Meals and Accommodation during trekking in Nepal

Meals and accommodation during trekking in Nepal vary as per the trekking style. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the meals and accommodations available during trekking in Nepal, and provide some tips on how to make the most of your journey.

Fueled by the myriad of resources to explore and yet to discover, Nepal is at the zenith of trekking destinations. Known widely as the ‘Trekkers Paradise’, Nepal consists of numerous trekking routes that will leave you mesmerized all the way to your heart.

Set on the lap of the world’s most magnificent mountains, the major areas for trekking are set in the Everest Region, Annapurna Region, Langtang Region, Manaslu Region, Dolpo Region, Upper Mustang Region etc.

The treks to these and many other regions offer varying tastes and idiosyncratic traits and some are even endemic to the region thus creating a great dilemma among travellers.

Meals and Accommodation during trekking in Nepal

Meals and accommodation during trekking in Nepal vary as per the trekking style. In general trekking in Nepal can be divided into two types: Teahouse trekking and camping trekking.

Teahouse trekking is a trekking program where you will be staying at various tea houses throughout your trek. These tea houses are well equipped with sufficient supplies and adequate room services.

Camping trekking, as its name suggests, is where you will be camping at different places in your trek. You will be trekking with a team well-equipped with all the necessary supplies around the route.  

Tea House Trekking in Nepal

What is Tea House Trek?

Teahouse trekking is where you will be eating/lodging in pre-established lodges that will be available around the trails. You will witness a lot of teahouses en route and due to this increasing number of teahouses and trekkers accommodating there, this type of trekking got its name. These lodges will have adequate services and supplies for your stay, including food and various other services to a certain extent.

Teahouse treks are very popular in the Nepalese trekking industry as it is indeed much lesser of a hassle than camping treks. You can engage in this kind of trekking around the popular routes of Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Manaslu Circuit, Langtang Valley, and many other regions. Teahouses that you will come across in your trek are very well established and of good standards and it’s locally run.

Meals (Breakfast and Dinner) are pre-ordered in order to save time, breakfast orders for the next morning are given before you go to bed and dinner orders are given as soon as you reach the teahouse. Your typical day starts around 6:00-7:00 am depending on your itinerary for that day. You start the day with breakfast in your lodge and If you have a guide with you, s/he will probably contact the next tea house/lodge about your arrival every day and you head out towards the next stop. En route, you will have lunch at any nearby lodge around noon. Shortly after lunch, you will be reaching your destination. Here you can explore the nearby sights or just relax. Around 7:00 pm you will have your dinner and the day ends.

Accommodation at Teahouse/lodges during trekking in Nepal

Over the years, the standard of the Teahouses and lodges has improved a lot. The available Teahouses around the regular trekking areas are well-equipped with various facilities. Trekking in the (Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and Manaslu areas) does not need tremendous logistics in accommodation as there are many clean and friendly Lodges along the trail.

Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets. A few have electric lights and all have a warm spacious dining room lounge. All the lodges en route to the trekking areas are locally run.

Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary. You may find varying qualities of Teahouses with some offering basic facilities to some even providing luxury options. Nevertheless, these Teahouses are very cosy and comfortable. Hot Showers, Electricity to charge, and WIFI are available in most teahouses with an extra charge

Meals at Teahouse/Lodges during trekking in Nepal

Food at Teahouse trekking varies according to the teahouse and its location. Basic Teahouses can offer you a wide variety of meals whereas teahouses situated at higher altitudes may not be able to offer you the same menu.

Nonetheless, the food provided in these Teahouses is hygienic and delicious. The meals are usually prepared from the local agro-products. Any other ingredients that cannot grow at certain altitudes are brought from the market.

Some common food items you can find at Teahouses are Dal-Bhat set (Rice, lentils, vegetables), Meat, Rice items, Noodles Items, Pasta, Momo, potatoes etc. Breakfast items are usually, toast, eggs, pancakes, porridge, muesli etc.

Here are some of the foods you can expect to find on the trek:

• Dhal Bhat: Dhal Bhat is a traditional Nepali dish that is made with rice and lentil soup (dhal) and served with a variety of side dishes such as vegetables, pickles, and meats. It is a staple of the Nepali diet and is considered to be a cheap and filling meal. In addition to being a tasty and satisfying meal, dhal bhat is also a great source of protein and nutrients, making it an ideal option for trekkers and adventurers who are looking to refuel after a long day on the trail.

