Wi-Fi, Charging & Mobile Network on Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the world’s most iconic Himalayan journeys, offering dramatic mountain scenery and deep insight into Sherpa culture.  
Leaving urban life behind, trekkers enter remote mountain landscapes where connectivity becomes limited. However, staying in touch during the trek is still essential.
Along the route, Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and charging facilities are available, but they are far more limited than in cities.
Wi-Fi and mobile networks are limited at most high-altitude villages and unreliable near Everest Base Camp. This guide explains what to expect at each stop along the EBC trek. It will help you stay in touch and ensure a safer journey.

Wi-Fi, Mobile Network, and Charging on the EBC Trek  

When you are on the Everest Base Camp trek, you move through isolated areas, and therefore, it can be challenging to be connected. 
The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most well-established trekking routes in Nepal, with basic infrastructure in key villages. Wi-Fi and mobile networks have improved significantly in recent years for better communication.
Wi-Fi cards are available from providers such as Everest Link and Air Link. Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and charging facilities are available at some stops, though quality depends on the village’s altitude and location. 
Most lodges have facilities to charge in your room or in the dining area, though a small fee is charged. 
Larger villages have better mobile coverage, while signals in higher-altitude areas are weak or unstable.
The main mobile network providers in the region are Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell. The easiest way to be connected is to purchase a domestic SIM in Kathmandu or Namche Bazaar. 

Lukla Connectivity Details

The starting point of the trek is Lukla, which is more connected than even other higher villages. Many lodges and cafés offer Wi-Fi through Everest Link, and you can purchase a card and refill it accordingly. 
Charging service is provided in the rooms or dining area at a modest fee. Internet connectivity on mobile is good, and thus both NTC and Ncell SIM cards are supported. You could call, text, and browse the internet without significant issues.  

Phakding  

Phakding is a low-key village that is not very connected. Wi-Fi is available in many lodges, but it is not as fast as that in Lukla. 
Charging is usually available in the dining area for a small fee. Mobile signal coverage is weaker; NTC and Ncell may work occasionally.

Namche Bazaar  Village & WIfi

The largest village of the trek is Namche Bazaar, which provides the most appropriate connection in the Everest region.  
Most of the lodges, cafes, and shops offer Wi-Fi through Everest Link; one can easily purchase a card and reload it. Charging in rooms or the dining area is also provided (usually free or at a small charge). 
The networks are good, and NTC and Ncell are 3G/4G. It is an excellent place to get in touch with friends, review mail, and put up pictures on the internet. 

Tengboche 

Tengboche is known for its monastery and mountain views. Limited Wi-Fi is available in a few lodges. You get electricity in most places in the dining room, but you might have to pay a little. There is poor mobile coverage; the NTC and Ncell signals are spotty at times, and calls also fail. 

Pangboche  

Pangboche is a small village with simple facilities. Wi-Fi is provided via Everest Link, but speeds are limited, and connections are often unstable.
There is a relatively small fee to have charging available in a small number of lodges, primarily in the dining area.  
Mobile signals are unreliable. NTC and Ncell may work occasionally, but connectivity is inconsistent and unreliable. Before you arrive at Pangboche, you should fully charge your gadgets. 

Dingboche  

Dingboche is more elevated, making its amenities low. Most lodges offer charging in the dining area for an additional fee.
Some teahouses offer Wi-Fi, though speeds are extremely slow due to altitude, so one can use the Air Link. 
There is also poor mobile coverage; the signals of both NTC and Ncell are weak or absent, which could be disrupted frequently. Trust offline applications and downloaded maps.

Pheriche  

Although there are lodges providing limited Wi-Fi in Everest Link, facilities in Pheriche are basic, with limited internet and charging options. The connection is unreliable, and it fails sometimes. Charging is available for a small additional fee.
The signal strength of the mobile is extremely low. Pheriche is a good place to conserve battery and prepare for higher altitude trekking.

