Types of Accommodation during Everest Base Camp trek
As the trekking industry has grown in Nepal, accommodation services have also improved in increasing numbers. In addition to the teahouses along the trail, there are luxury lodges and hotels where travelers can spend the night and relax. Although not precisely like city hotels, these establishments offer basic facilities. They offer spacious rooms, comfortable beds, hot water showers, electric blankets, and free WiFi.
Tea House Accommodation
A teahouse is the most common accommodation during the EBC Trek. Families of the local communities run them and offer travelers a simple and cozy place to relax, rest, and socialize. Although the teahouses are essential, they are an integral part of the Himalayan trekking experience and have their charm. Generally, they feature a communal dining area with a central stove where travelers gather to enjoy their meals. The rooms consist of two single beds with a single table. Moreover, they are equipped with pillows, mattresses, and warm blankets. On the other hand, the toilets in the teahouses are usually shared. However, you can get a room with an attached bathroom and a hot shower for an additional cost.
Luxury Lodges Accommodation
For travelers who seek comfort during their EBC trek, the luxury lodges offer a high standard of accommodation. They provide a high level of luxury and comfort in the remote areas of the Khumbu region. The luxury lodges offer spacious rooms, en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, hot showers, heating systems, and electric blankets. Moreover, they also feature amenities like free WiFi and charging services. Staying in these luxury lodges makes your journey comfortable and enjoyable, allowing your body to recuperate quickly and comfortably. The luxury lodges cost more than conventional tea houses, but the cozy rooms, exceptional services, and breathtaking views make the trek experience worth it.
Homestays
Spending the night at homestays is another unique and immersive way to experience the local culture and lifestyle of the native people. The Sherpa homestays offer travelers basic facilities, including a communal eating area, a private or shared room, and shared bathroom facilities. The rooms are simple, clean, and comfortable to sleep in. One of the primary benefits of choosing a homestay for your accommodation is the interaction with the local community. You can learn about their traditions and customs and participate in local activities and celebrations. As a result, it will provide a rich cultural experience during your trek. However, it would help if you also remembered that spending the night at homestays requires respect and understanding of the host's culture, customs, etiquette, and way of living. You must be open-minded, adaptable, and respectable during your stay.
Camping Accommodation
Camping is another form of accommodation in the Everest Base Camp Trek. I can be a unique but memorable experience for travelers. Spending the night in camos allows you to be one with nature and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the surrounding Himalayas. During the trek, there are designated campsites along the trekking routes where you can set up camps. These castes are often located in scenic locations, providing trekkers with amazing views of the snowcapped mountains. We will need all the necessary equipment for successful camping, including sleeping mats, tents, bags, and cooking equipment. However, despite the unique experience, camping has its challenges as well. The unpredictable weather conditions of the Khumbu region can make camping challenging, with temperatures dropping below zero degrees at night. So, we recommend you pack accordingly to face the issues and enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable trek.
Accommodations During the Everest Base Camp Trek
During the trek, you must stop at specific destinations to stay overnight. Remember that the higher you ascend on the trail, the fewer amenities and facilities there are in the accommodations. Here is what to expect during your journey.
Accommodation Options in Lukla
Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu/Everest region, offers many accommodation establishments.
- Teahouses: Everest Home and Lukla Nombur Hotel.
- Lodges and Guest Houses: Yeti Mountain Home
- The North Face Resort
- Luxury Hotels: Everest Summit Lodge
Accommodation Options in Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is the region's commercial hub and a popular acclimatization stop. The town offers many accommodations, from basic teahouses to luxury hotels.
- Teahouses: Namche Guest House and Khumbu Lodge
- Lodges and Guest Houses: Hotel Sherpaland and Namche Hotel
- Luxury Hotels: Yeti Mountain Home and Hotel Namche
Accommodation Options in Tengboche
Renowned for the Tengboche Monastery, Tenboche is another crucial stop during the trek.
- Teahouses: Tengboche Guesthouse
- Lodges and Guest Houses: Deboche Lodge and Rivendell Lodge
- Homestays: Sherpa Homes
Accommodation Options in Dingboche
Another popular acclimatization stop, Dingboche, features numerous accommodations where trekkers can spend the night.
- Teahouses: Sonam Friendship Lodge and Dingboche Guest House
- Lodges and Guest Houses: Good Day Lodge and Island Peak View Lodge
- Homestays: Sherpa Homes
Accommodation Options in Lobuche
Due to its location, Lobuche offers fewer accommodations options but is a crucial stop to spend the night before pushing on to the base camp.
- Teahouses: Lobuche Guest House and Oxygen Altitude Teahouse
- Lodges: Eco Lodge
- Homestays: Sherpa Homes
Accommodation Options in Gorak Shep
Gorak Shep is the last stop before reaching Everest Base Camp. The accommodation options here are basic at an elevation of 5,164 meters (16,942 feet). Regardless, they provide shelter in the challenging weather conditions of the high-altitude mountain region.
- Teahouses: Buddha Lodge and Yeti Resort
- Lodges: Himalayan Lodge & Restaurant
- Everest Inn Pvt. Ltd
What is the price range for teahouse accommodation on the Everest Base Camp trek?
The cost or price of the accommodation varies depending on the season, location, and the amenities offered. Here is a general outlook on what you must expect:
- Lower altitude (Lukla, Phakding): The teahouses and lodges charge $5 to $15 per night for basic rooms in these places.
- Mid-Altitude (Namche Bazaar, Tengboche): As you ascend higher, the prices for the accommodations increase significantly, ranging from $10 to $20 per night.
- Higher Altitudes (Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep): Given the logistic challenges and remote location, the price for the rooms might range from $15 to $30 per night.
These are the average prices for accommodation along the trail. The teahouses in the region profit mainly from food and drinks, so the rooms are relatively low-cost. Rooms are often free off-season if you eat meals and beverages at the tea house.
Picking the Right Lodges
Choosing the right teahouses or lodges is essential to ensure a comfortable place to rest after a challenging day of hiking. Here are a few things you must consider:
- Location: Book your rooms at accommodations along the trekking trails and close to viewpoints and important landmarks.
- Facilities: Check if the teahouses or lodges include WiFi, charging services, hot water, hot showers, and cleanliness of the living spaces and toilets.
- Customer Reviews: Reading customer reviews will provide insight into what to expect from the accommodation. Look for reviews that mention the teahouse's overall comfort, service cleanliness, and food.
While the Everest Base Camp Trek accommodations might be basic, they provide a warm and comfortable resting place. Your choice of teahouse or lodge will also impact the overall trek experience, so it's best to make the right choices while looking for accommodations along the trail.
Booking Accommodations
One crucial aspect of planning a trek is booking a reliable accommodation establishment. Reserving a room is essential if you plan to trek during the peak seasons when the lodges and teahouses fill up quickly. If traveling independently, remember to book early and confirm all the details. This includes verifying the inclusions in the cos, such as hot showers, meals, beverages, WiFi, and charging facilities. However, remember that certain facilities might not be available in high-altitude, remote areas of the region.
Nonetheless, remember that the trek's goal is to enjoy the unique experience the journey offers. On the other hand, if you plan to travel with a tour company, ensure the company is reliable and reputable. Booking through a reputable company like Outfitter Nepal ensures you enjoy the best available rates in the services along the trek, including accommodation.
