Special Notes and Reminders at EBC (Internet, Hot water, Electricity, Toilet)

Internet Access

There is no internet access at the Tibetan side of EBC but 3G signal is always available, of which China Telecom and China Mobile have the best signal.

Running Hot Water

It’s possible to get hot water from thermos bottles, but there is unfortunately no running hot water or showers at EBC.

Electricity

Normally, there is stable 24 hours electricity supply at Rongbuk guesthouse and tents near EBC. But it is also may be affected by the unexpectable weather in that region, like sudden snow storm in winter, so we advise you to charge your camera while in Shigatse just in case. A headlight or a flashlight is advised in the evening considering the toilet is out of tent.   

Keeping Warm

Yak dung is burned in stoves to keep warm inside the tent guesthouses. Due to the high altitude of EBC it’s frequently cold and the wind is very strong, especially at night. It’s important to bring enough warm clothes to the Base Camp, and one hat is necessary to keep warm of your head, especially your ears.

Medical Supplies

Take your own medicine and additional oxygen bottles with you to EBC. The tour agency provides one oxygen bottle per person, but if it’s enough you can carry your own bottles just in case. Medicine and the additional oxygen are helpful, because many people experience some symptoms of altitude sickness at EBC.

Toilets:

Two very simple toilets like a container are there next to the tents guesthouses area, it’s smelly of squat pits and do not expect any running water either, even no light for evening use. Try to drink less water that night to avoid going to toilet in the chilly midnight.