Lobuche  

Lobuche is a village that is located high and has poor connectivity. The Wi-Fi is offered in a few of the lodges, but it is sluggish and non-functional at times.  
Charging is available in some lodges, usually at a higher cost due to altitude. 
There are no mobile networks; calls and data services are generally unavailable at this altitude. At this point, power banks are mandatory. 

Gorakshep  

The final destination just before the Everest Base Camp is Gorakshep. Other lodges have an Everest Link Wi-Fi, although the connection is weak and expensive.  Charging facilities are very limited and often require waiting or additional fees. 
Mobile network signals may appear occasionally, but are extremely weak and unreliable for connecting with your loved ones. This is the final place to prepare and fully charge your devices before heading to Base Camp.

Everest Base Camp  

At Everest Base Camp, there is no Wi-Fi or electricity, and mobile network coverage is extremely unreliable. You will not be able to charge your appliances, and mobile SIM cards do not provide reliable service at Everest Base Camp.
The experience is completely offline. Make sure to power up all your devices prior to departure from Gorak Shep, and make certain to set up power banks should you intend on taking photos or videos. 

Wi-Fi Cost in the Everest Base Camp Trek  

Everest Link usually provides Wi-Fi at the Everest Base Camp trek. It is a paid service, and the prices are based on the place of location and speed.  
Everest Link Wi-Fi costs approximately $20 for 10GB and $30 for 20GB (valid for 30 days). Prices may vary depending on season or location.

Wi-Fi costs tend to increase in smaller and higher-altitude villages due to limited access. Lodges may charge for Wi-Fi per hour or per data usage.
Remember, online connection is minimal in elevated areas; thus, regardless of the data plan, browsing and uploading files is unreliable at higher altitudes. 

Pro Tips for Staying Connected on EBC Trek 

• To remain connected, plan ahead and conserve battery power until reaching larger villages such as Namche Bazaar.
• Use Wi-Fi only when necessary and only when communicating regarding important things to conserve battery.
• Prepaid Wi-Fi cards can be purchased in Lukla or Namche Bazaar and refilled in larger villages. Avoid excessive browsing or messaging to conserve data and battery.
• Mobile network coverage in most areas is low, hence the offline maps are very helpful, like Maps.me or Google Maps offline mode.  
• To communicate, one can use such applications as WhatsApp or Viber, which can be used when specific lodges have Wi-Fi. 
• Large photos and videos cannot be uploaded at high altitudes due to limited connections. Wi-Fi can drain power, so only connect to it when needed to make your power last the entire trek. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there Wi‑Fi at Everest Base Camp?

No. There is no Wi‑Fi at Everest Base Camp itself. Internet access is only available in some villages up to Gorak Shep and becomes slower and more expensive with altitude.

Which SIM card works best on the EBC trek?

NTC (Nepal Telecom) generally performs better than Ncell in the Everest region, especially in Lukla and Namche Bazaar. Coverage above Namche is very limited for both.

How many power banks should I carry for EBC?

We recommend carrying 2–3 power banks (10,000–20,000 mAh each). Charging becomes expensive and limited above Dingboche.

Can I make phone calls during the trek?

Phone calls are possible in Lukla and Namche Bazaar. Above that, calls may work occasionally but are unreliable. Messaging apps work better when Wi‑Fi is available.

Is Everest Link Wi‑Fi worth it?

Yes. Everest Link is the most reliable Wi‑Fi option on the EBC trek, especially in Namche Bazaar. However, speeds drop significantly at higher elevations.

Final Thoughts

Internet, charging, and mobile networks exist on the Everest Base Camp trek—but they are limited, slow, and expensive at higher elevations. With proper preparation, power banks, and offline tools, you can stay connected where necessary while fully enjoying the Himalayas.
For a smoother and stress-free EBC trek, trekking with experienced local guides ensures better planning, safety, and support throughout the journey.