Dingboche has some of the highest bakeries in the world, small cafés with sunny windows, padded benches and espresso machines powered by solar or hydro electricity. Coffee beans, flour and butter arrive by porter and yak, so prices are several times those in Kathmandu, but a fresh cinnamon roll at 4,410 m feels worth it. Lemon ginger honey tea, hot chocolate and garlic soup are popular choices for staying hydrated.
Many of the bakeries screen Everest films and documentaries in the afternoon, which helps pass the time between the morning hike and dinner. The point of a rest day at this height is to stay active enough to breathe deeply: doctors advise against sleeping during the day, because breathing slows during sleep and altitude symptoms can worsen. A warm room, a hot drink and a film keep you awake without exertion.
Use the afternoon to sort your kit for the next stages, charge batteries if the lodge offers charging, and check your feet and blisters. Write postcards, read or play cards with your group. If you feel well, a short walk around the stone-walled fields at sunset gives fine views of Ama Dablam. Eat a good dinner with carbohydrates such as dal bhat, which the lodges serve with free refills.
Good for
- Couples
- Families
- Solo
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
Are there bakeries in Dingboche?
Yes, Dingboche has several bakeries and cafés serving espresso, cakes, apple pie and cinnamon rolls. Prices are high because everything is carried in. Many screen Everest films in the afternoon, making them popular on rest days.
Should I sleep on my rest day at altitude?
Doctors generally advise against long daytime naps at high altitude, because breathing slows during sleep and can worsen symptoms. Do a morning hike, stay up and active in the afternoon, and sleep normally at night.
What should I drink at high altitude?
Water, tea, soups and electrolyte drinks, aiming for about 3–4 litres a day. Garlic soup and ginger lemon honey tea are trekkers' favourites. Avoid alcohol until you are descending, and limit strong coffee in the evening if you sleep badly.
