Trekking in Nepal in October

Trekking in Nepal in October is the choicest choice for every trekking enthusiast who wishes to see all the natural, historical, cultural, and religious wonders inside this tiny nation. The crystal blue sky, astonishing views of the entire mountain massifs, two of the biggest festivals; Dashain and Tihar, post-monsoon dry season, favorable weather conditions and temperature, sunny days and cool nights, colorful autumn flowers are the major features of trekking in Nepal in October.

Even the high passes; Everest three passes, Kang La, Larkey La, Meso Kanta La, Thorong La, and other high elevated treks like Kanchenjunga Base Camp, Rolwaling Valley, Makalu Trek, Upper Dolpo Trek, Upper Mustang trek are also doable in this month with great views of unobstructed landscapes and giant peaks.

The monsoon sweeps all the dust particles and fog from the atmosphere and makes the environment worth seeing. The valleys seem all greeneries, the hills look refreshed, and mountains seem lunar with the heaps of snows everywhere.

Nepal is a gift of nature, and trekking is possible every day of the year. Among the four major seasons counted, spring and autumn are the best months for trekking in Nepal. October is one of the three months of the autumn season and is considered the best month for hiking the Nepalese Himalayas.

The potential hazards such as heavy precipitation, or snowfall, lousy weather conditions, freezing/ scorching temperature, chances of flight delays, the possibility of mosquito or leech bites, is rare during this month.

Advantages of trekking in Nepal in October

Perfect weather and temperature

Trekking in Nepal in October offers perfect weather and temperature for walking. The days are sunny and bright; the nights are chill, and mornings are cool yet bearable in the high Himalayas.

The visibility of the high mountain massifs is astonishing. Thus, trekking becomes comfortable along with enjoyable with gorgeous climate and weather.

No schedule delays

While trekking in Nepal, one needs a lot of preparation and arrangements. Trekkers must be prepared for any capricious inconveniences. Trekking in Nepal can be disturbed due to the schedule delays in mountain flights. The weather plays a vital role in deciding if the mountain flights will go as planned.

Occasional rainfall in the lower altitudes, snowfall in the higher elevations, fog, or other weather interferences is unlikely. However, as October is a moderate climate with clear skies, there is a high probability of running your trek as planned.

Beautiful scenery and crystal views

During your Nepal trek in November, untouched nature and landscapes look beautiful and refreshed. The views are unobstructed due to them as best weather conditions. The mountains look gleaming and seem smiling all the time.

The mountain massifs during the first rays of the sun look golden. The jungles, entire hills, rivers, lakes, springs, glaciers are at their best. The seasonal flowers in the mountains and Himalayan valleys add to the beauty of nature.

Season of festivals

October is the season of a festival in Nepal; trekkers can observe and even participate in the festivals like Dashain and Tihar during their hiking in the Himalayan villages. Moreover, locals celebrate those festivals and preserve their antique cultures and lifestyles from several generations. As a result, the whole environment during the festival becomes delightful, enjoyable, and festive.

People seem to decorate their houses with painting; colorful lights are hung all-round the houses before the festivals. Relatives from far and near gather, express their happiness and sadness, and exchange good wishes for the upcoming days.

So, traveling to Nepal during October is a lucky moment to be part of the religious occasions. So, you must not miss an immense opportunity of the festive season while trekking in Nepal in October.

Choices of treks

All the trekking trails, from classic to novice, popular to off-the-beaten, are open during October. The high passes and trekking peaks are also available during this month. Travelers can enjoy a day hike around Kathmandu/ Pokhara valley to month's long high elevated journey during this month.

The short treks as Ghorepani Poonhill trek, Langtang valley trek, Shivapuri-Nagarkot trek to long journey is Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, Upper Mustang, Annapurna Base Camp, Manaslu Circuit, Upper Dolpo, Humla valley, Kanchenjunga Base Camp are doable during this month comfortably.

Adventures choose to climb short trekking peaks as well. Mera Peak Climbing, Island Peak Climbing, Lobuche East Climbing, Pisang Peak Climbing, Naya Kanga Peak Climbing, Tharpu Chuli Peak Climbing are some of the choicest trekking peaks in Nepal which are doable in October.

All in all, you will have an enjoyable trekking adventure in every trekking/climbing destination in October.

Weather and climate in October

I am sure that you will not be disappointed by the weather and climate while trekking in Nepal in October. You will find moderate weather conditions in the lower elevations to the higher Himalayan foothills (neither too hot nor too cold). Moving above alpines, you will find the days are warmer, and the nights are chill yet bearable. A down jacket and other warm clothes are recommended to pack to escape the chilly cold and breeze.

