Poon Hill has some of the best mobile coverage of any Himalayan trek. Wi-Fi is widely sold and charging is cheap compared with higher regions.
Signal
Coverage is good at Nayapul, Ulleri and Ghorepani on most networks. It can drop in forest and fog. Poon Hill itself often has signal, so you can share sunrise photos at once.
SIM cards
A Nepali SIM bought in Pokhara works well and is cheaper than Indian roaming. Many lodges also accept Wi-Fi payment.
Wi-Fi
Lodges sell Wi-Fi by the hour or day. Speeds are acceptable for messages but poor for video.
Charging
Charging is priced per device. Solar power is common, but evenings can be busy. Carry a power bank of 10,000 mAh or more.
Making the most of the signal
Because coverage is good, you can share photos from the summit and call home from Ghorepani. Download maps anyway in case fog or storms cut service. Use a power bank so that you do not have to queue for the lodge sockets in the evening.
Photo backup
Sunrise at Poon Hill is likely to be your most photographed moment. Back up photos in the evening to cloud storage if you have Wi-Fi, or carry a spare memory card. Charge your camera battery before the early start.
Sharing the sunrise
Many trekkers share live photos from the summit. If you plan to do this, charge your phone fully the night before and keep it warm. Consider a separate camera for better quality. Be mindful of other people on the platform and avoid blocking views.
Safe use of electronics
Lodge sockets can be overloaded in the evening. Use surge protectors if you carry one and unplug devices when not in use. Do not leave devices charging unattended overnight.
Cold batteries
Keep your phone warm for the pre-dawn climb, since cold drains charge fast. See the sunrise guide.
Wi-Fi in lodges
Most lodges at Ghorepani and Ghandruk sell Wi-Fi by the hour or day. Speeds vary and drop during busy evenings. Buy a local data pack in Pokhara for better coverage.
Charging costs
Expect to pay a small fee per charge in each lodge. Solar charging is common, but cloudy days limit supply. Bring a power bank and a spare cable.
