Guide To Everest Base Camp Trek Accommodation

The Everest Base Camp trek is the journey to the base of the world’s highest peak. The expedition takes you through the stunning landscape of Sagarmatha National Park, within the Everest region of Nepal. Starting and ending from Lukla village, the trekking to the EBC begins along the Dudh Koshi River’s bank. This iconic trekking destination offers jaw-dropping sights of mighty Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and many unnamed surrounding peaks of the Khumbu region. 

The Everest Base Camp Trek is undoubtedly about adventure, stunning panoramas, and thrilling trails. What’s more, does the trek offer? A unique accommodation experience that differs from star-rating hotels of Kathmandu to cozy tea houses during the trek. Generally, tea houses and lodges are the common Everest Base Camp Trek accommodation facilities available at most trekking destinations, including EBC. The accommodation points provide an experience of comfort, warmth, and hospitality in Nepal’s authentic mountain lifestyle.

What are the types of accommodation on EBC Trek?

Accommodations of the EBC trek range from simple tea houses to basic lodges and sometimes camping for those who prefer. Most trekkers stay in a tea house, a common staying point, and a traditional mountain lodge offering beds, meals, and basic facilities. Camping is a less common but unique way to immerse in the majesty of the Himalayas. Here is the brief of the accommodation types on the Everest Base Camp trek:

Teahouse 

Tea houses are the standard accommodation option for any trekking destination in Nepal. Along the trail to EBC, you can find multiple tea houses in each village. The area’s locals run the tea houses and offer warm hospitality to the guests. It provides basic accommodation with twin-sharing beds, a mattress or foam pad, a pillow, a blanket, and shared bathrooms. Solar energy is the major source of electricity in tea houses; thus, you can charge your phone and take a hot shower, but it costs extra. However, the lodging point is not always open, as the locals close it during the winter and monsoon seasons. 

Hotels/ Lodges

As the trekking industry is widespread, especially in the Everest region, thousands of trekkers have come to challenge themselves. Thus, the local authorities have built some hotels/lodges to provide better comfort for travelers. The lodge differs from the hotel in an urban area but offers better facilities than tea houses. Facilities include a private room with an attached bathroom, comfortable beds, hot water showers, and free WiFi. However, accommodation points are available only at the lower elevation villages, including Lukla and Namche Bazaar.

Homestay

Generally, homestays are rare on Everest Base Camp trail. You may find some homestays in the villages of Namche and Lukla, but as you ascend higher, teahouse accommodation becomes the only option. A homestay involves staying with a local Sherpa family in their home and interacting with the local community. However, the homestays offer a real feeling to staying in the Himalayas. 

Camping 

Camping is generally used by climbers on the way to Mount Everest climb but is rare for trekking teams due to the convenience and affordability of teahouses. However, some trekkers want to camp and sleep under the stars to experience real adventure. Yet, you need to carry more equipment if you prefer camping and it costs extra.

Everest Base Camp Trek Accommodation Options

The accommodation options on the EBC trail vary location-wise. Although tea house accommodation is common in the higher areas, the lower regions offer a vast range of options for accommodation, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury. Here are options for accommodation based on each location you’ll stay overnight throughout the trek: 

Lukla/ Phakding

The journey to Everest Base Camp begins from the Village of Lukla. However, some trekkers prefer to hike to Phakding on their first day in the Everest region. Yet, both villages offer good hotel options with standard facilities, including private rooms, attached bathroom rooms, hot showers, and charging facilities with extensive meal options. The hotel costs $5 without the attached bathroom and $20-30 per night with the attached one. 

Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar is a prominent hub of the Everest region and a popular village with modern facilities, including hotels, ATMs, restaurants, and others. The Village has over 60 hotels, from luxury to basic options. While the basic tea houses cost USD 10, the luxury option ranges from USD 20 to 30. One of the well-known hotels in the town is Everest View Hotel, located at 3,800m and offering astonishing views of mountain ranges. However, the hotel is quite expensive, ranging from USD 250 to 500 per night, depending on the season and room type.

Tyangboche

Tyangbcoche has two hotels and five tea houses, and the basic accommodation option costs USD 7. The accommodation points here provide the necessary facilities. Many trekkers spend overnight here attending the morning prayer at the Tengboche monastery. 

Dingboche

Dingboche is another stop point on the trekking journey to Everest. It is a Sherpa village with dozens of lodges, a bakery, shops, and an internet café. The accommodation price here ranges from $5-$30. As Dingboche lies at an elevation of 4,410m, the higher altitude, accommodation gets simpler yet provides essential amenities and hearty meals. 

Lobuche

Lobuche is the final stop-over point before getting to Everest Base Camp. The facilities are 6-7 tea houses on the Lobuche but have basic facilities due to higher elevation. During peak trekking season, it is hard to find accommodation points in the Village; thus, booking in advance is recommended. 

Gorak Shep

Gorakshep is the final resting point before the final push to EBC. About six tea houses are available in the Village, costing USD 10-30. Don’t expect many facilities; only expect a bed and pillow; if you are lucky enough, you’ll get a woolen blanket. 

What is the cost range for accommodation on the Everest Base Camp trek?

The cost of accommodation at Everest Base Camp depends on the altitude and season. If you trek during the off-season, the accommodations are affordable, costing only $3 to $5 for the bed. However, you need to pay extra for food, a hot shower, Wi-Fi, and electricity.

However, during peak season, the accommodation cost up to Namche Bazaar ranges from USD 20-30, including services like hot showers, Wi-Fi, and electricity. The tea houses cost less, but the higher-altitude accommodation costs a bit more due to limited accessibility to amenities. 

Factors to Consider When Selecting Accommodations on the EBC Trek

Each village offers numerous accommodation options along the trek to Everest Base Camp. Due to the vast choices, trekkers may get confused about how they will choose the best among them. However, consider these things while selecting accommodation on the EBC trek to make it easy to find the perfect one for you: 

Altitude

As you trek higher, the accommodation becomes more basic. The high-altitude accommodations lack facilities, including heating, due to the remoteness of the location. Also, the rooms are basic and shared. 

Comfort and amenities offered

Considering the services offered by the tea houses is crucial. Check whether the accommodation point you will stay in has electricity, device charging facilities, Wi-Fi, hot showers, and a restaurant. Moreover, the cleanliness of the room and restrooms must be checked.

Book in Advance

In the peak seasons, including Autumn and Spring, the accommodation points fill up quickly; thus, you should consider booking early if you are going during that time. Yet, if you are looking to trek in the off-season, you don’t have to worry about accommodation as they are generally vacant, but remember the tea houses might be closed. 

Luxurious stays vs budget-friendly 

One of the essential aspects to consider while choosing accommodation is whether you prefer to stay in luxury or budget-friendly options. The trail to EBC has accommodations ranging from basic to luxury, especially at lower elevations. Thus, if you are clear about your budget range, it will be easy to choose the lodging point. Moreover, you can also opt for the Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek to enjoy a luxurious trekking experience.

Closeness to trekking routes

Choose accommodations that lie close to your planned itinerary. Staying close to the main trail allows you to start early and takes you to your destination in a manageable time. If you stay far from the trail, you must walk more to get to the path, consuming more energy and time.