Accommodation in Everest Base Camp Trek
Trekking through the spectacular sights of Everest Base Camp is not all about the highs of adventure but the incredible lodges in the mountains. It is a matter of fact for all trekkers since they will be spending their night at the teahouse after a tiring walk.
Trekking to EBC involves various accommodations, ranging from a basic teahouse to a more standard lodge. These establishments offer basic facilities such as warm beds and good food, which is very important to the trekkers, considering they spend most of their time trekking around the stunning scenery.
Have you ever imagined that you open your window one morning to the view of the majestic Mount Everest? Almost all the lodges along the trail provide incredible views of the tallest mountain on the planet, and the trekkers can watch the sun rising and coloring the mountains a shade of golden and pink. Just think about the feeling when you wake up and see breathtaking views of other peaks and calm valleys from the window. Also, these accommodations offer the opportunity to make friends with fellow travelers worldwide.
The experience of sharing tasty meals with other travelers, which is typical of dining rooms, helps one feel at home in the Everest region. In what ways do the social settings of tea houses and lodges make trekking even more fulfilling?
Thus, it will be interesting to find out what it is like to be in the teahouses of the Everest Base camp, and this will be discussed in this article. So, remain with us until the end of it.
Accommodation in Everest base camp trek
Accommodation options during the Everest Base Camp trek can be broadly categorized into luxury lodges and basic tea houses.
A luxury lodge offers more comfort and services to attract the trekkers who wish to get more luxury in the natural soaring hills of the Himalayas, with features such as spacious rooms with attached bathrooms, hot showers, and fast Internet services. They are intended to offer leisure and relaxation after a hard day of trekking or other physical exertion. Those trekkers who choose comfortable lodges can have comfortable armchairs, delicious meals of several types of cuisines, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains through the window.
A more modest type of tearoom is closer to the ground, emphasizing the simple life of people living in the mountains. Some of these lodges have basic and small rooms with shared facilities and other amenities; wood stoves even heat some of the rooms. They provide necessities for human beings, including good food, comfortable beds, and a chair for tired legs after activities like hiking. Staying in tea houses also enables the trekkers to socialize with the Sherpa hosts and other travelers over meals in the common eating areas.
Which of the two types of accommodation will better suit your Everest Base Camp trekking experience? It will depend on your budget and choice of style.
Services and Facilities in Everest Base Camp Trek Accommodations
Basic Tea Houses:
Basic tea houses along the Everest Base Camp trek provide essential services tailored to the trekkers' needs in the remote Himalayan region. These Accommodation Everest base camp trek typically offer:
Simple Rooms: Basic tea houses feature modest rooms with twin beds or dormitory-style accommodations. Bedding is provided, often with extra blankets for warmth.
Shared Bathrooms: Facilities include shared bathrooms with squat toilets or Western-style toilets. Hot showers heated by solar or gas may be available for an additional fee.
Communal Dining Areas: Tea houses have communal dining areas where trekkers can enjoy hot meals. Meals are usually hearty and include local dishes like dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, and soups.
Warmth: Rooms are heated by wood stoves or yak dung fires, providing warmth on chilly mountain nights.
Electricity: Some tea houses have limited electricity available in common areas for charging devices, usually powered by solar panels or generators.
Hospitality: Sherpa hosts offer warm hospitality, often sharing stories and insights into local culture and traditions.
Luxury Lodges:
Luxury lodges along the Everest Base Camp trek cater to trekkers seeking to Stay at Everest base camp and convenience amidst the rugged terrain. This Accommodation Everest base camp trek offers:
Modern Rooms: Luxury lodges feature spacious rooms with comfortable beds, often with attached bathrooms equipped with hot showers and Western-style toilets. Rooms may also include amenities like heating systems.
Wi-Fi and Connectivity: These luxury lodges provide Wi-Fi access, letting trekkers stay connected with the outside world.
Fine Dining: Dining options in luxury lodges include a variety of cuisines composed of fresh ingredients. Buffet-style meals or à la carte menus are available, catering to different dietary preferences.
Lounges and Relaxation Areas: Cozy lounges with comfortable seating areas provide a space to relax and enjoy panoramic views of the mountains.
Additional Services: Luxury lodges offer services such as laundry, and room service at an additional cost, which may enhance the overall relaxation during this trekking experience.
Environmental Considerations: Many luxury lodges prioritize eco-friendly practices, such as sustainable energy sources and waste management.
Both basic tea houses and luxury lodges contribute uniquely to the Everest Base Camp trekking experience, offering trekkers a choice between simplicity and comfort amidst the awe-inspiring Himalayan landscapes.
