Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is a standout of the most popular treks in Nepal and is visited by a great many trekkers consistently. If you plan on staying plugged in (or charging devices while on the trail), here’s what you need to know about Wi-Fi and charging.
Despite the Annapurna being remote, a reasonable number of the tea houses and lodges provide trekkers with access to Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is accessible from about Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC) as well as the higher camps, but note that this could be a terrible connection. It can be a bit slow, and of course is weather- and region-dependent.
Expect slow speeds. It’s perfect for short messages and isn’t optimal for heavy browsing or streaming.
And you’ll usually need to buy Wi-Fi by the hour, which usually costs between 100 and 500 rupees an hour.
Most of the teahouses during the ABC trek have charging facilities. (Keep in mind, however, that these typically are solar- or generator-powered, and so may not have round-the-clock power for the battery.) The charging fees generally run from 200 to 500 Nepali rupees, and it depends on where you are and what you’re charging.
Wi-Fi and Charging on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is a fantastic fusion of nature and adventure, and trekkers often experience difficulty in connectivity here. The better up you climb, charging options get a little thinner. Now that you can wirelessly access these centers, you can better plan your journey.
Is there Wi-Fi at the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Yes, and you will get Wi-Fi in most tea houses on the ABC trek. But a word of warning: The speed and reliability can be hit or miss, particularly outside of flat terrain. Wi-Fi signal can be found in MBC (Machapuchare Base Camp), although the net could be a bit slow because of its inaccessibility. Expect some occasional dropouts.
Best Places for Wi-Fi on the Trek?
It is ubiquitous, and you will find Wi-Fi in places like Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Chhomrong, and MBC (Machhapuchhre Base Camp. The accommodations are far better where you stay; you will have tea houses and internet access. Some places might charge you for Wi-Fi, so good to have a heads up.
Is there a network in ABC?
There is a bad mobile signal at Annapurna Base Camp. Some, but not extensive, coverage at lower elevations (i.e., Pokhara and Ghorepani). Maps thin as you go higher. Nobody ever gets a signal by the time it’s time for ABC, unless they see the week one signal. Lower areas like Ghorepani, Chhomrong, or MBC should have more reception.
Is it “the Annapurna Circuit” that is on alert?
The reception of the mobile network is better during the Annapurna Circuit than at ABC. You’ll be fine to get a signal in most lower spots like Besisahar, Ngadi, and Bhulbhule. The signal becomes weaker as you get closer to Manang, Huntang (Thorong La Pass), and Muktinath. When you’re over Thorong Phedi or on the higher passes, the connection is weak or nonexistent.
Best SIM Card for Annapurna Circuit?
If you want the best coverage on the Annapurna Circuit, go with Ncellor Nepal Telecom (NTC). Proper here’s a brief assessment:
Ncell: normally reliable in and around cities, including Pokhara and Kathmandu. It even functions decently well on the Annapurna Circuit, particularly down in the valleys, though reception can become more spotty higher up in elevation.
Nepal Telecom (NTC): Has better coverage in more remote regions, and 4G is now even available in parts of the trek. NTC is likely to be more reliable (including in remote areas), although the highest parts of the Annapurna Circuit might be a bit hit and miss.
Conclusion:
Keeping in touch at ABC and ACT, a couple more things about a network
These trails are way off the beaten path, so staying connected is a little tricky.” Wi-Fi and cellular are everywhere, though not necessarily reliable. Many tea houses offer WiFi on the Annapurna Base Camp trek, although it is slow and you will have to pay for it. Your phone will also lose its cell signal once you gain elevation up in the ABC zone.
The Annapurna Circuit Lowdown Overall reception would be better the lower down we are, and worse as we climb higher. For SIM cards, Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC) are the best (NTC generally has better reception in the mountain areas).
(That is, you may not be able to check social media or stream anything at high altitudes — but still: nice to have options in an emergency.) Having a power bank and knowing where charging stations are can also help you maintain a strong charge for important communications.
Ultimately, Annapurna region trekking is a wonderful chance to disconnect and really be in nature. With some smart planning in mind around Wi-Fi and network coverage, however, you can have plenty of time in the big mountains and stay connected when it rains.