The difference between a luxury lodge and a basic lodge
Below, we have created a table that shows the major differences between services and amenities in luxury lodges and basic lodges along the Everest Base Camp trail. The table will give you a quick overview and help you decide which option best suits you.
Why choose luxury lodges during the Everest Base Camp trek?
Luxury lodges on the Everest Base Camp trek enhance your overall journey. You do not have to forcefully adjust to basic accommodation, shared washrooms, and simple meals.
The trek will become less challenging, especially mentally, thanks to better amenities and services.
Hiking 6 to 7 hours a day also becomes much more achievable when you have a heated room, comfortable bedding, and a private washroom waiting for you at the end of the day.
Comfort after a long day of trekking
During the Everest Base Camp trek, you will walk 6 to 7 hours a day on average. On top of that, the rugged terrain and high altitude make hiking even more difficult.
It is a must that every trekker pushes themselves. However, it is not necessary that you spend the night in a basic lodge. The comfort of a luxury lodge will help your body rest and recover fast, and you will be in the best condition for the next day.
Modern facilities
The amenities in the luxury lodges are what make it different from the standard lodges, and they lead to a vast difference in the overall trek experience.
- En-suite bathrooms: A private bathroom is a big deal in the mountains. You will have Western-style toilets, running water, hot water for showers, etc.
- Heated rooms or electric blankets: Many luxury lodges along the Everest Base Camp trail either provide heated rooms or electric blankets. You do not have to carry a sleeping bag.
- Charging outlets and better WiFi connection: You will have charging outlets in your room. Likewise, the WiFi connection is better in the luxury lodges because they have invested quite a lot of money.
- Dishes beyond typical dal bhat and thukpa: One of the best things about luxury lodges is that the menu is quite extensive. They offer dishes beyond the typical ones, such as a full Western breakfast, sandwiches, pastas, steak, pizza, burgers, rice, curries, etc.
Better safety and hygiene standards
Luxury lodges keep their property well-maintained and sanitized. Their staff are trained to prioritize cleanliness and their guests' well-being. Likewise, they have first aid support in case their guests get sick.
Culture immersion with added comfort
Luxury lodges don't mean that you won't be staying close to Sherpas and other communities. These lodges are also runned by the locals.
In fact, they meticulously design their space, incorporating modern comfort and traditional art and architecture. You will experience warm Nepali hospitality without sacrificing convenience.
Adventure without compromise
Adventure without compromise in the Himalayas is only possible on the Everest Base Camp trek. There are luxury lodges on some other trek routes as well, but you cannot do a whole trek in a luxury style like EBC.
Luxury lodges make trekking with family and the journey for a first-time trekker much more doable. You will have a perfect balance between rugged adventure and comfort.
Best luxury lodges on the Everest Base Camp trek route
Below, we have listed the best luxury lodges on the Everest Base Camp trek route in each village.
Lukla
Most treks in the Everest region begin from Lukla. It is situated at an elevation of 2,860 meters above sea level. Lukla is easily accessible from Kathmandu via domestic flights and helicopter services.
The majority of trekkers who do the Everest Base Camp trek start from Lukla. The domestic Lukla flight is popular because of its short runway (527 m).
Lukla is a large village and bustling hub of trekking shops, gear rentals, bakeries, lodges, souvenir shops, cafes, and more. Among all the lodges in Lukla, Yeti Mountain Home offers luxury accommodation and the best amenities.
Yeti Mountain Home
Yeti Mountain Home is in different villages along the Everest Base Camp trail, such as Lukla, Phakding, Monjo, Namche Bazaar, Thame, Kongde, and Deboche.
These lodges are established to offer upscale comfort in remote Himalayan villages. The lodge offers a blend of mountain culture and modern comfort.
Rooms are spacious and well decorated. Single rooms, twin-shared rooms, and triple-bed rooms are available. Rooms are heated and have ensuite bathrooms.