Accommodation Costs in Everest Base Camp Area
Accommodation costs in the Everest Base Camp area differ depending on the type of lodging chosen.
Basic Tea Houses
Tea houses are the standard and affordable lodges along the trail used by people during their trek to the Everest Base Camp. On average, a basic standard tea house costs you USD 10 per room for a night. The cost usually depends on the location, availability, facilities, and services provided by the teahouses. We make sure to reserve the best possible/available teahouses for our travelers that are good on the pocket but will not compromise hearty services with a bonus of amazing views.
In a tea house, you are likely to find a basic bed and bedding, toilet and shower facilities which are mostly attached to your room except for a few places, and these mostly include western-style toilets while one can find squat toilets in some places. Likewise, they consist of big communal dining rooms where meals are enjoyed and laughter is shared.
Hot water is available during the shower at an extra charge of between USD 1 to USD 5. Major places have a typical shower facility however, a few places up in the mountains only provide bucket hot shower facilities. Charges for charging equipment may also apply, and they cost USD 1 to USD 3 depending on the place. Many tea houses provide basic services, and the environment is quite group-oriented, which would appeal to trekkers aspiring to have a taste of life in the Himalayas.
Luxury Lodges
Luxury lodges are available for trekkers who wish to trek to the Everest Base Camp with a little more hospitality than the teahouse trek offers. The Everest base camp luxury lodge trekking prices range between USD 150 to USD 400 plus taxes. Modern accommodation facilities found in these lodges include well-furnished rooms with good quality beds, private bathrooms with a supply of hot water, western toilets, and occasionally a fireplace for the cold and chilly mountain environments.
Main meals may be served as breakfast or dinner with a choice of the foods available on a buffet or order a à la carte food and dishes from different cuisines made from fresh produce. Certain luxurious accommodations provide features like cleaning and ironing services, and room service, which might be for an extra fee. Writing about lodges, the author emphasizes that trekkers can find many luxury lodges, and they are sustainable and environmentally friendly.
The cost of accommodation may differ depending on the season of the trekking activities, the number of trekkers, the location, facilities, and the services offered by the lodge or tea house.
The luxurious accommodations provide online booking services however, the teahouses do not have an online presence so if one is hiking through Everest on their own then they can only reserve the accommodation after reaching the destination for the day. This might be tough while trekking during the peak season as the availability is lower and the number of trekkers is very high. Himalayan Trekkers reserves the best available accommodation in advance so that our hikers will not have to go through such inconvenience.
Are there any teahouses at the Everest Base camp itself?
No there is no accommodation in the form of tea houses or lodges in the Everest Base Camp. However, a temporary camp is constructed by climbers and teams for use during the climbing season. It is mostly a bare-bones campsite with no permanent infrastructures such as tea houses or lodges to house trekkers. If the hikers are interested in spending a night in the base camp then it is possible if they bring tents to set up for the base camp night stay. If this is something that captures your interest then Himalayan Trekkers is happy to customize a plan for you based on your interest.
Trekkers commonly make use of the services of the tea houses and lodges that are established all along the route to the EBC trekking area. These facilities are available in different villages along the trekking trail, beginning from Lukla up to Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep, among others. Gorakshep itself is the last permanent settlement before getting to Everest Base Camp. However, people tend to hike to the Base Camp for one day from Gorakshep as well.
While at the EBC, climbers, and trekkers walk around at least take some time to view the Giant Mountain before heading to accommodation in Gorak Shep or other lodges for the night. The base camp at Mount Everest is designed to support climbers and their missions rather than serving as an endpoint for visitors or a conventional tourist attraction.
Tea House Availability and Booking for Each Season
Spring (March to May):
Spring is one of the main trekking seasons for EBC since the climate is comparatively better than other seasons, and Rhododendrons are in flowers at this time. It is at this time that tea houses along the trail can be intensely busy with clients as it serves as the busy season. Booking is not essential, but booking is advisable since the accommodations are limited and most of the more luxurious lodges are in Namche Bazaar and Gorak Shep. Pre-booking helps one secure a room to sleep in and also helps one avoid carrying around bulky luggage in search of a room after a tiring day of trekking.
Summer (June to August):
Summer lapses with the monsoon season; thus, there is a lot of rain in Nepal, and trekking gets a little dicey during this season. This is perhaps the time of the year with the lowest number of travelers, meaning that the occupancy of the tea houses is also low. Hence, availability is normally not a problem, and it is possible to arrange a place to sleep on the spot. However, due to the off-season, some of the tea houses might be closed, and it is advisable to check earlier or preferably travel when you know some of the open tea houses.
