Best Treks in Nepal in October

What the weather's like

October usually brings dry days and good visibility, although there can still be some rain early in the month. Nights are cold at altitude, and sources say frost is possible above about 3,500 m. This is often the most comfortable balance of warmth and clear skies, but mountain weather can still change quickly.

The best treks

How to avoid crowds

• Choose a side route. Gokyo is often quieter than the main Everest Base Camp trail.
• Try a smaller trail. Khopra Ridge and Mohare Danda offer community lodges and fewer people.
• Consider November. One source says November is noticeably quieter on the same trails.
• Start early each day. You'll reach the next village before the lodges fill up.
• Go to remote regions. Upper Dolpo and the Dhaulagiri Circuit are far quieter, but they're serious trips for experienced trekkers.

Dashain and Tihar

Dashain, a 15-day festival, usually falls around October, and Tihar follows a few weeks later. These are important family celebrations, and they can be a joy to see. But buses fill up quickly as people travel home, and some services and offices may close. Dates follow the lunar calendar, so check them for your year, and plan your road travel around them.

Booking tips

October is when demand is highest, so don't leave things until the last minute.

1. Book your domestic flights and guide as early as you can.
2. Ask your operator how they arrange lodge rooms in busy villages.
3. Allow spare days for Lukla and other mountain flights.
4. Ask whether your Lukla flight leaves from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu. See our Lukla guide.
5. Make sure your insurance covers your highest altitude.

Early, mid or late October?

These are only general patterns, and each year differs. If your dates are flexible, look up the festival dates first, and then choose a period that lets you avoid the busiest road travel.

A closer look at the top choices

Everest Base Camp is the obvious pick if you've always wanted to see it. Our plan has two rest days, and it's worth keeping both of them, even if the trail is busy. Read whether it's worth it and our cost guide.

Annapurna Base Camp takes less time and doesn't need a Lukla flight, so it's a good choice if you have less time. It's still very popular in October, so lodges higher in the valley may fill up.

The Manaslu Circuit suits people who want a big trek with fewer crowds than the most famous routes. See how it compares with the Annapurna Circuit.

Mardi Himal and Poon Hill are great choices if you only have about a week. Mardi Himal goes higher, while Poon Hill is gentler. Read our Mardi Himal guide and Poon Hill guide.

Which suits you?

What to pack

Pack for warm days at lower altitudes and freezing nights higher up. A warm sleeping bag, a down jacket, sun protection and layers all matter.

Don't let good weather rush you

Busy trails can make you feel you have to keep up, but altitude doesn't care about the crowd. Follow a plan with rest days, and tell your guide about any symptoms. Read our altitude sickness guide. The CDC recommends gaining no more than 500 m of sleeping altitude per day above 3,000 m.

Common questions

Next steps

Browse all our trips, or tell us your dates and fitness level and we'll suggest a route.