Why is Phakding your First Overnight Stop on the EBC Trail?
After landing at Lukla at an altitude of 2,860 meters / 9,383 feet, you slowly descend the trail down to Phakding at 2,610 meters / 8,563 feet. Surrounded by forests, rocky outcrops, mountain villages plus typical Himalayan scenery, makes you forget that you were hiking on an adventure trail for a day or two.
What may come to surprise you is that, on your first day doing the Everest Base Camp Trek, you will be hiking down the mountain by approx. 230 meters. The purpose of the hike down the mountain on the first day is to slowly acclimate your body to the altitude.
The drop in elevation helps you overcome the challenge of sleeping at higher altitudes during the following days. The whole trek follows the rule of climbing high and sleeping low to acclimatize the body to the altitude. Your body gets time to catch up while you get your first proper taste of trekking in the Khumbu.
Phakding also happens to be in the sweet spot distance-wise. It's close enough to reach in roughly half a day after the morning flight. It is a gentle opening act before the EBC trail starts asking for more from your legs.
Where is the first night stay on the Everest Base Camp Trek Starting from Lukla?
Starting the first day of the Everest base camp trek Kathmandu to Lukla land by tiny aircraft collecting our luggage, probably a short break or breakfast in Luka and start to walk our trekking journey to the Everest base camp.
The Lukla to Phakding trek is your gentle introduction to Himalayan trekking. Following the morning flight, you begin the trek, walking for about 3 to 4 hours, and covering a distance of 6 to 7 km. This is mainly a descent with the odd gentle slope.
As you trek, you will follow the Dudh Koshi through pine forests with mountainous scenery, passing a few Sherpa villages and a couple of suspension bridges with lovely prayer flags. Along the trail are mani stones with Buddhist mantras carved into them, so you get a great taste of Himalayan culture during this short hike.
There is an interesting mix of traffic on these trails, so if you are used to walking from your hotel to the local village, keep your walking pole handy. Yak transporters, porters, trekkers, and local Nepalese walking along with their pack animals are all vying for space along these trails. Show courtesy to the animals and walkers, and keep a good pace so you can watch the pretty surroundings.
As mentioned, the trails are relatively easy for the first part of your trek, but do take it easy while you are getting used to the awesome altitude. Your body is still getting used to what you have exposed it to!
What is your First Night Stay in a Phakding Tea House Like?
Trekking route to Everest base camp Phakding has plenty of tea houses, most of which offer very good, if basic, accommodation by Himalayan trekking standards, compared to more basic ones available on higher trails.
The standard room is a simple double with two beds, minimal furnishings, and thin walls, with either shared or en suite bathrooms. For those who feel like they have had enough of sharing rooms with other hikers (or having been shared with on their first night), private rooms with attached bathrooms are also available at the time of booking.
While you should expect blankets to be provided, both your sleeping bag and bag liner should also be brought along, as cold mountainous nights can be particularly chilly.
The tea house dining room is where you will spend your evenings socializing with other trekkers, and a chance to both settle down after a day's hike and also warm up.
Tea House Facilities and Extra Services
Phakding tea houses offer a pretty decent setup for your first night. Most have electricity, Wi-Fi, and hot showers, although these amenities often come at a surcharge. The higher you go, the more expensive and sparser they become, so charge your camera, your phones, and your power banks if you can!
Hot showers in Phakding are usually gas-powered, so they are more available and trustworthy than in higher villages such as along the trails of EBC or Three High Passes. It is a perfect place to rest after a walking tour spent in the morning and a steep climb made in the afternoon.
Regarding food, most tea houses have a common dining hall, where they also serve their menu. It is usually modest but includes most of the trekking staples, such as rice-dal bhat, noodles, rice, pasta, soup, momos, eggs, bread, and various drinks.
One last practical tip: carry small Nepali rupee notes. Cash is still king on the trail, and card payments aren't something you should rely on in Phakding or beyond.
Your First Night Sleeping at High Altitude Trekking Route to Everest
In Phakding, there is nothing particularly special about altitude. However, your body has been subjected to a rapid change in altitude from Kathmandu at about 1,400 meters to almost twice that in the space of a few hours, so it may take some time for you to adjust.
Your body will let you know if you get altitude sickness, so it is always a good idea to keep hydrated and take it easy on the first day or two. You may experience some minor discomfort, such as a slight headache and disrupted sleep, on the first night. It is advisable to avoid alcohol on the first day as it can lead to further dehydration. Caffeine should also be limited later in the day if you are experiencing sleeping problems.
