Toilets and Shower Along Everest Base Camp Trek
Before going to any mountain region, trekkers should know about the availability of toilets, showers, and facilities. So, learning about toilets and showers along the Everest base camp trekking route can also be a curious matter for trekkers.
You might have heard from some people about the toilets or have seen some pictures shared on social platforms. You will see some basic toilets with a bunch of seats with big holes and use the leaf to cover them. Yes, some of these types of toilets exist, but these are not for tourists.
Most places along the Everest Base Camp trail don't have western sitting toilets. Most guesthouses have squat toilets, but western sitting toilets are available up to Namche Bazaar during the EBC trek. The Khumbu region usually gets freezing, so the sitting bathrooms get ice because they are too cold and smell bad.
We use lovely lodges with clean accommodations and washrooms for our clients on the Everest Base Camp trek. All the guesthouses have indoor toilets and showers, and some have attached bathrooms. But don't expect the toilets and bathroom as you have in your home.
The Everest region is remote, so it's best to bring toilet paper, wipes, sanitizers, and other toiletries with you for the trek. You should also get things for the shower, like a quick-dry towel, shampoo, soap, and face washes.
You will get western commodes in the lower region up to Tengboche, but the guesthouses have flat squat toilets above 4,00m of elevation. Squat toilets might be unusual if you do not visit remote and mountain areas often. This kind of toilet can be a different experience if you have not used it before. It also can be challenging to use in a squat rather than a sitting position. Some toilets may not have running tap water, but you see water in a bucket and use the manual flush. They also keep a bin for toilet paper inside the toilets.
Using Squat Toilets During Everest Base Camp Trek
It might be uncomfortable to use squat toilets for those people who have never been to rural areas and have never used these flat toilets. So, here are some tips on using squat toilets below:
- First of all, put some water taken from a bucket for a manual flush and clean the ground surfaces
- Try to sit in a squat position by hugging your knee
- Before using a squat toilet, take toilet paper and empty your pockets. If you have a cell phone, wallet, or other valuables, they might fall into the hole and make you uncomfortable.
- Ensure you have placed both feet in the correct position on both sides and are close to the hole.
- Do not put toilet paper inside the hole, and put them in the garbage bin
Shower Facilities During Everest Base Camp Trek
There are hot Shower Facilities in every lodge along the way of the Everest base camp trek. You will have a hot shower in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar. These areas primarily have solar, electric, and gas showers, but the guesthouses might provide hot bucket water for the shower after Namche Bazaar. Hot showers are not included in the room cost, so you must pay extra for a hot bath.
It will be the cold temperature in the Everest region, so taking showers every day may not be a brilliant idea. It is good to wipe with wet tissue in a higher area above 4,000m during the Everest base camp trek.
Use the Toilet and Shower Safely
The bathrooms might have icy surfaces if you are on an Everest base camp trek from November to early March. The ice makes the floor slippery, so step carefully when you enter the bathroom and put water in to melt the ice first.
Laundry Service on Everest Base Camp Route
You will probably pack enough clothing for the trek. Taking lots of clothes can overload the Lula flight. You might be looking for Laundry Service during the trek. There is a machine-washing laundry service in Namche Bazaar. The lodge staff also provides hand-washing services, so you need to consult your guide to discuss laundry if you need it.
You can also wash your light clothes and socks along the trek. Every guesthouse has a washing place close to the main yard. So you can do your laundry during your acclimatization rest day in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche.
Conclusion
The mountain region is mainly rural, so the Everest base camp route is the same. However, do not expect luxurious toilets and perfect showers in the Everest base camp trekking region. The lodges may provide access to commode toilets and proper showers, but they are unused because of the cold temperatures. The shower pipes might not have running hot water due to freezing, and commode toilets will also have problems if they get iced.
Most trekkers don't think of having a shower every day because of the cold, which may also not be suitable for their health. However, the locals are trying to provide toilets and shower facilities in their guesthouses along the way to the Everest base camp.