Trekkers shall witness the best views of gleaming Himalayan pinnacles and surroundings. The snow-clad peaks, floating glacial lakes, wide and green yak pastures, glaciers, icefalls, picturesque meadows, green valleys, the first rays of sun over the might world-class peaks, and pouring cascades make your journey worth picturesque. You will be tired of capturing each photogenic moment in your camera!

In Kathmandu (1350m/4429ft), an average temperature remains between 11.7 °C and a max of 28.2°C during this month. Ascending to 2000-3500m above the sea level, the temperature fluctuates between min 5°C and max 20 °C during this period. If you wish to trek higher elevations than 3500m above the sea level, the weather remains between 10-15°C during the days and usually gets subzero at night.

However, while trekking in the high passes like Everest three passes, Cho La, Rengo La, Kong Ma La, and circuit treks as Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu circuit, and other high elevated journeys such as Upper Mustang, Dolpo (both upper and lower), you need to be a bit aware of unpredictable weather and climatic conditions; the weather changes in the high elevations rapidly.

Still, October is the best month for trekking in Nepal in terms of weather and temperature as it witnesses the most stable weather conditions and temperatures.

Where to Trek?

In October, travelers can choose a day hike around Kathmandu or Pokhara valley to month's long high passes treks are feasible to complete. Trekkers wishing to achieve a long journey of the great Himalayan trail are also possible in the autumn period (September to November).

Every teahouse of the trekking routes is in operation and awaiting trekkers eagerly—all you need to have inner desire to kiss them. So carry your passport, pack your back, buy a ticket and fly!

Here, in October, I have listed some of the must-trek routes while trekking in Nepal.

Everest Base Camp Trek

Trip facts

Duration: 14 days

Maximum elevation 5545m/18192ft above the sea level

Trek difficulty: Moderate

Accommodation: Lodge/Teahouse

Trek distance: 130 kilometer/ 80 miles (Lukla to Lukla)

Permits: Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

Major attractions: Kathmandu, Lukla, Phakding, Sagarmatha National Park, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorekshep, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar

Highlights of the trek

• Explore Kathmandu valley, the cultural, historical, and natural heritages
• Fly to and from Lukla-one of the most thrilling airport on the planet, with the picturesque views of the valleys, snow-clad peaks, green hills, and woods.
• Explore Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal's highest elevated national park, with its distinct wildlife and vegetation.
• Pass some of the cultural Sherpa towns of Khumbu valley, including Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Pheriche, and Gorekshep, before stepping Everest Base Camp/Kala Patthar.
• Visit Tengboche Monastery, one of the most famous monasteries of Khumbu Nepal.
• Step on the Everest View Hotel, Nagarjun hill, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar to have picturesque views of the Himalayas.
• Get picturesque sceneries of Mt. Everest (8848m) for the first time. Gradually the following days you get views of Mt Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Nuptse (7855m), Mt. Pumori (7161m), Mt. Changaste (7550m), Mt. Amadablam (6856m), Mt. Thamserku (6723m), Mt. Kantega( 6685m), Mt. Kusum Khagaru (6367m), Mt. Kongde (6011m), Mt. Khumbila (5761m), Mt. Twache peak (6367m), Mt. Lingterin (6679m), Mt. Cholaste (6335m), Island peak(6179m), Honku south peak (6119m), Lobuche peak (6145m), Pokalde peak (5806m), and many more.
• Get insights into airy suspension bridges, deep river valleys, green meadows, rhododendron blossoms, cultivated lands, painted hills with different colorful spring flowers, exotic Himalayan creatures, prayer flags and wheels, long mane walls, small chortens, monks, and nuns.

Monsoon escapes with the end of August (sometimes mid-September), and the upcoming days welcome the autumn days. After the three months of the monsoon season, the atmosphere shall be clean, clear, and dustless. Thus, the weather will be more pleasant, refreshed, and beautiful environment atmosphere.

The eye-witnessing sceneries of the towering peaks, green and lustrous hills, and high meadows and pastures are gorgeous and attractive. The days are mostly sunny and very suitable for walking even in the high elevations of Everest Base Camp Trek.

Thus, enjoy the panoramic sceneries of almost every peak of the entire Khumbu section of Nepal. Have a unique culture and tradition practice in the Himalayan region in October. The warm hospitality and the lifestyle of the Sherpa people are very inspiring during the trial.

