Dingboche is cold, dry and windy, and many trekkers sleep badly here. Knowing this in advance makes it easier to handle.
Sleep
Light sleep, vivid dreams and waking often are common at this height. It does not mean you are ill. Warm clothes, a good sleeping bag and a hot water bottle help.
Cold
Night temperatures drop well below freezing in most seasons. Lodges heat only the dining room, and bedrooms are unheated. See how to keep warm at night.
Dry air
- Drink more than you think you need.
- Use lip balm and a nasal saline spray if you have one.
- Cough and sore throat are common; see colds and sun care.
Food and washing
The menu is similar to lower villages, with higher prices. Hot showers cost extra and can be cold. Bathing is optional.
Warning signs
A headache that worsens, vomiting or breathlessness at rest are reasons to descend. See what to do step by step.
Practical comfort tips
- Fill a bottle with hot water and put it in your sleeping bag.
- Keep your boots inside the room so they do not freeze.
- Charge devices in the dining room if the lodge allows it, and expect a fee.
- Use a headband or buff to keep your ears warm at night.
Who struggles most here
Trekkers who arrive tired, who have not been drinking enough or who ate little the day before. A calm, hydrated, well-fed rest day is the best remedy.
Common questions
Why do I sleep badly at Dingboche?
Thin air changes breathing during sleep. It is normal at this height.
Are lodge rooms heated?
No, usually only the dining room.
Is a hot shower available?
Often for a fee, but water may be only warm.
Layering at night
Sleep in a warm base layer with a hat and dry socks. Use a bottle of hot water at your feet.
Eating well
Order warm, easy dishes and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid heavy meals late at night.
Why sleep suffers at 4,400 m
Many trekkers wake often, dream vividly or feel short of breath at night. That is typical at this altitude and not a sign of serious illness. Keep your head slightly raised, drink before bed but not too much, and keep a bottle for the night.
Making the room warmer
Dingboche lodge rooms are unheated. Wear a hat and layers, put a hot water bottle in the sleeping bag and shut the window. Some lodges have a heated dining room; use it in the evening and go to bed warm.
