Mobile and data coverage is available through much of Khumbu but fades near the Gokyo lakes. Wi-Fi and charging are sold in lodges and cost more the higher you go.
Mobile networks
The two Nepali networks have towers around Namche and several villages. Signal is usually good in Namche, fair in Dole and Machhermo, and variable at Gokyo. Cloud and wind can interrupt it, and mornings are often better than afternoons.
Tourist SIMs
A Nepali SIM with a data pack is cheap and works better than roaming. Buy it in Kathmandu with ID and photos. Some lodges also sell Everest Link Wi-Fi cards that work in many villages, which is useful if your phone has no signal.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available for a fee in many lodges. Speed is slow and a card often covers only a few hours or a few hundred megabytes. Use it for messages rather than video calls, and download what you need before you leave Namche.
Charging
Charging prices increase with altitude, and lodges usually charge per device per hour. Bring a power bank and keep batteries warm in a pocket. A small solar charger can help on sunny afternoons when the dining room is crowded.
Using signal wisely
Because coverage is patchy, send messages when you have a signal and keep calls short. Namche is the best place to update family. At Gokyo, a connection may exist only for a few hours a day. Switch your phone to flight mode between uses to save the battery in the cold.
Keeping devices working in the cold
Batteries lose charge rapidly below freezing. Sleep with your phone and power bank inside your sleeping bag, and keep a spare in an inner pocket when walking. A neoprene cover or sock helps. Dust and moisture are also enemies, so use a waterproof pouch.
Safety and planning
Tell your guide when you plan to contact family. Download offline maps and write emergency contacts on paper in case your phone dies. See the packing list for what else to carry.
What to expect at Gokyo
Lodges sell Wi-Fi cards, and mobile signal is patchy. Charging costs extra, and solar power is limited in cloudy weather. Carry a power bank and keep devices warm.
Staying in touch
Send a message from Namche before heading higher. Tell family you may be out of contact for a few days.