Trekkers can adjoin side trips as Everest three passes, Gokyo Lakes Trek, Mera peak climbing, Island peak ascending, Lobuche peak climbing, Amadablam base camp with this Everest Base camp trek in October.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trip facts

Duration: 16 days

Maximum elevation: 5416m/17769ft above the sea level

Trek difficulty: Moderate

Accommodation: Lodge/Teahouse

Trek distance: Approximately 200 Kilometers/124 miles (Dharapani to Ghandruk)

Permits Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS)

Major attractions: Natural, cultural, and religious wonders of Kathmandu and Pokhara valley, Syange, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong La, Muktinath, Jomsom, Marpha, Tatopani, Ghorepani  Poon Hill, Ghandruk

Highlights of the trek

• An exploration of world heritage sites of Nepal inside Kathmandu valley; Kathmandu durbar square, Swyambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath, among others while sightseeing.
• An 8-9 hours' drive to Syange from Kathmandu, passing several ethnic communities and settlements, torrential rivers, streams, cultivated lands, and green fields with occasional views of giant mountain peaks.
• Accommodate in the cozy teahouses, perhaps the best teahouses in Nepal's trekking trails, with yummy local food and a standard fireplace for heating.
• Deep and wide rhododendron hills, seasonal autumn flowers, pine woods, changed vegetation.
• Two river valleys; Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki
• Apple orchards: Bhratang Apple Farm (Bhartang, Manang) and Marpha Apple farm (Marpha Mustang).
• Viewpoints: Ghyaaru, Ngwal, Manang, Thorong La,
• Astonishing sceneries of Mt. Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Lamjung Himal, Dhaulagiri I, Dhaulagiri II, Dhaulagiri III, Nilgiri, Nilgiri North, Nilgiri South, Tukuche Peak, Manaslu, Mardi Himal, Chulu, Chulu Central, Chulu Far East, Purbung Himal, Thorong Peak, Khatung Kang, Phurbung Himal, Gundang, Tawa Himal, Phukung Himal, Yakwakang, Tharpu Chuli, Gandarva Chuli, Kangaru Himal from the different parts of the trail.
• Side trips can be organized: Milarepa Cave, Gangapurna Lake and glacier, Braga Monastery, Tilicho Lake and Poonhill
• Large yak pasture lands, wide meadows, deep valleys, rickety suspension bridges.
• Pass Thorong La, one of the widest and high passes on the planet.

Annapurna Circuit trek is another busiest route in north-central Nepal that passes high landscapes, torrential rivers, glacial lakes, various religious shrines to be completed. When trekkers begin the journey from sub-tropical lands, reaching above snowline almost 5500m above the sea level before hiking to sub-tropical grounds again.

This journey circumnavigates the world's 10th tallest peak –Mt. Annapurna (8091m) passed Thorong La (5416m), leaving several cultural, ethnic, and religious villages, shrines, and communities behind. Striking landscapes, satisfactory climate, altered vegetation, and unique culture make your journey to Annapurna even exciting, memorable, and enjoyable.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Trip facts

Duration: 15 days

Maximum elevation: 4130m/ 13549ft above the sea level

Trek difficulty: Moderate

Accommodation: Lodge/Teahouse

Trek distance: 115 Kilometers/71.4 miles (Nayapul to Nayapul)

Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS)

Major attractions: Natural, cultural, and religious wonders of Kathmandu and Pokhara valley, Ghorepani, Poonhill, Dovan, Bamboo, Deurali, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Jhinu Danda

Highlights of the trek

• Explore Kathmandu and Pokhara valley's cultural, natural, and historical shrines; temples, stupas, monasteries, durbar squares, caves, lakes, waterfalls, etc.
• Visit Annapurna Conservation Area; exotic flora and fauna, and amusing in biodiversity and is a gem house for 1,226 species of flowering plants, 105 mammals, 518 birds, 40 reptiles, and 23 amphibians.
• Stand at the Poon Hill to get the mesmerizing sunrise views over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
• At two mountain base camps, Annapurna Base Camp and Machhapuchhre Base Camp.
• It is a short and lower elevated journey compared to other high elevated trips.

Leave the bustling city of Kathmandu and move towards the base of the 10th tallest peak of the planet, witnessing the gardens of marigolds and other flowers in every settlement and decorating houses following a well-maintained trekking route inside Annapurna Conservation Area.

Witnessing astonishing sceneries of the first rays of the sun over the giant Himalayas from the famous viewpoint of Poon Hill, head towards the villages of Chhomrong, Dovan, and Deurali before keeping your steps on Machhapuchhre Base Camp and ultimately to the Annapurna Base Camp.

