There is WiFi on the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek, but it can be slow and often expensive, and is limited. While traversing the Himalayas, connectivity will prove more and more difficult as you gain elevation. But it’s not entirely cut off. WiFi is available at most teahouses and lodges along the way, but always for a fee, especially in the better-serviced villages, such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and the last stop before you reach Everest Base Camp itself, Gorak Shep.
In lower altitude villages such as Lukla and Namche Bazaar, you may find some decent WiFi connections available, but even then, speeds are very hit and miss, particularly when a lot of people are trying to connect at the same time, as they often are doing at the height of trekking season. Some teahouses have hourly rates, others lump data into packages. Prices can vary from a few dollars just for an hour of usage, to over $10 for just like for limited use. Not only do the costs rise as you go higher, incredibly the connection quality falls sharply. Don’t expect to stream videos or upload dozens of photos at Gorak Shep or Lobuche, for example. At best, you’ll be able to send a message or read emails.
Mount Everest Base Camp Trek Everest Link WiFi is one of the most popular ways trekkers stay connected. Everest Link sells paid WiFi access cards that work in lodges along the trail. You can purchase a data package (100MB, 200MB, etc.) and log in to the network anywhere Everest Link is found. It’s a more reliable system, overall, than the networks set up long ago at various individual lodges, but it still loses speed and can’t always maintain consistent connections at higher altitudes. These cards can typically be bought in Namche Bazaar or via your lodge owner in various villages.
Other trekkers take a Nepali SIM (we use either Ncell or Nepal Telecom (NTC)) with a data package. Ncell is good up to Namche Bazaar, but past that, coverage is a relative whine or a yawning hole. NTC coverage is weaker in Kathmandu, but at high altitudes sometimes performs better than USC. Yet neither should be counted on as a main form of communication beyond Namche Bazaar.
This leads many travelers, in the planning stages of the trek, to ask whether they can “stay connected” the whole way. The reality is, some internet access exists, but it’s a good idea to prepare for a largely offline experience. And that’s not exactly a bad thing. One very pet-friendly region Wonder of Switzerland Hotel, where it is going to take you both by the mountains, because at the same time you will enjoy the off-grid Himalayan experience. Most hikers relish the chance to escape from constant notifications and connect with the trail’s simplicity and quiet.
So, in short, yes — there is WiFi on the Everest Base Camp Trek, it’s slow, expensive, and unreliable. You’ll do fine with basic communication at best, and should tell friends and family ahead of time that you might be off the grid. Carry a power bank, save your device’s battery, and indulge in the digital detox. After all, Everest is not about scrolling — it is about the soul.
This is a whole new series right from the Himalayas.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp is an expedition to one of the world’s most remote and spectacular areas — but that doesn’t mean you’re incommunicado. Many trekkers are caught off guard to learn that it’s indeed possible to stay connected via WiFi at several locations on the trail. Reaching the Himalayas doesn’t guarantee super-fast internet access, but an increasing number of teahouses and lodges on the route offer simple WiFi access for a fee. Whether you want to send a quick message to family members, post a photo to Facebook, or check in with your guide team, there are some options — but they are not without limitations. Connection quality diminishes as you go higher, and the bills can rack up quickly. Even small access to the internet, however, can be a comfort for trekkers far from home. Whether you will check in daily or use it only in emergencies, knowing where and how you can stay connected will help you have realistic expectations. Just keep in mind — part of the magic of this trek is unplugging from the digital realm and connecting with nature. Remember to have a bond of connection, but let the mountains be the main act.
WiFi Availability Along the Trekking Trail
Although WiFi is progressively becoming accessible along the Everest Base Camp trekking route, signal availability and stability, as well as cost, can differ from place to place. Most lodges in popular stops such as Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar have WiFi, which is usually included in your stay or available for a small fee. As you go higher — to Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep — WiFi becomes characteristically more limited, costly, and less reliable because of the harsh environment and lack of infrastructure. Most of these areas have paid WiFi through systems like Everest Link, allowing you to buy data packages that are usable at many points along the trail. WiFi is generally adequate for messaging or posting a photo or two, but don’t expect video streaming or video calls. While you might think it’s surprising to have any connectivity in such a remote area, it is becoming part of the trek experience. Still, be ready for lagging speeds, unexpected dropouts, and weather-related service interruptions. And although access is possible, many trekkers use the occasion to unplug and embrace the adventure without constant digital distractions.
