On the way to Everest Base Camp you do not sleep in a tent but in teahouses, guesthouses run by local families. They are simple, but warm in atmosphere, and quickly become “home” for a few days.
The rooms
The rooms are basic: two single beds and, rarely, a toilet of your own. Do not expect a hotel. Expect a bed, a blanket and somewhere out of the wind, and that is what you get.
How cold the nights are
At night it is around 0 degrees in the room, sometimes below. The rooms are not heated. A good sleeping bag and a set of clean clothes for the night make all the difference.
The food
Everyone chooses what they like from the menu, and the menus are surprisingly varied. Dishes that give you energy are ideal. One tip: avoid meat above Namche Bazaar. It is carried up from below over many days, without refrigeration.
Hot showers
Most lodges have one. Sometimes it is an instant gas shower, sometimes just a bucket of hot water. It costs from 700 rupees upwards, and the price rises with altitude.
The toilets
They are basic. Everyone should carry toilet paper and whatever else they need for the toilet and for hygiene. You will not always find them on the trail.
The internet
We all buy a local SIM card for internet, which usually works up to about 3,500 m. Above that you only have internet at the lodges, for a fee. From 2027, the group will also bring a Starlink antenna.
Evenings in the common room
In the evening everyone gathers in the common room. The atmosphere is friendly, people swap stories, and the most sought-after spot is next to the stove, where it is warmest. This is where most of the tour’s friendships are made.
