How can I Avoid Crowds on the Everest Base Camp Trek?

June 2, 2024

Choose the Right Season

To skip big crowds on the Everest Base Camp trek, you should pick the right time of year. Early September, late November, or early December are good choices because there aren’t as many people around. Even early February is good because the weather is nice, and there aren’t too many trekkers. Late May is also good before the rainy season starts in Nepal. So, if you want to enjoy the trek without too many people, choose these months. It means you’ll have more space to enjoy the beautiful views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember to plan ahead and pick the best time for your adventure!

Start Early in the Day

To avoid the crowds on the Everest Base Camp trek, it’s advisable to kick-start your day earlier than the majority of trekkers. While many start their journey around 7:30 to 8 am, setting off from your hotel at 6 am can significantly diminish encounters with fellow travelers along the route. Additionally, the early hours present a unique opportunity to catch glimpses of wildlife amidst the tranquil morning ambiance.

The perks of an early start extend beyond solitude. With the morning light painting the landscape, you’ll enjoy clearer vistas unobstructed by clouds, enhancing the visual spectacle of the trek. Don’t fret about breakfast; even at 6 am, mountain lodges are typically prepared to serve weary adventurers a hearty meal before they hit the trail.

Moreover, beginning your trek at the crack of dawn ensures you reach your destination ahead of the crowds, granting you the luxury of choice when it comes to selecting accommodation. By securing lodging early, you can settle in and savor the serenity of your surroundings without the hustle and bustle of late arrivals.

In essence, embracing an early start is not only a strategic move to evade crowds but also a gateway to a more immersive and tranquil experience amid the breathtaking landscapes of the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal.

Select Alternative Routes

To sidestep the crowds on the Everest Base Camp trek, consider alternative routes that are less traveled. These paths, though less popular, offer a quieter and more serene experience amidst the majestic Himalayas. Seek advice from local guides or trekking agencies to identify these less crowded trails. By opting for these routes, you can relish the beauty of the mountains without the congestion of large groups of trekkers. However, ensure thorough planning and preparation before embarking on your journey, including carrying all necessary supplies and obtaining relevant information about the chosen route. With careful consideration and exploration of alternative paths, you can enjoy a more peaceful and rewarding trekking experience in the Everest region.

Consider the Gokyo Lakes trek or the Three Passes trek.

Both the Gokyo Lakes trek and the Three Passes trek offer unique and breathtaking experiences in the Everest region of Nepal.

The Gokyo Lakes trek takes you through stunning landscapes dotted with turquoise lakes, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks. You’ll also have the opportunity to cross the Cho La Pass, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Everest. The highlight of this trek is undoubtedly the Gokyo Ri viewpoint, which offers one of the best panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

On the other hand, the Everest Three Passes trek is a challenging adventure that takes you across three high mountain passes: Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La. This trek offers unparalleled views of the Everest region from different angles and elevations. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, which offer stunning views of Everest and the Khumbu Icefall.

Both treks provide an opportunity to experience the beauty and majesty of the Himalayas away from the crowds of the traditional Everest Base Camp route. Whether you choose the Gokyo Lakes trek or the Three Passes trek, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure in one of the world’s most spectacular mountain regions.

Stay in Smaller Villages

To avoid lots of people on the trek to Everest Base Camp, you can stay in smaller villages instead of the busy ones. For example, instead of staying in Phakding, which is very crowded, you can walk a bit more to villages like Toktok, Banker, or Manjo. These places are simple but have private rooms and food, which is enough. When you get to Namche Bazaar, choose a place to stay on the hillside, away from the center where it’s crowded. After that, when you reach Tengboche, you can walk downhill for 20 minutes to Debuche village. It’s much quieter there than Tengboche. So, by talking to your guide or agency, you can pick places to stay that aren’t so busy and enjoy your trek more.

Trek Independently or in Small Groups

If you want to avoid crowds on the Everest Base Camp trek, consider trekking independently or in small groups. When you’re on your own or with just a few people, you can be more flexible with your schedule and choose quieter times to trek. You can also choose alternative routes or stay in smaller villages where there are fewer tourists. This way, you’ll have a more peaceful and enjoyable experience without the crowds., so if you trek with big joining group to EBC than it will be so crowded and also you have to follow the trails like sheep, no private decision incase if you want customize the itinerary , so trekking with just guide or in a small group bellow 5 Pax it will be best way to skip the crowded.

Permits and Logistics

To skip the crowded sections on the Everest Base Camp trek, it’s crucial to handle permits and logistics efficiently. Here’s how to do it:

Obtain Permits in Advance:

1. Before embarking on the trek, ensure you have all the necessary permits. This typically includes the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit.

• Obtain these permits in advance from the appropriate authorities. This can often be done in Kathmandu or in Lukla before starting the trek.
• By securing permits beforehand, you can avoid delays and queues at the entry points to the national park and rural municipality.

Plan Your Itinerary:

• Plan your trekking itinerary carefully, considering alternative routes and less crowded trails.
• Research the timings and locations of the busiest sections along the Everest Base Camp route, such as popular villages and viewpoints, and plan to either bypass them or visit during off-peak hours.

Book Accommodations in Advance:

If possible, book accommodations in advance for the entire duration of your trek. This ensures you have a place to stay and helps avoid scrambling for rooms in crowded villages.
Consider staying in smaller villages or guesthouses off the main trail to escape the crowds.

Travel During Off-Peak Seasons:

Traveling during off-peak seasons is indeed a great strategy to avoid crowds, especially on popular trekking routes like the Everest Base Camp (EBC). The typical peak seasons for trekking in the Everest region are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is generally favorable and the skies are clear.

To avoid crowds on the EBC trekking route, consider traveling during the off-peak seasons, such as:

Winter (December to February): While the temperatures can be colder and some passes may be closed due to snow, winter offers quieter trails and stunning views of snow-capped peaks. Just be prepared for cold weather and potential flight delays due to weather conditions.

Monsoon Season (June to August): While trekking during the monsoon season means dealing with rain and muddy trails, it’s also a time when the landscapes are lush green, and you’re likely to encounter fewer tourists. Just be aware of the increased risk of landslides and leeches during this time.

Shoulder Seasons (April, May, September, and October): The shoulder seasons just before or after the peak seasons can also offer quieter trails while still providing relatively good weather conditions. April and May can be particularly beautiful with blooming rhododendrons, while September and October offer clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

Keep in mind that while traveling during off-peak seasons can offer quieter trails, it’s essential to be well-prepared for the specific weather conditions of the season you choose to trek in. Additionally, some teahouses along the trekking route may be closed during off-peak seasons, so make sure to plan your accommodations and supplies accordingly.

Stay Informed:

• Keep yourself updated on the current situation along the trekking route. Conditions can change due to weather, trail maintenance, or other factors, so it’s important to stay informed and flexible with your plans.
• By taking care of permits and logistics in advance, you can streamline your trekking experience on the Everest Base Camp route and avoid the crowds as much as possible.
• Obtain all necessary permits in advance to avoid delays and queues.

Final word: 

To ensure a peaceful trekking experience to Everest Base Camp, consider these strategies: opt for off-peak seasons, start early to avoid crowds, explore alternative routes such as Gokyo Lakes or Three Passes, stay in small villages, and choose independent or small group trekking. Additionally, efficient management of permits and logistics is vital for a serene adventure amidst the Himalayas.