{"id":4466,"date":"2020-05-03T13:51:17","date_gmt":"2020-05-03T08:06:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/honeyguideapps.com\/blog\/?p=4466"},"modified":"2022-01-10T16:48:07","modified_gmt":"2022-01-10T11:03:07","slug":"wifi-mobile-network-and-electricity-along-the-everest-base-camp-trek","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/honeyguideapps.com\/blog\/wifi-mobile-network-and-electricity-along-the-everest-base-camp-trek","title":{"rendered":"Wifi, Mobile Network and Electricity along the Everest Base Camp Trek"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While some trekkers like to enjoy solitude, putting aside the gadgets and the internet, others need to connect to family and friends during their trek. The good news is, you will not miss the luxury of the internet and electricity in the high arid mountain trails to Everest Base Camp.<\/span><\/p>\n

Internet\/ Wifi in the Everest Base Camp Trek<\/span>.<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Cafe
Cafe Danphe in Namche Bazaar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are multiple options for the internet in Everest Region:<\/a> the dedicated ISP for Everest Region, Everest Link, as well as the mobile network providers- NCell and NTC. We have made a comparison table below to help you choose what\u2019s best for you. But no matter what, it is essential to understand that the weather can impact the internet situation. If the weather turns bad (snowy or windy), the internet is likely to be poor.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0<\/td>\n\n

Everest Link<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

NCell<\/a> and NTC<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

PROS<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

-Internet Connection works throughout the EBC route.<\/span><\/p>\n

– Can buy Wifi cards anywhere in the trails.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

– Works even while walking on the trails and even in Kathmandu.<\/span><\/p>\n

-Data packages are comparatively cheaper<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

CONS<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

-As Everest Link uses a satellite network to connect, the internet is only available through Everest Link hotspots in the hotels.<\/span><\/p>\n

– Comparatively expensive<\/span><\/p>\n

– Doesn\u2019t work in Kathmandu<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

-You have to buy sim cards before the trek in Kathmandu. Some shops in Namche Bazaar<\/a> and Lukla<\/a> also sell them at a higher rate.<\/span><\/p>\n

– Internet doesn’t work throughout the trek<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Cost of Internet in EBC<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Not lodge specific, can use the data pack anywhere in the trail<\/span><\/p>\n

10 GB= Nrs. 1999 ~ USD 18<\/span>
<\/span>Validity: 30 days<\/span>
<\/span>
<\/span>-20 GB= Nrs. 2999 ~ USD 25
<\/span>Validity: 30 days<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\n

Note: There are Wifi cards of 600 MB costing NPR 600, but those work only in the range of the respective lodge so it\u2019s best to avoid those.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Ncell:<\/b><\/p>\n

15 GB= Nrs. 1020.24 ~ USD 10<\/span>
<\/span>25 GB= Nrs. 1275.62 ~ USD 12<\/span>
<\/span>Validity: 30 days<\/span><\/p>\n

NTC<\/b>:<\/span>
<\/b>14GB- Nrs. 700 ~USD 7<\/span>
<\/span>Validity: 28 days<\/span><\/p>\n


<\/span>30 GB= Nrs. 1600 ~USD 15
<\/span>Validity: 90 days<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Internet Connectivity in EBC Trail<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Works in every lodge in all the nightstops from Lukla to Gorakshep<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

NCell:<\/b>
<\/span>Works only up to Deboche\/Pangboche.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does Not work in: Dingboche<\/a>, Pheriche<\/a>, Thukla<\/a>,\u00a0 Lobuche<\/a>, Gorakshep<\/span><\/p>\n

NTC:<\/b><\/p>\n

Works up to Tengboche<\/a>. And, also in Gorakshep.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does Not work in: Pangboche<\/a>, Dingboche, Pheriche and Lobuche.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Internet in Gokyo Trek<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Available throughout Gokyo Trek<\/a>, including Gokyo<\/a>, Dzongla<\/a>, Dole<\/a>, Machhermo<\/a>, and Thangnak<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

No internet at all.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Internet in Three Passes Trek<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Except for <\/span>Marlung<\/span><\/a>, Everest Link hotspots are available in all the other villages, including Chhukung<\/a>, Lungden<\/a>, Thame<\/a> and Thamo<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

No internet at all.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Where to Buy Wifi\/ Recharge Cards<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Most stores and lodges sell them throughout the trail<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Either in Kathmandu, or stores in Lukla and Namche Bazaar.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conclusion<\/b>:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. If you need to get connected to your family, friends, or employers throughout the trek, Everest Link Wifi cards are the best options. It is a single internet option that works in all the villages, including <\/span>Gorakshep<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Gokyo<\/span><\/a>, and most sections of <\/span>Three Pass Trek<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>

    <\/span><\/li>\n
  2. If you only want to check on your emails and don\u2019t bother using the internet at higher altitudes, you can go for either NCell or NTC options.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Can I find Free Wifi in Guest Houses?<\/span><\/h3>\n

    It wouldn\u2019t be fair to say that you can\u2019t. In the lower sections of the trail like Lukla, Phakding, Monjo, and Namche Bazaar, some hotels offer free Wifi, but most charge you some fee.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    However, Restaurants in Lukla and Namche Bazaar do offer free wifi to attract customers. But we cannot guarantee the speed of the internet in the hotels because of the number of users.<\/span><\/p>\n

    After Namche Bazaar, you don\u2019t have the luxury of free wifi.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Mobile Network in Everest Base Camp Trek<\/span><\/h2>\n
    \"Ev-K2-CNR
    Ev-K2-CNR or The Pyramid (research center) at Lobuche<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Given the challenging geography and weather conditions, the cellular network has not reached all parts of the Everest Base Camp Trekking Trail. There are two leading network service providers in Nepal: Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC), and both networks are available only up to Tengboche\/Pangboche, a day’s walk from Namche Bazaar. It is of course the same with the mobile internet from these telecom providers.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Higher up, phone networks are not available at all. So the locals rely on Everest Link Internet services for communication. Oddly, there\u2019s an NTC tower in Gorakshep, so one can use NTC to make phone calls from there.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Where to Buy the Prepaid Sim cards:<\/b><\/h4>\n

    Both NCell and NTC have counters outside the arrival terminal in Kathmandu Airport. Otherwise, stores in Thamel sell sim cards too.<\/span><\/p>\n

    If you forgot to buy one in Kathmandu, you could also buy them from shops in Lukla and Namche Bazaar, although the cost can be higher.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Cost:<\/b> The actual cost of a prepaid sim is <\/span>NPR 100 (~ USD 1).<\/b> But if you buy from the stores in Thamel, it can cost you <\/span>USD 3- 5<\/b>. A balance of Nrs. 50 is included in the price.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Documents needed<\/b>: 1 passport size photo, Photocopy Passport\/ valid identity card.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Where can I recharge in the trails<\/b>: Stores in Lukla, Phakding and Namche Bazaar sell the recharge cards but can be more expensive by a few cents than in Kathmandu. There are sign boards outside the stores, so it shouldn’t be that hard to find.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Buying a data pack:<\/b><\/p>\n