Phakding is a small Sherpa village located along the route to Everest Base Camp. There are many lodges here, from basic to luxury, in recent years. Many lodges have upgraded their facilities. Most lodges offer private bathrooms, hot showers, and WIFI.
Teahouse Accommodation in Phakding
- Sherpa Shangrila Resort: This is one of the newest hotels in the village. It offers 32 rooms, heated mattress pads, free WIFI, and in-room tea and coffee. There are games and a TV in the lounge. Customers get daily housekeeping. And a sunny garden terrace. It also has a helipad, and check-in is effortless with English-speaking staff.
- Phakding Lodge (Mountain Lodges of Nepal): This lodge stands by the river and was built specifically for trekkers. Rooms have attached bathrooms, carpeted floors, and small desks. The dining hall is enormous, with a shared kitchen and a bar. Guests can buy the EverestLink WIFI here. The restaurant serves a mix of Nepali and Western meals, with staff available around the clock.
- Hotel Pine Forest: This local favorite is known for its hearty meals, including meat dishes. Each room has a private toilet and a hot shower. Rooms are basic but hygienic. You get warm blankets and a wood stove in the dining area.
- Shangri-La Guest House: This lodge is reputable and well-loved among trekkers. This family-run lodge serves clean and cozy rooms, some of which have private bathrooms. It also has a washer for laundry. Many guests review the lodge as a friendly place. There is a bakery next door, famous for its strong coffee.
- Other Lodges: Places like Buddha Lodge and Sherpa Guide Lodge provide a cozy yet straightforward experience. They have twin rooms, shared bathrooms, and communal dining areas. Hot showers cost extra. It is the standard lodge throughout the trek.
All lodges in Phakding offer cozy rooms, serve three meals, and provide a shared experience of warm hospitality. Prices range from NPR 1,000 to 3,000, depending on the lodge and comfort.
Seasonal Weather in Phakding
Like any other place, Phakding’s weather also changes with the seasons. Since Phakding is a mountainous village, the weather is also somewhat unpredictable. You should plan and pack smart to avoid any significant issues.
- Spring (March to May): This season is among the best times to visit. Days are warm, rising to 16°C in March and 27°C in May. Nights are cool, and the skies are mostly clear. Rain starts appearing in late May as a sign of the Monsoon approaching.
- Summer (June to September): Heavy rainfalls, especially in July and August. Days are warm and humid, and nights are mild. Trails are muddy and flooded. The sky is foggy with heavy clouds. September does have some clear skies, but most of the season is heavy rainfall.
- Autumn (October to November): Autumn is ideal for trekking. Days are sunny, and nights are cool. The sky is usually clear, and the views are extraordinary. October is lovely, with the best climate and views.
- Winter (December to February): Winter is cold and quiet. Days are sunny, but nights are freezing. Phakding rarely gets snow, and the sky is mostly clear. Some lodges close during the coldest weeks. It is a peaceful time to trek if you prefer fewer crowds.
Aim for spring or autumn for the best weather and clear views. Winter is freezing, but doable. Monsoon is the least popular trekking season with heavy rainfall. Choose according to your preference.
Permits and Trekking Regulations
You need the following permits for trekking in the Everest Region:
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry: Trekkers need this permit for all treks in the Everest region, and it costs NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals. You can buy it from Kathmandu or Monjo, a village north of Phakding.
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: This local permit covers the Khumbu region and costs NPR 2,000. You can buy it from Lukla or Kathmandu.
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card: Authorities reintroduced TIMS card in 2023 for all foreign nationals. It costs NPR 2,000. It is not mandatory for the Everest region trekking, but most agencies recommend it to avoid hassles.
- Guide Requirement: As of 2023, every trekker has to hire a professional licensed guide to trek the region. Authorities do not enforce it properly, but the law still requires it. Solo trekking is still allowed, but hiring a guide is safer.
Note: Officials check your permits at Monjo. Carry your passport and all essential documents, as missing documents may lead to fines. Children under 10 in any nation are exempt from any permits.
Services and Costs in Phakding
Phakding offers the basic services you need to start your Everest Base Camp trek. WiFi: Most lodges provide the EverestLink network for a price of NPR 500 per day. Some luxury places offer free WiFi. Network speed may be slow, especially during the evening.
- Hot Shower: Hot showers are common in many low and mid-altitude villages in the Everest region. Lodges heat water with either solar energy or gas. It may cost you extra, around NPR 300-500.
- Charging Devices: Hydro and solar sources generate power for the village. Most lodges let you charge your devices for free, but some charge around NPR 100-200 per device. It is better to carry a power bank.
- Laundry: Some lodges offer hand-washing for NPR 100-200 per cloth. You will air-dry your laundry either outside or near the kitchen stove.
- Supplies: Many shops sell snacks, bottled water, toiletries, batteries, and basic trekking gear. Shop major gear in Kathmandu, Lukla, or Namche Bazaar. Prices are higher in Phakding and increase as the altitude increases.
- Food and Drink: Lodges serve the standard trekking meals. Dinner and breakfast often cost a total of NPR 1,000-2,000. Tea, coffee, noodles, and biscuits are available in every shop. Bottled water is expensive, costing NPR 100 per liter.
Tips: Bring biodegradable soap, a power bank, and personal medications. You won’t find oxygen canisters and other advanced medical supplies widely available here. Ask at a larger lodge or in Namche.
Phakding offers basic but sufficient facilities. Carry your essentials from the city. Buy food and other minor gear here if you forgot anything. Phakding is a getaway village before the elevation gain in the trek. It is a reliable stop with great views and weather.