Wi-Fi, mobile signal and charging on the Everest trek

The Everest region is more connected than many first-time visitors expect, but it is not reliable. Coverage and speeds vary from village to village, drop out in bad weather and generally get worse with height.

Mobile networks

Nepali mobile networks reach much of the route, and a local SIM can give you data in many villages. Signal can vanish in the valleys and on the high trail. Rules for buying a SIM require identification, so buy one in Kathmandu before you leave rather than hoping to find one on the trail. International roaming from your home network tends to be expensive and patchy.

Wi-Fi

Many teahouses sell Wi-Fi access, often through prepaid vouchers or per-hour fees. Speeds are slow, shared and sometimes unavailable at peak times. It is fine for messages and light browsing, not for video calls or large uploads. Do not plan work around it.

Charging

Electricity is limited, and teahouses commonly charge a fee per device or per hour to use a socket. In colder, higher villages the charge can be high because power comes from solar panels or small hydro plants. Take a power bank, ideally two, and charge it whenever you can.

Keeping devices working

• Batteries drain quickly in the cold, so keep phones and power banks inside your jacket during the day and in your sleeping bag at night.
• Switch your phone to aeroplane mode when you do not need signal to save battery.
• Bring a universal adapter, because sockets may differ from those at home.
• Download offline maps, music and documents before you leave.

Staying in touch

Tell family that messages may be delayed by a day. For emergencies, your guide will have a plan, and some operators carry a satellite device. Check what your insurer requires for emergency contact.

Consider a digital break

Many trekkers find that limited connectivity is a welcome change. Use evenings to talk with other trekkers and your guide rather than your screen.

Planning your communication

Decide before you leave what you need to keep in touch. For family it is often enough to send a message on the first night in Namche and again when you reach the high points. If someone at home needs to be able to reach you in an emergency, give them the phone number of your guide and your operator's office, because the guide will often be reachable when you are not. Download offline maps, music, books and boarding passes before you start walking.

Making your battery last

Cold drains batteries rapidly. Keep your phone and power bank in an inside pocket during the day and in your sleeping bag at night. Switch on airplane mode when you do not need a signal, lower screen brightness and close apps that use data in the background. A power bank with enough capacity to charge your phone several times is more reliable than relying on lodge sockets, which may be limited or charged by the hour.

Keep expectations realistic

Wifi is usually sold by the hour or by data card and shared among many users, so speeds can be slow. Video calls are often not practical, and uploading large photo files can be frustrating. Treat connectivity as a bonus rather than something to depend on. Many trekkers find that being offline for a week or so is a welcome break and makes the trek more memorable.

Safety and courtesy

• Tell family not to worry if you are out of contact for a day or two.
• Do not use speakerphone in dining rooms.
• Ask before plugging into a socket, since power in some lodges is limited.
• Carry a small solar charger only as a backup, as it is slow in cloud and cold.