Annapurna Base Camp (4310) is the base of one of the eight-thousander-Mt. Annapurna (the first successfully climbed mountain in Nepal). Trekkers get an ample opportunity to spend an overnight at Annapurna Base Camp.

Almost a half dozen teahouses are built in the base of Annapurna, and in the climbing season (April-May), you can see several tents around the valley by the climbers who dare to kiss the top of the mountain. A mountain panorama is just in front of you where the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri chains are closely apparent. Mt Machhapuchre (Mt. Fishtail), a mountain whose shape is just like fish, will delight you the most.

Langtang Valley Trek

Trip facts

Duration: 11 days

Maximum elevation: 4350m/ 14271 ft.

Trek difficulty: Moderate

Accommodation: Teahouses

Trek distance: 65 kilometers/ 40 miles (Syabru Bensi to Syabru Bensi)

Permits: Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) and Langtang National Park Entry Permit

Major attractions: Cultural, historical wonders of Kathmandu valley, Syabrubensi, Langtang valley, Kyangin Gompa, Kyangin Ri

Highlights of the trek

• Trek to one of the nearest trekking destinations from Kathmandu valley inside the Langtang National Park.
• A short, scenic, and beautiful journey to Syabrubensi from Kathmandu
• Explore unique culture, tradition, and the way of living of the Tamang people.
• Visit Yala cheese factory, one of the most popular cheese factories in the entire Langtang region.
• Picturesque views of Mt. Langtang Lirung, Yala Peak, Gangchenpo, Ganesh Himal from the Kyanjin Ri-the highest point of the trek.
• Beautiful Buddhist religious shrines viz. monasteries, stupas, chortens, mane walls, and large alleys along with fluttering prayer flags and wheels.
• Diverse flora and fauna of Langtang National Park.

Langtang valley trek is another best alternative for trekking in Nepal in October. Being one of the nearest destinations of Kathmandu valley, trekkers reach the beginning point of the journey within 8-9 hours' drive to Sybrubensi.

It is a short, easy, and beautiful trek that is suitable even for novice trekkers. In October, the weather of the Langtang is obvious, and the hills and valleys are full of autumn flowers. In addition, the trail is dry, making it easier to walk.

Entering the Langtang National Park, trekkers can sightsee rarest mountain creatures such as Langur monkeys, musk deer, barking deer, and other endangered species-Red Pandas. The farmers in the different villages seem busy cultivating the lands and harvesting rice and corn.

Different waterfalls, scenic mountain sceneries, traditional settlements amaze you while hiking to Langtang valley.

Upper Mustang Trek

Trip facts

Duration: 17 days

Maximum elevation: 4210m

Trek difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

Accommodation: Local lodges/teahouses

Trek distance: 125 Kilometers/ 77.6 Miles (Jomsom to Jomsom)

Permits: Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit

Major attractions: The cultural wonders and natural heritages of Kathmandu and Pokhara valley, Jomsom, apple orchards in Marpha, Kagbeni, Charang, Lo Manthang, centuries-old monasteries, chortens, caves, and other religious monuments

Highlights of the trek

• Explore the semi-Tibetan culture, tradition, festivals, and the way of living of the Lopa people in upper Mustang, the trans-Himalayan region of Nepal, once a lost kingdom and walled city of Nepal, religious shrines: monasteries, gompas, chortens, prayer flags, and a Hindu temple of Muktinath.
• Walk through the semi-arid Upper Mustang lands full of colorful rock formations, deep gorges encircled by snow-clad peaks, walk through the Kali Gandaki River valley, and almost treeless desolate landscape.
• Visit small pocket-sized settlements in almost every 2 hours of trek distance, interact with indigenous people of Upper Mustang, small apple farms, monasteries, and other religious spots.
• Get an insight into the relics from medieval periods, preserved culture, and traditional values.

Trekking in Nepal in October will be incomplete without walking to the mysterious kingdom of central Nepal, Upper Mustang, a rare privilege, and a real hidden gem. Trekkers can enjoy and explore the way of life of the actual mountain locals who remained in minimal contact with the rest of the planet for hundreds of years.

Trekking in Upper Mustang, walkers feel as if they are heading to the Tibetan lands as most of the areas in the trail lie in the semi-Tibetan grounds, and the topography, culture, and religious practices match with the people of Tibet.

An epic journey to Upper Mustang commences after a short and scenic flight to Jomsom from Pokhara. On the very first day, you will reach the village of Kagbeni, where your permits and restrictions are checked.