Everest Link: The Main WiFi Supplier
Everest Link is the best WiFi provider for the Everest Base Camp trekking route. It was specifically built to help with remote Himalayan villages and trekking areas, providing the most reliable (but still limited) internet access in the region. Everest Link makes use of local relay towers that are situated in high-altitude settlements to ensure that trekkers can access internet services, even in areas where there’s no cellular coverage.
To link, you have to buy a prepaid Everest Link WiFi card, which includes different data packages — typically 100MB, 200MB, or more. Such cards are available in major villages like Namche Bazaar and can be utilized in various spots with Everest Link coverage. The Price varies but can range from $5, depending on how much data you buy, up to $20 and even more. The link is typically good enough to send messages and check emails, or post low-resolution photos. But you can expect very slow speeds at high altitudes and at busy times of the day, when many trekkers are trying to connect. Despite its limitations, Everest Link is the best option available for trekkers who need to keep in touch. Nevertheless, most just use it when they need it, wanting to concentrate on the road ahead and the adventures at hand.
Where You Can (and Can’t) Expect WiFi: A Village-by-Village Breakdown
Everest Base Camp trek WiFi can be hit-or-miss, depending on altitude and infrastructure, but most of the main trekking villages do provide some level of connection, for a fee. From the starting point of Lukla, you’re going to find tons of lodges and cafes with relatively reliable WiFi. Phakding and Namche Bazaar—particularly Namche—are well connected, with several teahouses serving Everest Link or their WiFi devices. Namche is the last place you can get anything approaching normal internet speeds.
As you ascend to Tengboche, Pangboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche, WiFi gets pricier and less reliable, but Everest Link remains widely available. WiFi is offered in some lodges there, but likely only good enough to send texts at Gorak Shep, one of the last stops before reaching Everest Base Camp.
It’s worth noting that each location has its rates, and the higher up you go, the more expensive it gets. WiFi can be flaky — power cuts, lack of equipment, or the weather can all interfere. If regular communications are critical, budget for Everest Link cards early on and conserve them throughout the trek.
WiFi Speeds and Reliability
WiFi speeds on the Everest Base Camp trek are extremely slow, especially at higher elevations (though this is hardly surprising). In lower villages such as Lukla and Namche Bazaar, you can typically anticipate speeds sufficient for casual browsing, emailing, and social media posting (not video). But the system can become overloaded during peak trekking seasons when many people are trying to connect at once, and functionality can shrink to little more than slow-loading texts or images.
The higher you go, particularly beyond Dingboche, the slower you go. At Lobuche or Gorak Shep, WiFi might be strong enough just to send a brief WhatsApp message or check in a little with family. You probably won’t be able to stream, make video calls, or upload large images. Reliability can also be additional affected by power outages, stormy weather, and technical issues.
These are issues even the most capable provider, Everest Link, is grappling with. The bandwidth is limited, and the infrastructure in remote regions isn’t designed for high-demand usage. That said, it’s generally sufficient to stay in touch for emergencies or to send the occasional update. Trekkers should adjust their internet expectations and make the most of the opportunity for a digital detox while trekking through the majestic Himalayas.
Trek Cost Data: WiFi Access
WIFI while trekking to Everest Base Camp is available, but for a price – and not just financially! While many cities feature free or inclusive WiFi, most teahouses on the EBC trail require payment for internet use. Prices change depending on the location and altitude; lower villages like Lukla or Namche Bazaar have cheaper access than higher-altitude points like Dingboche, Lobuche, or Gorak Shep. If you need it for a few days, expect to pay anywhere from USD 3 to 10 for limited use, or USD 5 to 20 for an Everest Link data card, which will allow you to have access in multiple (most) villages where Everest Link uses the same network. The higher we climb, the more it costs and the more unreliable the service becomes. Some lodges might include limited WiFi access with your room, but it’s not standard. Due to high customer volumes and limited bandwidth, WiFi should not be used except for essential communications. Don’t count on streaming or heavy browsing. If keeping in contact is a priority, budget for it and aim to buy your data cards at the beginning of the trek to avoid paying a premium in remote areas.