Luxury bedding, 24/7 running hot water, organic meals, Nepali and Western cuisine, WiFi, power backup, etc, make your stay in Yeit Mountain Home excellent.
Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is the tourist/economic hub of the Khumbu region (Everest region). It is the major stop for trekkers going to the Everest Base Camp. All trekkers and climbers take an acclimatization break in Namche Bazaar.
This is the largest Sherpa village, featuring museums, bars, cafes, restaurants, shops, and more. There are a handful of luxury lodges in and around Namche Bazaar. We work with Yeti Mountain Home and Everest Summit Lodge.
Yeti Mountain Home
Like in Lukla, Yeti Mountain Home in Namche Bazaar offers incredible service to trekkers. As we have shared much about this lodge above, we only want to say that for an upscale experience, Yeti Mountain Home is our first choice in the Everest region.
Everest Summit Lodge
Our other pick for a luxury lodge accommodation in Namche Bazaar is Everest Summit Lodge. They are also one of the top upscale accommodation providers in the Everest region.
They have lodges in Lukla, Monjo, Mende (between Namche Bazaar and Thame), and Tashinga (near Pangboche). So, in Namche Bazaar, you will stay in Mende. It is a short walk from Namche Bazaar to Mende.
Everest Summit Lodge presents a perfect blend of traditional Sherpa home with modern, luxury comforts. The rooms are heated, have private bathrooms, hot showers, and cozy lounges.
Again, you can expect delicious Nepali and Western dishes. All the food is freshly cooked and the ingredients are organic. Additionally, most of the produce is grown in their own garden.
Syangboche
Syangboche is a hiking point near Namche Bazaar. You must have heard about the Everest View Hotel hike during acclimatization in Namche. Well, this hotel is located in Syanboche.
There is also an airstrip in Syangboche where helicopters are operated. This airstrip was originally built for supply aircraft. In Syangboche, we keep our guests in the iconic Hotel Everest View.
Hotel Everest View
Hotel Everest View was built in 1971 by a visionary Japanese entrepreneur. It is listed in the Guinness World Records as the highest luxury hotel in the world at that time.
The best highlight of this hotel is that every room offers the Mt. Everest view. Imagine walking up with the view of the world's tallest mountain. There are only a few rooms, and each one of them is well designed.
Large glass windows, rooftop terrace, luxury bedding, and multi-cuisine menu make your stay at Hotel Everest View quite memorable. As the airstrip is easily accessible, many trekkers also fly in and out of the hotel.
Tengboche village
Tengboche village is the next night stop after Namche Bazaar. It is situated at 3,867 meters. This village is not as huge as Namche Bazaar, and the services are also fewer, but you will have a good time.
In Tengboche, we have partnered with Hotel Himalayan to offer luxury accommodation to our guests.
The Himalayan Everest
The Himalayan Everest is a family-run luxury lodge. It offers beautiful rooms with mountain vistas, a cozy dining hall with a big stove, and excellent hospitality.
Deboche village
Deboche village is situated a little below Tengboche village at 3,820 meters. A small descent from Tengboche will take you to Deboche village.
Some trekkers choose to spend the night in Deboche village because it is more peaceful than Tengboche village.
In Deboche, we have Rivendell Lodge and Yeti Mountain Home options.
Rivendell Lodge
The Rivendell Lodge in Deboche is more than just an upscale accommodation for the trekkers on the EBC route. It is a Himalayan sanctuary settled in a peaceful setting, surrounded by towering snow-covered mountains.
This lodge is huge and spacious. Warm Sherpa hospitality, incredible views of Ama Dablam from its windows, and excellent dining make your time in this lodge incredible.
Trekkers looking for an alternative to busy Tengboche village can opt to stay in Deboche in Rivendell Lodge. It is also run by a Sherpa family who have meticulously balanced traditional hospitality with modern amenities and comfort.
In winter, the Rivendell Lodge gets covered by snow, which makes this place even more appealing. Likewise, during spring, rhododendrons and other wildflowers fill the outdoor area.
