Crowds on EBC trek - Are they that bad?

[Truckdrvr]

Going on our first trek this Oct (after a year long delay) and am a bit worried about the crowds heading up to EBC. After reading the Lonely Plant guide and the excellent posts here, I am starting to question if EBC is the best choice. We can deal with crowds, but can anyone tell me just how crazy it really gets? What is the lodge availability situation like when looking for a place to sleep?

We have planned for 14-16 days on the trail and another seven days for travel and delays (22-23 days total) to and from the states. I understand we hitting the area at season peak, but we don't have a lot of flexibility on our dates. Should we try to push for a little earlier or even later? My partner and I are experienced backpackers and are in good shape, but have only limited experience at altitude.

Any comments either pro or con for this trek?

[Boulia]

Its going to be personal opinions and views from most on this. It will depend on what you encounter normally. I simply don't handle hoards very well and went late November 2010 and had no problems (and avoided the bad weather which shutdown Lulka).

many lodges were reported to be overcrowded with guests sleeping anywhere they could.

thats not for me but others will/could probably handle it and given a reasonable run with the weather come away totally happy with their experience.

All that said I have pretty much total flexibility when i go now days. I have been in high season before and if that was my only option and EBC with my desired trek, I'd go at that time again.

If you can get some more time you may avoid crowds for some of the trek by walking in/out to Jiri.

and yes, of course, there are other treks but AC/ABC will be very crowded too at this time.

[thesilvertops]

We came out of Khumbu just as the Easter rush was starting (in 2006) and had an awful hike down the hill from Thyangboche towards Namche. There were constant streams of pack animals, porters and of course, trekking groups coming towards us. The dust was incredible and we had to resort to wearing surgical face masks. It was impossible to maintain a steady pace and we got stuck behind groups going our way as well as having to stop for the many groups coming towards us. We only go out of season now.

http://www.pbase.com/thesilvertops/image/60769918.jpg
On the trail down from Thyangboche at a busy time!

[Petrus]

In April the trails might be crowded but the lodges not, as much of the traffic is hauling gear to the Everest expeditions by porters and pack animals.

I have never been to Khumbu in the autumn, but I know trekkers always get a place to sleep somewhere.

[thesilvertops]

The picture was taken in early March not April, Easter was very early that year and so were the groups. By March 12th that year we had moved on to Upper Mustang.

[julia]

It can be busy. A possible way to get round it is to start your day a bit early. Most people like their bed, so if you leave a couple of hours before the hoards it might be better. We did have a couple of porters/guides with us and one of them used to run on to the next destination/lodge to pre book it so we had somewhere if we were slow and did not get there till late.

Hope that helps.

[Truckdrvr]

Thanks for the responses all. Much appreciated!

I knew when I posted the question that there really is no right answer, but I really value the insights you all provide. I plan on having fun even if it gets to the point where I have to wear a mask to filter the dust, but anything I can do to maximize the experience is obviously a plus. The idea of starting early and getting out before the hoards is a great idea as is sending a person ahead to book a room.

Now if I can just cool my jets until Oct, I should be just fine.

Truck

[julia]

Have a great time! :)