Mobile Network Coverage: Ncell & NTC
Mobile coverage on the Everest Base Camp trek is surprisingly available in some areas, albeit sporadically, and tends to vanish at altitude. The two major mobile providers in Nepal, Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC), both cover the Khumbu region, but with varying strength and reach. Ncell generally has better service to Namche Bazaar, and even though you will have an intermittent signal in Tengboche or Dingboche, it depends on the weather conditions. Beyond that point, the signal becomes garbled or vanishes altogether. NTC, on the other hand, works better in higher places such as Gorak Shep, although not consistently.
Trekkers can access mobile networks by buying a local SIM card in Kathmandu or Lukla and topping it up with a data package. Ncell SIMs are easier to find and set up, whereas NTC may need additional verification. Mobile data can prove useful, but there is no substitute for the WiFi or sat phone once you’re above Namche. Few terrains, weathers, and network congestion can affect the performance of both networks, and it happens during the peak season of trekking. If you’re going to be using your phone for calls or data, it’s worthwhile to have the dual-SIM option or have flexibility between the two providers for the best chances of staying connected.
SIM Card Solution Instead of Using WiFi
How to get internet on the Everest Base Camp trek — Local SIM. While it will be limited, a local SIM can act as a decent alternative to WiFi while trekking to Everest Base Camp, at least for part of the trek. You can buy SIM cards in Kathmandu or Lukla, either from Ncell or Nepal Telecom (NTC), both offering prepaid voice and data packages. Ncell has better coverage until Namche Bazaar, while NTC coverage is better at higher altitudes, especially near Gorak Shep. Neither network, however, can commit to providing reliable service along the entire journey.
Himalayan Base Camp Trek You can easily buy a SIM card with your passport and a passport-sized photo, and you can find data packages for a few gigabytes for often less than 10 USD. Most trekkers will purchase SIMs to supplement the WiFi, using data for messaging or GPS when WiFi isn’t available.
But don’t depend on mobile data as the only way to communicate. Signal strength plunges above Namche Bazaar, and remote, teeming areas may not even have coverage. The mountain terrain and weather can also interfere with signals. SIM cards for safety and peace of mind, but will need to be paired with a WiFi access or offline tools if you require more dependable communication during your trek.
Offline Communication & Navigation Options
Since the WiFi and mobile networks on the Everest Base Camp trek are too unreliable, it is mandatory to have offline tools for communication and navigation. Thankfully, some solutions can make your life easier, such as downloading offline maps, like Maps. me, Gaia GPS, or AllTrails before the hike. These apps use GPS to navigate offline. Downloading all your trekking route ahead of time means you can track distance, check elevation, and find your way to villages and teahouses even in the remotest of areas.
Offline messaging apps Bridgefy or FireChat, can be used for private communication for users nearby (via Bluetooth or WiFi mesh), without internet access. Although limited in range, they can be helpful when trekking in numbers. Most treks are done with the help of paper maps and guidebooks, which serve as a reliable backup to digital tools.
In case of emergencies, satellite devices such as Garmin inReach or SPOT enable global text messaging and location sharing through a satellite (for more information, click here). When traditional communication breaks down, they can be a lifeline. Whether you’re old school or tech savvy, you need a mix of offline digital tools and physical maps to effectively navigate and keep safe in the remote high-altitude terrain of the Himalayas.
Advice on How to Stay Connected (or Disconnect)
Staying connected is possible on the Everest Base Camps— but not always a practical option. If you do wish to stay online, make arrangements early on by picking up an Everest Link card on the trek, and also buy a local SIM card in Kathmandu for lower-altitude connectivity. Power banks or solar chargers are also recommended because electricity is scarce and often comes at an additional cost in teahouses. Limit devices and save battery where you can.
But one of the most rewarding aspects of the trek is being able to unplug. Trekking to the Himalayas is an off-grid experience, enabling you to be completely one with the stunning surroundings, interact with fellow trekkers, and be at peace with simple living in the mountains. Many trekkers find it bracing to unplug from email, notifications, and social media. Let friends and family know in advance that you won’t be reachable during the time you’re gone, and use the time as an opportunity for a digital detox.
Whatever you do, be it disconnect or stay tuned — the best part is to ENJOY! The Everest Base Camp trek is unparalleled, and often, the best signal is the one you get from the mountains.
Is there a phone signal at Everest Base Camp?