The dining area is big with ample seating space and large glass windows facing the mountains. Meals and drinks, enjoying the view, are quite loved by the trekkers.
*Rivendell Lodge sources its vegetables and fruits directly from their own greenhouse and nearby fields.
Yeti Mountain Home
We have already talked about Yeti Mountain Home in Lukla and Namche Bazaar. The one in Deboche also offers great service for the trekkers.
The peaceful and forest location of Yeti Mountain Home in Deboche village offers a unique experience compared to Lukla and Namche Bazaar.
You can expect wonderful rooms, elegant interior, scrumptious menu, and incredible service like any other Yeti Mountain Home property.
Trekkers who truly wish to experience luxury in the Himalayas should consider spending a night at the Yeti Mountain Home in Deboche village.
You can see close-up views of Mount Ama Dablam from this lodge. Likewise, a glimpse of Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse is also seen on clear days. The hiking route to the lodge is mystical.
You will be amazed to see this property after hiking through forested hills. Wood-paneled, insulated rooms with single and double beds are available. Each room is large enough to move freely and has an en-suite bathroom.
Likewise, the dining area is bright and airy and overlooks snow-covered mountains. You can see Sherpa art, wood carving, and Tibetan thangkas all over the property.
Pangboche village
Pangboche village comes after Deboche village and before Dingboche village. This village is known for its ancient Pangboche monastery, where Yeti's scalp and hand are claimed to be housed.
The Pangboche village is situated at 3,985 meters above sea level. All trekkers hiking to Everest Base Camp pass through this village, but only a few spend a night here.
Pangboche village is not a popular nightstop, which is a good thing. Because you get to have a peaceful time here. In Pangboche, our luxury accommodation partner is Everest Summit Lodge.
Everest Summit Lodge
Among the four properties of Everest Summit Lodge, the one in the Pangboche village is definitely prettier. It has this very unique green color to its outer structure that perfectly blends with the surrounding greenery and snowy mountains.
The facilities are top-notch, no doubt. There are many windows all over the property that make the inside of the building feel light, airy, and bright. The rooms are spacious and heated.
The big windows in the rooms offer exceptional views of Mt. Everest and Mt. Ama Dablam. The modern amenities and comfort are perfectly balanced with rich cultural decorations such as Thangka paintings, Tibetan carpets, etc.
If you want to spend a night in Pangboche village and are looking for an upscale accommodation, the Everest Summit Lodge is your best option.
Dingboche village
After Tengboche village, Dingboche village is the next main nightstop of the EBC route. The majority of trekkers also take their second acclimatization day in Dingboche village.
Dingboche village is at 4,410 meters above sea level. It is known as the Summer Valley of the Khumbu region (Everest region). You can see many terraced fields around this village where the locals grow their produce.
In Dingboche village, we have three luxury accommodation options - Tashi Delek, Mountain Heritage Lodge, and Hotel Dingboche Resort.
*Luxury lodge accommodation from Dingboche village is limited.
Tashi Delek
Tashi Delek is a great choice in Dingboche village for a comfortable night's stay. It is quite famous among trekkers looking for a sleek, spacious space to spend the night in Dingboche.
The interior is not as fine as other luxury lodges, but you will still get a great space for the night. The rooms are cozy and clean. You will get fresh bedding, hearty meals, and the warm hospitality of the Sherpas.
The Tashi Delek lodge is located right in the center of Dingboche village and offers direct views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Lhotse, and Island Peak.
It is one of the most established lodges in Dingboche. The service is better than the basic lodge, but not as high-end as the luxury lodges that you will experience in Lukla or Namche Bazaar.
In Tashi Delek lodge, you will experience a classic, rustic lodge atmosphere, but with better service and welcoming staff.
Rooms are clean, but there is no heating. You can ask for hot water bottles or extra blankets. We recommend carrying a sleeping bag even if you are doing a luxury EBC trek because proper luxury lodges end in Pangboche village.
