 Days is a short alternative for visiting Everest Base Camp. Spread across five days, EBC Trek 5 Days leads you to the very foothills of Mt Everest in quite a short time.
On this journey, you will walk up to Namche Bazaar and fly to Everest Base Camp on a helicopter. It serves two of the two best experiences in the region, trekking and helicopter tours. It is an option for time-restricted and beginner trekkers who want to touch Everest Base Camp. You will explore the place in fashion.
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At Last
Everest Base Camp Trek during August is a big decision. For its rainy weather, the trek turns dramatic. You must be ready to face possible hassles like flight delays, rainy days, obstructed mountain views, etc.
If you are well prepared, equipped with rain gear, have the right team, and are ready for the thrill, you can grab a novel experience of EBC Trek in August.
The trail is serene in August. You will have a close time with yourself with not so much crowd around. Besides that, the beauty of the region, the impressive terrain, the unique culture, lush nature, and iconic peaks are there to impress you. Everest Base Camp Trek is sureshot an incredible experience.