Yes, Everest Base Camp has limited phone signal, but it doesn’t work very well. The nearest village with semi-reliable mobile reception is Gorak Shep, which lies just below the base camp. Here, you would have some signal of Nepal Telecom (NTC) once in a while, and some very rare signal of Ncell, but it is very much based on weather and network congestion. Mobile signal is usually very weak or even non-existent at the real base camp. Some trekkers say they have been able to send text messages or make short calls when they are lucky, but unless you want to rely on a few random pings for communications, don’t.
Everest Link WiFi and satellite communication devices (e.g., Garmin inReach) are preferred for those who require consistent communication. Guides and expedition teams usually have satellite phones or radios on site, particularly during climbing season when communication is vital. Well, if keeping in touch is a top priority, you can carry a backup communication device, but in general, be prepared to be off-grid at EBC. The majority of trekkers take this self-imposed isolation as a good opportunity to unplug and also stay focused on the experience as opposed to the pressures of staying connected all the time!
What is Everest Link Wi-Fi?
Everest Link Wi-Fi is a payment internet service used for the Everest region. Whether sprinting up and down Mount Everest or tagging in and out of a base camp, the traditional lodge-provided WiFi in the region was, and still is, highly inconsistent due to being prone to natural disasters, fatigue, or other breakdowns of the inherently difficult task of connecting big fans to the internet, especially through the high mountainous terrain of the Himalayas. Everest Link employs a dozen relay towers to blanket the Khumbu region with its network, offering relatively more consistent coverage along the Everest Base Camp trek route, from Lukla to Gorak Shep.
Everest Base Camp Trek Cost Trekkers can purchase Everest Link prepaid cards—typically sold in data packages of 100MB, 200MB, or more—that are used in participating lodges. The cards can be obtained at most larger villages, particularly Namche Bazaar, and the data can be used at multiple stops along the route, as long as the lodge is within the Everest Link network.
The speeds aren’t speedy (especially at higher altitudes), but the service is good enough for messaging or checking email, or light browsing. The prices vary from $5 to USD 20, depending on the package and location. It’s the most reliable internet choice on the EBC trek, but it is still vulnerable to weather and heavy user traffic. Everest Link enables you to communicate with loved ones or share updates on your journey while deep in the Himalayas.
Does Everest Base Camp have toilets?
Yes, there are toilets at Everest Base Camp — but don’t plan on anything posh. Temporary toilets are built around the camp area, particularly if there are expeditions around during trekking season, and are all set up. These are typically rudimentary, tent-covered pit toilets or portable toilets, designed mostly for the use of climbers and their support teams rather than casual trekkers. At the actual base camp, there are no permanent buildings , and there are no standardized toilets because it’s a temporary camp set up along glacial moraine.
For these trekkers, the nearest real toilets are at Gorak Shep, the last village before the base camp. The teahouses have squat or Western-style toilets, but they’re usually basic and communal, with limited water supply. You’re advised to bring toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and personal hygiene supplies, since these aren’t always provided. But if you need to go when you’re at base camp, and there are no portable toilets, you may have to do so in nature and follow Leave No Trace principles.
It might not be the most at ease, but the views make up for the lack of modern-day restrooms. Just go with a plan and set your expectations.
Is there Wi-Fi at Annapurna Base Camp?
Yes, there is Wi-Fi in Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), but it’s spotty and most is paid. Most teahouses and lodges at or near ABC offer Wi-Fi access, often for a small fee. The quality and speed of the connection depend on the weather and the number of users. Strong demand during peak trekking seasons means speeds can be much slower.
Annapurna doesn’t have a centralized Wi-Fi system like Everest Link, which rules the Everest region, so each lodge is responsible for its internet. Some lodges have satellite internet, and others have signal boosts from lower-altitude towns. In the villages of Chhomrong, Deurali, and Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) — stops along the way to ABC — there’s Wi-Fi in most lodges, too. Again, the higher you go, the slower the speeds so plan accordingly.
Wi-Fi is generally sufficient for sending messages, checking email, or making quick social media updates. Video calls and streaming, however, are not advisable. Take a power bank since Wi-Fi is limited and very few places have electricity, and if they do, you sometimes have to pay extra.
ABC does provide limited connectivity, but you’d be better off immersing yourself in the mountain experience and turning off when possible.