Where Do You Sleep at Everest Base Camp?

20th Aug, 2024

For many adventurers, trekking to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is a dream that brings them face-to-face with the highest mountain in the world. But while the journey to EBC is filled with breathtaking landscapes and cultural encounters, one question commonly arises for first-time trekkers:

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Where do you sleep at Everest Base Camp?

In this blog post, we'll dive deeper into the sleeping arrangements on the Everest Base Camp trek, explaining why most trekkers don’t sleep directly at Base Camp, what alternatives are available, and what to expect in terms of accommodations throughout the trek.

Sleeping at Everest Base Camp: Not for Most Trekkers

When most people hear "Everest Base Camp," they imagine a rugged campsite perched high on the slopes of Mount Everest, possibly with climbers resting in tents and preparing for their ascent. And while that image is accurate for mountaineers attempting to summit Everest, it doesn't reflect the experience of the majority of trekkers who undertake the Everest Base Camp trek.

Most trekkers don't sleep at Everest Base Camp. EBC is typically the endpoint of the trek, where trekkers reach the camp, celebrate their accomplishment, and then return to the nearby village of Gorak Shep for the night.

Why don’t trekkers sleep at EBC? There are a few reasons:

Temporary Climbing Camps: Everest Base Camp is a temporary encampment that comes alive only during the climbing seasons (spring and autumn). During these times, climbers and their support teams set up tents and equipment, but there are no permanent accommodations or tea houses at Base Camp for regular trekkers.
Logistics: Given that Everest Base Camp is not designed to cater to the needs of trekkers, staying overnight there requires extra logistical arrangements. Tents, sleeping bags, and supplies need to be carried, which is typically done only by climbing teams. As a result, most trekking companies organize their itineraries so that trekkers visit Base Camp during the day and return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Altitude and Comfort: At an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet), Everest Base Camp is a harsh environment. The cold temperatures, strong winds, and high altitude make it less than ideal for overnight stays unless you’re acclimatized and prepared with proper camping gear. For the average trekker, staying at a lower altitude in Gorak Shep provides more comfort and safety.

Where Do Trekkers Sleep on the Everest Base Camp Trek?

While you may not sleep at Everest Base Camp itself, there are plenty of places to stay along the trekking route. The Everest Base Camp trek is well-supported by a network of tea houses and lodges, which offer comfortable (though basic) accommodations for trekkers.

Here’s what you can expect in terms of sleeping arrangements throughout your journey:

Tea Houses and Lodges: The Typical Accommodation on the Trek

Tea houses and lodges are small, family-run guesthouses that cater to trekkers throughout the Khumbu region. They provide basic rooms with beds, shared bathrooms, and communal dining areas where trekkers can eat, relax, and socialize.

Rooms: The rooms in tea houses are typically simple and clean, with twin beds, blankets, and pillows. Don’t expect luxury—many tea houses offer thin mattresses and shared bathrooms, and electricity is often limited. However, the warmth and hospitality of the Sherpa hosts more than make up for the modest accommodations. Some rooms come with attached bathrooms, though this becomes rarer at higher altitudes.
Dining Areas: The dining areas in tea houses are where trekkers gather to eat, drink hot tea, and warm up by the stove. Meals often consist of local dishes such as dal bhat (rice and lentils), as well as international staples like pasta, soups, and fried rice. Trekkers can also purchase bottled water, snacks, and even charge their electronic devices (for a fee) in the dining area.
Cost: The cost of staying in a tea house varies depending on the altitude and the season. Prices tend to be cheaper at lower elevations but increase as you climb higher. While the room rate itself may be low (sometimes as little as a few dollars a night), tea houses make their money through food and drink sales. In many cases, trekkers are required to eat their meals at the tea house where they are staying.

Key Villages for Overnight Stays

As you make your way toward Everest Base Camp, there are several key villages where trekkers typically spend the night. Each village is situated at a different altitude, allowing trekkers to acclimatize gradually and experience the diverse culture and landscapes of the region.

