MOUNT EVEREST – The logistics of Mount Everest’s base camp are really wild. What was once one of the greatest accomplishments in the world has seemingly turned into a getaway for those who can afford to hire a guide/expedition service up the mountain. It will always be a serious accomplishment to climb Everest, but with guide companies getting more and more luxurious, things do start to seem a bit silly. YouTube channel Half As Interesting covers how everything manages to work at the +16,000 foot base camp.
Everest Link really does offer WiFi at Mount Everest’s base camp, in addition to Lukla, Phakding, Monju, Sewangma, Namche,Thame, Tengboche, Pangboche, and many other locations. Based in Kathmandu, prepaid WiFi cards for the company can be purchased at multiple lodges and stores on the way to the base camp. So while people were spending $25 a minute to call home on a satellite phone in the 90s, anyone on Everest can just scroll freely through their Instagram today.
It really does feel like the Everest experience is more of a luxury getaway these days, especially if you’re outfitter gives you a real bed, a work from home station, and a television. Of course I haven’t climbed Everest, and I probably never will. So really who am I to judge?