Mobile signal exists in many places up to Dingboche and Chhukung but is unreliable at base camp and high camp. Charging is paid and batteries drain fast in the cold.
Signal on the approach
Namche has good coverage and the Imja valley has patchy signal. Chhukung may have a signal, depending on weather. Base camp usually has none, so do not plan to make calls from the mountain.
Wi-Fi
Lodges in Dingboche and Chhukung sell Wi-Fi cards. Speeds are slow. Use messaging apps rather than calls, and download maps and documents before you leave Lukla.
Charging
Lodges charge per device and prices rise with altitude. At base camp, teams may have a solar panel for emergencies. Bring a power bank and keep batteries in your sleeping bag overnight, since cold drains them quickly.
Planning a communication routine
Agree with family on a simple routine: a message from Namche, another from Dingboche and a final one after the summit. If you cannot contact them, they should know to call your agency in Kathmandu. That plan prevents needless worry and helps in a real emergency.
Power for the climb
Pack at least one power bank of 10,000 mAh and a spare for your head torch. In the cold, lithium batteries work better than alkalines. Keep your phone inside your jacket on summit morning for photos.
Emergency communication
Guides often carry a satellite phone or radio for the climb. Ask your agency about the emergency plan and share it with family. See insurance and evacuation.
What to tell family before you go
Warn people that you may be out of contact for several days at a time. Share your itinerary and your guide’s number, and agree what counts as a normal gap in messages so nobody panics during quiet stretches.
Keeping batteries alive at altitude
Cold drains batteries fast. Sleep with your phone and spare cells inside your sleeping bag, and keep a power bank close to your body on summit day. A small solar panel is a useful extra on longer trips.
Last reliable signal
Namche Bazaar has the best coverage on the way up. Dingboche and Chhukhung have patchy Wi-Fi sold by the hour. Base camp usually has none, so send your last messages at Chhukhung.