• Momos: These Tibetan dumplings are a staple in the Solu-Khumbu region, and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, meat, or cheese. They’re often served steamed or fried and are a popular snack or light meal.

• Thukpa/Noodles: This hearty Tibetan noodle soup is made with vegetables, meat, and noodles in a spicy broth. It’s a filling and flavorful option that’s perfect for warming up after a long day on the trail.

• Sherpa Stew: This hearty stew is made with potatoes, vegetables, and either chicken or buffalo meat, and is a staple of the Sherpa diet. It’s a great way to refuel after a long day on the trail.

• Tibetan Bread: This dense, chewy bread is made with wheat flour and is often served with butter and cheese. It’s a staple of the Tibetan diet and is a great option for breakfast or a snack on the trail.

• Yak Cheese: Yak cheese is a common ingredient in many of the dishes in the Solu-Khumbu region, and has a pungent, salty flavour. It’s often used to add flavour to soups, stews, and other dishes.

• Breakfast Items: Porridge, Muesli, Pancakes, Breads, Toasts, Eggs

Camping Trek in Nepal

What is Camping Trekking?   

Camping trekking is a trekking program where you will be trekking with a team fully equipped with all the necessary supplies and logistics. You will be setting up camp at different stops on your route. Your team will be carrying tents, sleeping mats, dining tents, kitchen equipment, food supplies, Utensils and etc for your comfort.

Your team will consist of guides, porters, cooks, and camping staff. You will be camping at pre-decided locations where camp will be set up by the team before you reach and the food will also be prepared. One benefit of camping trekking is that you can go for camping treks anywhere including the destinations for teahouse treks.

Some of the most popular camping treks destinations are Rolwaling Valley, Upper Dolpo, Dudh Kunda, Dhaulagiri circuit, Limi valley, Kanchenjunga etc. Some of these destinations are the most isolated yet culturally rich regions of Nepal.

Your day starts with a cup of tea/coffee brought to your tent. Pack your bags and indulge in a breakfast freshly prepared by the kitchen staff while other staff will pack the tents and equipment. Resume your trek and head out to the next destinations, lunch will be served along the way and the camps will be set before you reach our overnight place.

Accommodation at camping trek in Nepal

Accommodation at camping treks is a completely different experience as compared to the teahouse treks. On the camping trek, you will be staying and having meals in the tent. We provide high-quality mountain tents for all our camping trips. For every 2 persons, a tent is provided together with a sleeping bag, mattress and other for comfort. You can consider bringing along an extra mattress or inflatable mat. There will be a dining tent with chairs and a table for you to have meals and also to spend time relaxing and talking.

The accommodation at camping treks will definitely not be as comfortable as the accommodation at teahouse trekking, but it surely will give you exposure to nature and be a step further in the adventure. 

The food at Camping trek in Nepal

We consider hearty and delicious meals as a key component to the overall success of our trip. Our Chef will prepare exceptional meals and ensure quality preparation during the trekking/climbing period on our climbing trips.

You can and are encouraged to bring along comfort food which you enjoy eating – chocolates, power bars, dry fruits, candies, other snacks etc. Since you will be travelling along with experienced logistics and cooks, you will be provided with a good standard of healthy food.

Your choices may be narrower than that of a teahouse trek but you will surely enjoy these delicious meals. Every food item will be cooked by the members of the crew. Some of the most common food items that are eaten on camping treks are bread, eggs, pancakes, porridge, muesli etc for breakfast and Dal Bhat set, rice, noodles, pasta, spaghetti, momo, potatoes etc for lunch and dinner.

Conclusion

Both Teahouse and Camping treks are great ways to experience trekking in Nepal. These two are the available options for meals and accommodation during trekking in Nepal

Teahouse trekking is growing in popularity as there have been an increasing number of teahouses being available around the famous trekking routes of Nepal. Camping treks are no less, you can go for camping treks almost anywhere you like. Most people prefer to take it to the rural areas and areas where there are very fewer tea houses.

The major differences between the two types of trek lie in the meals and accommodation. Nevertheless, both types of trekking can be great ways to fulfil your thirst for adventure.