Electricity

[Eddie_S]

As an olditmer to Nepal, I was surprised by my recent visit to the Jomsom side (8th trip to Nepal). ELECTRICITY EVERYWHERE! I am just curious, is there electricity on the Manang side of the Annapurna Circuit? If so, is it all the way through the trek? Also, what about the Everest region? The last time I was there (1987) there was a trickle of current in Namche due to a local hydro project. What about now, is the Khumbu all juiced up too? Thanks for any info.

[Lars]

Eddie,

I do not know about the Manang side, I was there 20 years ago. But
for Khumbu there is some electricity in many places, often only low
voltage though. Enough to power a few lightbulbs, but hardly more.

Namche is the big exception. There is a power plant nearby. Already
five years ago Namche had a washing machine and a tumbler dryer.
Now at least two places offer to wash and dry your gear within a
few hours. Someone said that Namche had that service before
Kathmandu did.

There are also several Internet cafés in Namche. A bit expensive
since connection is through satellite. And there is a disco!

Lars
Stockholm