Remember to always inform your guide if you are feeling unwell rather than try to power through the discomfort. A good guide on a group or private trek will be able to assess how you are feeling and decide together with you what would be the best course of action.
Making the Most of Your First Afternoon in Phakding
For your first afternoon in Phakding, keep things relaxed and let your body settle into the Himalayan rhythm.
If you have some energy left, you may want to take a short walk around the village and visit the small monastery of Rimishung/Pema Choling. This is a nice opportunity to slow down and take in the views while you get your first glimpse of the Buddhist culture of the Everest region.
You can also just sit and relax along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River and watch the current tumble by. There is nothing like an hour or so of complete and utter leisure to help you unwind. If you are not in the mood to sit and stare, you can always have a chat, sip some hot tea, kill some time organizing your gear, and enjoy the views from the tea house.
What if You Arrive Late in Phakding After A Delayed Lukla Flight?
Lukla flights are famously weather-dependent. If your flight from Kathmandu is delayed but still lands in Lukla with enough daylight, you can usually continue trekking to Phakding as planned.
If you arrive too late to make the walk safely, though, don't try to race the trail just to protect the itinerary. Your guide or trekking operator agency can adjust the plan and arrange your overnight stay based on the situation. Sometimes that may mean staying in Lukla and starting toward Phakding the following morning.
This is one reason having a guided group trek in Nepal can be helpful. Instead of staring at your watch and panicking because the itinerary says “Phakding,” your guide can work around the flight situation and make the safer call.
Getting Ready for the Climb to Namche Tomorrow from Phakding
Tomorrow, your route becomes significantly more serious. Hiking from Phakding to Namche Bazaar involves more uphill trekking, so the first night is a perfect opportunity to recharge.
You should eat a good dinner and drink plenty of water during the evening. Having had a substantial carbohydrate-rich meal, such as dal bhat, noodles, soup, rice, or another dish for dinner, you will have energy for the following day. Then, you can charge your phone, camera, power bank, and other devices using the available electricity and pack your backpack for the next day.
In addition, you should store the most frequently used items, such as water, spare clothing, sunscreen lotions, sunglasses, and other items, within reach. If you hire a guide for your Everest Base Camp Tour, they will inform you of the morning start and the route to follow. Most importantly, you should aim to go to bed early to regain some energy for the first day of hiking. On the second morning, you can slowly walk to the trail, nap if needed, and get acclimated to the altitude.
FAQs
Where do you sleep the first night on the Everest Base Camp trek?
Phakding is the first overnight stop on the classic EBC Trek after the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and a few hours of trekking.
Why should you stay in Phakding on the first night of the EBC trek?
It allows you to ease into the altitude and is also a convenient distance from Lukla before the more strenuous portions of the trek towards Namche Bazaar begin.
How long does the trek from Lukla to Phakding take?
The trek from Lukla to Phakding takes about 3 to 4 hours and covers a distance of 6 to 7 kilometers with a gentle slope and some stretches of flat ground.
What kind of accommodations are available in Phakding?
Most of the accommodations are in the form of a local tea house providing basic twin-sharing rooms with bedding and attached or shared bathrooms.
Can I get a private room in Phakding during the EBC trail?
Yes. Private rooms are available at some tea houses, and private rooms with attached bathrooms can also be arranged as an upgrade.
Do Phakding tea houses have hot showers?
Yes, most established tea houses offer hot showers, usually for an additional fee.
Is Wi-Fi available in Phakding during the EBC trek?
Most tea houses offer Wi-Fi, although it can come with a small charge and may not be lightning-fast.
Can I charge my phone in Phakding?
Yes, electricity and charging facilities are generally available, often for an extra fee. It’s a great place to top up your devices and power banks.
What should I eat on the first night of the EBC Trek?
Tea houses serve filling trekking staples such as dal bhat, noodles, rice, pasta, soups, eggs, momo, and hot drinks.
What should I do on my first afternoon in Phakding?
Keep it easy: rest, explore the village, visit the small monastery, sit beside the Dudh Koshi River, or simply enjoy a cup of tea and do absolutely nothing.
Can I get altitude sickness in Phakding?
Phakding is not usually considered a high-risk altitude, but your body is still adjusting after the jump from Kathmandu. Stay hydrated, take it easy, and tell your guide if you feel unwell.
What happens if my Lukla flight is delayed during the EBC Trek?
If you can still reach Phakding safely, the trek usually continues as planned. If you arrive too late, your guide or operator company can adjust the itinerary and arrange a suitable overnight stay.
What comes after Phakding on the EBC Trek?
trail continues toward Namche Bazaar, with a longer and more demanding day ahead.