Passing several villages, passes, narrow ridges, religious spots, you ultimately reach the walled city, Lo Manthang. Then, tracking back following an alternative way, you will reach the popular religious spot of the entire Nepal, Muktinath, before hiking back to Jomsom, the ending point of the trek.

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Trip facts

Duration: 17 days

Maximum elevation: 5106m / 16929ft

Trek difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Accommodation: Teahouse

Trek distance: 177 kilometers/ 110 miles (Soti Khola to Syange)

Permits: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)

Major attractions: Historical, cultural, and religious wonders of Kathmandu valley, Soti Khola, Pun Gen Gompa, Sama Gaun, Dharmashala, Larkey La, Dharapani

Highlights of the trek

• Manaslu trek is walking in the lesser-known area of Nepal, which witnesses far fewer tourists than the Annapurna and Everest regions of Nepal.
• Follow almost the off-the-beaten routes through remote villages, green backwoods, rocky ridges, high and wide yak pastures, beautiful waterfalls viewing the panoramic views of the Himalayas.
• Visit, interact, and explore the yak herders' sheep chasers found in the high Himalayas.
• Pass the Budhi Gandaki river valley reach one of the mountains passes Larkey La (5160m), and circumnavigate the world's 8th tallest peak-Mt. Manaslu (8163m).
• Explore an uncommon cultural admix of Tibetan and Nepali people, Buddhist monasteries, prayer wheels, large alleys, large mane stones, and fluttering prayer flags.

Want to explore off-the-beaten trekking routes? Or want to walk following less crowded trekking routes of Nepal? If so, trekking Manaslu is a perfect choice. Manaslu Circuit Trek is another ideal alternative for trekking in Nepal in October.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a walk around the 8th tallest mountain globally. Epic scenery of the giant mountain peaks, lustrous greeneries, lavish woodlands, and exotic backwoods of Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area can be witnessed throughout the journey.

An epic Manaslu round trip begins after an 8-9 hours' drive to Soti Khola from Kathmandu. Passing the village of Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Shyala, Sama Gaon, Samdo, Dharapani, and trekkers ultimately will reach Syange before driving back to Kathmandu.

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

Trip facts

Duration: 7 Days

Maximum elevation: 3210m/ 10531ft

Trek difficulty: Easy to moderate

Accommodation: Teahouses

Trek distance: 51 kilometers/32 miles (Nayapul to Nayapul)

Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS)

Major attractions: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, and Ghandruk

Highlights of the trek

• A short and easy hike to the Poon hill, a popular viewpoint to witness the panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges, including 7th (Mt.Dhaulagiri)  and 10th (Mt. Annapurna) tallest peaks of the planet, including others as Hinchuli, Annapurna III, Dhampus peak, Dhulariri II and most importantly Mt. Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail) and so forth.
• Explore Kathmandu, Pokhara, and the popular Ghandruk, Tadapani, and Ghorepani and unique cultures, traditions, and ways of living Nepalese people.
• There are cozy teahouses, magnificent small settlements, kind and helpful people, a well-marked trekking route, and the best acclimatization hike before higher elevated journeys.

Trekking in Nepal in October will be exotic if you walk in the foothills of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Mt. Machhapuchhre. It is a short, easy, and lower elevated journey that passes through the small hills, beautiful settlements, lustrous backwoods, and lavish greeneries.

Walking inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, hikers will see the diverse wildlife and flora throughout. The journey will begin after a 2 hours' drive to Nayapul from Pokhara. Then, following a well-established trekking route, you reach Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, and Ghorepani before summiting Poonhill-the popular viewpoint. The entire villages of the Poonhilla trek are quite famous for their warm hospitality and cultural insights.

Essential tips for trekking in Nepal in October

Here are some of the essential tips for trekking in Nepal in October

• October is one of the choicest seasons for trekking in Nepal. So, the lodges, hotels, and teahouses may fill up soon. Booking in advance makes you easier, more convenient, and more accessible.
• October is the season of festivals; there might be some rules and regulations to celebrate those festivals. Understand well before participating in the festivals. But, most of them will welcome you to be a part of the celebration. If, preferred get engaged.
• Walk maintaining your own pace; do not rush. Do not compete with fellow trekkers. Everyone has a different style of walking.
• In the Himalayas, the mornings and evenings are chills. So make sure to have down jackets and pants.
• While visiting the temples, monasteries, or other religious shrines, follow the respective protocols. Be sure before clicking the pictures whether they are allowed.
• Days are generally bright and sunny; make sure to carry body lotions.
• Do not forget to carry wind/waterproof jackets and pants. The late afternoons are windy and receive occasional rainfall too.