Lukla (2,860 meters / 9,383 feet):
The starting point of the trek, Lukla is where most trekkers spend their first night after the thrilling flight from Kathmandu. Lukla is a small town with several tea houses, and it’s the last place to purchase supplies before heading deeper into the Khumbu region.
Phakding (2,610 meters / 8,563 feet):
A common stop on the first day of the trek, Phakding is a small village situated along the banks of the Dudh Kosi River. Tea houses here offer comfortable rooms and a peaceful environment to rest after the initial day’s hike.
Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters / 11,286 feet):
Namche Bazaar is often considered the Sherpa capital and one of the most important villages on the trek. Trekkers usually spend two nights here to acclimatize, taking advantage of the town’s relatively modern amenities, including Wi-Fi, bakeries, and even gear shops. The accommodations in Namche are more developed than in other villages, and trekkers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Tengboche (3,867 meters / 12,687 feet):
Tengboche is home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, a spiritual and cultural highlight of the trek. The tea houses here are smaller and more rustic, but the experience of staying near such an important religious site more than compensates for the basic facilities.
Dingboche (4,410 meters / 14,470 feet):
After Namche, trekkers usually head to Dingboche, another village where they spend two nights to acclimatize. Dingboche offers spectacular views of Ama Dablam and other surrounding peaks, and the tea houses here are cozy and welcoming.
Lobuche (4,910 meters / 16,108 feet):
Lobuche is one of the final stops before reaching Gorak Shep. The altitude here is high, and trekkers may start feeling the effects of thinner air. The tea houses in Lobuche are basic, but they provide a much-needed rest for the final push to Base Camp.
Gorak Shep (5,164 meters / 16,942 feet):
The last stop before Everest Base Camp, Gorak Shep is a remote settlement with a handful of tea houses catering to trekkers. The rooms here are basic, and the altitude makes for a cold and challenging night, but the sense of accomplishment at being so close to Everest Base Camp is exhilarating. Most trekkers drop off their bags at their tea house and then hike to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorak Shep for the night.

What to Expect When Staying in Gorak Shep

Gorak Shep is the highest village on the trek and the last stop before reaching Everest Base Camp. The tea houses here are basic, and the conditions can be challenging due to the altitude and cold temperatures. Here’s what to expect:

Rooms: The rooms in Gorak Shep tea houses are very basic, often with little more than a bed and blankets. The cold at night can be intense, so it’s important to bring a high-quality sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures.
Food: Meals in Gorak Shep are typically simple but hearty, with a focus on warm soups, noodles, and rice dishes. The higher altitude means food prices are higher as supplies are more difficult to transport.
Bathrooms: Bathrooms are usually shared and can be rudimentary. Be prepared for basic facilities, including squat toilets and bucket showers (if any showers are available at all).
Electricity and Wi-Fi: Electricity and Wi-Fi are limited and expensive in Gorak Shep. Some tea houses offer solar-powered electricity for charging devices, but the availability is often unreliable.

While Gorak Shep may not offer luxury, it serves as the perfect base for trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp or hiking to Kala Patthar, the viewpoint offering unparalleled views of Mount Everest.

Conclusion: Where You Sleep During the Everest Base Camp Trek

While you may not sleep at Everest Base Camp itself, the network of tea houses and lodges along the trekking route provides comfortable and culturally enriching accommodations for your journey. Each village you stay in offers a unique glimpse into life in the Himalayas, with welcoming Sherpa hosts, hearty meals, and unforgettable mountain views.

The final night before reaching Everest Base Camp is spent in Gorak Shep, where trekkers prepare for the last leg of the journey. Though basic, the accommodations in Gorak Shep are part of the adventure, and they serve as a resting point before celebrating your arrival at Everest Base Camp.

Ultimately, where you sleep on the Everest Base Camp trek is as much a part of the experience as the trek itself, with each stop along the way providing opportunities for acclimatization, relaxation, and reflection on your progress toward one of the world’s most iconic destinations.