Mountain Heritage Lodge
The Mountain Heritage Lodge is a mid-range lodge in Dingboche village. This lodge offers expansive views of Island Peak, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Imja Valley. The location of the lodge is peaceful.
The Mountain Heritage Lodge is a modern-style lodge that perfectly balances traditional Sherpa hospitality. This lodge is designed to offer comfort and better amenities than the basic lodges, but not a very luxurious stay.
You can get single and twin shared rooms with insulated walls, comfortable bedding, thick blankets, etc. En-suite bathrooms are available in some rooms. A common washroom is available too.
Hot showers, charging (extra charge), and WiFi are also available. The dining area is spacious and warm. You can find the local thukpa, stew, and dal bhat to Western dishes like pizza, pasta, and sandwiches.
Hotel Dingboche Resort
Hotel Dingboche Resort is the only true luxury lodge accommodation available in Dingboche village. It offers upscale rooms, services, and dining options.
The resort offers breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, the Everest range, and Imja Valley. It is a big, well-maintained resort, equipped with modern amenities and excellent service.
If you are willing to pay the premium price for premium service in Dingboche village, the Hotel Dingboche Resort should be your accommodation choice.
Rooms are spacious and clean with excellent wooden flooring. You can get single and shared rooms (twin-shared and three-bed rooms). Many rooms have en-suite bathrooms.
At Hotel Dingboche Resort, you have to pay for a hot shower separately. The dining hall is bright and open and has a big central stove that keeps it warm. You will find a wide variety of food and drink options in this resort.
Lobuche village and Gorak Shep
After Dingboche, you will spend two more nights in Lobuche village and Gorak Shep while hiking to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. There is no luxury lodge accommodation available in these two villages.
We book the best available standard lodge. Take it as spending two nights experiencing the authentic Everest adventure and remote lifestyle. It will give more edge to your luxury EBC trek trip.
As you will be spending nights in very comfortable luxury lodges till Dingboche village, you will be in great shape to adjust to basic accommodation and service in Lobuche village and Gorak Shep.
*Trekkers are not allowed to spend a night at Everest Base Camp.
Alternative to basic lodge in Lobuche village and Gorak Shep
Trekkers who just cannot see themselves spending a night in a basic lodge or just can't adjust to simple accommodation can opt for a helicopter flight from Dingboche village to Everest Base Camp.
We do not land at Everest Base Camp because of the landing space issue, but we can arrange a landing at Kala Patthar. It will be a short landing, but you will have a memorable time.
In addition to that, we can also provide a helicopter tour with a landing at Gokyo Lakes. Gokyo Lakes are the world's highest freshwater lake system and a famous hiking route in the Everest region.
This option will make your luxury Everest Base Camp trek even more grand. Note that extra charges will be applied depending on the places you would use the helicopter service.
Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. It is a big city and a major tourist hub in the country. There are many five-star hotels and resorts in and around Kathmandu. The luxury hotel options are quite excellent.
We specifically work with the following luxury hotel chains in Kathmandu. If you are interested in staying at any other particular property, let us know, and we will make the reservation as per that.
- Marriott
- Hyatt
- Dwarika's
- Aloft
- Soltee
Conclusion
For trekkers seeking fine hospitality and upscale accommodation during the Everest Base Camp trek, the choices are great till Dingboche village.
Dingboche onwards, there is no luxury accommodation available, so spending a night at a basic lodge is a must.
Alternatively, you can skip these two days of walking by combining a helicopter flight from Dingboche to EBC and Kala Patthar.
We, First Himalayan Holidays, have an excellent network with top luxury lodge owners in the Everest region. So, we provide the best rooms even during the peak trekking seasons.
In addition, you will also get the best luxury trek experience with us in Nepal. We not only say luxury trek but also offer a luxury trek experience that goes beyond luxury lodges.
Contact us to book your luxury Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal. 2026 bookings are open.