Autumn (September to November):
Autumn is also another major climbing season characterized by clear weather, good climate, good views, etc. As it is with spring, the tea houses become fully occupied because of the many trekkers. It is recommended that lodging is prepared at some of the more frequent points of interest, some of which are along the trail.
Winter (December to February):
Winter has relatively low temperatures; sometimes, it snows, so walking becomes a little harder. Though there are comparatively fewer trekkers at this time of the year, few tea houses might remain closed due to the severely cold climate. However, most of the tea houses that are still operating have adequate vacancies, and one does not need to book a table in advance.
Accommodation of Major Places During the Everest Base Camp Trek
Kathmandu:
Accommodation is not a problem in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, since there are many hotels in different categories and at different prices. For those with many bucks to spend, there are classy business hotels; for the fashionably chic, there are small boutique guest houses; and for the very economical, there are hostels where trekkers can freshen up and rest before hitting the trail. Thamel is the hub spot for tourists and provides a diverse range of hotels. For travelers seeking calmness, there is Boudhanath, or the outskirts of Kathmandu providing a tranquil retreat.
Lukla:
There are several tea houses and lodges available in Lukla which are specially meant for the trekkers. A lot of establishments in this area offer rudimentary services; the rooms have twin beds, private washrooms, and homely eating spaces. Lukla is a starting point for the trek, therefore, tea houses' can be crowded, thus if you want to secure a room, preferably book it in advance, especially during the spring and autumn seasons.
Phakding:
Phakding is one of the important preliminary destinations for those planning to trek to the Everest Base Camp. Accommodation is basic, which consists of simple rooms and private bathrooms. The eating facilities offer heavy foods to replenish the energy of the trekkers.
Namche Bazaar:
Namche Bazaar is a major place of rest and the most important trading center in the Everest area. It provides many options in the spectrum of simple tea houses up to more luxury lodges. Internet through Wi-Fi and hot shower facilities are offered in most places, along with the extra amenities of room and bathroom. Because Namche is usually crowded most of the time, it is advisable to pre-book, especially for places with more facilities.
Tengboche:
Tengboche is home to the Tengboche Monastery, and visitors can get a close view of the Everest peak from here. The available shelters are simpler tea houses in the main area of the region. There are no frills in eliminating services, and generic and often private bathrooms are available for guests. To meet the basic needs, the tea houses can offer meals, and guests are given warm bedding to sleep on.
Dingboche:
Dingboche is another site where rest will be done for acclimatization. The accommodation is in several tea houses in the village, with very simple facilities for twin beds with private/shared baths. Most of the lodges offer extra services like hot showers and Wi-Fi, although they charge for their services. This is because many people prefer trekking to this place; hence, it is advisable to book in advance, especially when the demand for this service is high.
Pheriche:
Pheriche are various tea houses established to accommodate trekkers. Trekkers spend the night in simple lodges; each room has twin beds and a common/private shower and toilet facility. Tea houses also prepare and serve meals, besides offering warm and comfortable accommodations.
Dughla:
It has poor infrastructure in comparison to Pheriche, which was just a halt point before Lobuche. The tea houses here are simple providing beds in small rooms with communal baths, and washing is done in a progressive style! However, they provide hearty meals, and the space is welcoming, with furniture that invites group seating.
Lobuche:
Lobuche has several tea houses with simple accommodations for trekkers interested in the district. Accommodation is simple and basic here as well. The lodges provide hot showers and charging facilities even though they are available at a price. Camping is also possible; however, since Lobuche is at a fairly high altitude and there are not many accommodation options, it is advised to book a night's stay ahead of time.
Gorak Shep:
Gorak Shep is located on a steep slope and is the final destination before reaching the trekking destination, the Everest Base Camp. There are not very luxurious tea houses here, with only simple rooms and shared bath arrangements. Facilities are scarce due to the inhospitable location of the World Wonder, but the lodges offer basic sleeping requirements and the Sherpa families who run the teahouses fill your belly with delicious meals and your hearts with their warm hospitality.
Brief Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 4: Acclimatization and Explore Namche Bazaar
Day 5: Trek to Tengboche
Day 6: Trek to Dingboche
Day 7: Trek to Lobuche
Day 8: Trek to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep
Day 9: Trek to Kala Pathar and Back to Pheriche
Day 10: Trek back from Pheriche to Tengboche
Day 11: Trek back to Namche Bazaar
Day 12: Trek back to Lukla from Namche
Day 13: Fly to Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel
Day 14: Final Departure from Kathmandu
