Many trekkers take trekking as a way to escape from the digital media and admix in nature forgetting irritating texts, emails, and notifications. But some want to share their experience and Himalayas with their beloved ones, friends, and relatives.
The travelers who are eager to undertake the Everest Base Camp Trek, usually ask about the mobile phone reception during the trek. It is crucial to learn for all the trekkers and climbers regarding cell phone services before starting the journey.
Simply the answer is Yes. You will get the network coverage in Everest Base Camp Trek. Although the service will not be available in all the areas, you will get the network at different stops throughout the trekking.
Your phone will get a better network than that of Dhaulagiri, Upper Dolpo and Kanchenjunga Trek. In those regions, you need a satellite phone. You can use satellite phones to access the network all the time.
There are two popular sorts of Sim cards available in Nepal- Nepal Telecom (Namaste) and Ncell.
According to the experience that I got in Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal Telecom has a slower speed but has greater coverage whereas Ncell is easier and faster to set up for the foreigners. The choice is yours. It is also said that below Lukla, Nepal Telecom (Namaste) works the best whereas above Lukla, Ncell reception is better.
Both companies have kept their telecommunication tower in Namche Bazaar. But the phone coverage there may not be as in the city. Both the company are spreading their services throughout Nepal offering 4G,3G, and 2G services.
You can visit the nearest Nepal Telecom service center to get this sim card. Several service centers around Kathmandu, Pokhara and other major cities offer this service. But, please do not expect to get on the way of Everest Base Camp Trek. To get this sim card, you need to provide:
So, the newly bought sim card contains Rs. 90. The sim cards now are available in different sizes viz Standard Micro and Nano.
Ncell is the sim card of an International company Axiata. You can go to any Ncell Service Center nearby. This is also available in the major cities of Nepal including Kathmandu, Pokhara and several others but not on the trail to EBC. To get this sim, you need to provide:
As you get the sim, it contains Rs. 50 in it. This sim is also in different size from Standard to Nano. Different data and voice packs are available costing various amount.
In the Everest region, Everest Link provides your WiFi service. To use WiFi, you need to pay though. The charge may vary. They charge $5 or more depending on where you are. As you go elevation, the cost may get higher.
The quality and strength of WiFi in the Everest region are not as in Kathmandu and other major cities. Depending upon the weather condition and the number of people using it, the strength differs.
But there are some places like Starbucks in Lukla, Everest bakery in Namche Bazaar and Everest View Hotel in Syangboche, where you will experience speeded WiFi.
Alternatively, you can buy the data pack from sim card- Namaste or Ncell. You can use their 3G service to access the internet on your cell phone.
| Location | Wifi Signal | Wifi Cost | Cell Coverage | Charging Cost |
| Lukla | Good | US$ 5 | Ncell 3g Network | USD 1 or 2 per hour |
| Phakding | Good | Wifi accessible just at a local bakery for an hourly rate. | 3G, 2G Ncell network | Free |
|
Namche Bazaar |
Good | US$ 2-5 Per Hour | Ncell 3G | Free |
| Khumjung | Good | US$ 5 Unlimited | 2G Ncell Network | USD 3 per hour |
| Tyangboche | Poor | US$ 5 Per Hour | 3G Ncell Network | US$ 5 Per Hour |
| Dingboche | Good | US$ 7-10 Per Hour | 3G Ncell Network | US$ 5 per hour |
| Lobuche | Good | US$10 Per Hour | 3G Ncell Network | US$ 5-7 Per Hour |
| Gorakshep | Good | US$12 Per Hour | 3G Ncell Network, You will get strong 3G service in Everest Base Camp Nepal | US$ 5-7 Per Hour |
| Pheriche | Good | US$7 Unlimited | 3G Ncell Network | US$ 3 Per Hour |
Final Say
Although the mobile reception is not the best in the Himalayas including the Everest region, it will be helpful. Buying sim cards from the service center- both Nepal Telecom and Ncell will be beneficial. If you want the best network all the time, the satellite phone is suggested.
Be connected with your beloved ones using the internet, Wifi or others.
Enjoy the trip!!!
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