Meal and Accommodation during trek in Nepal

Meals and accommodation while trekking in Nepal vary according to the trekking style. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the food and accommodation available while trekking in Nepal, and provide some tips on how to make the most of your trip. Fueled by countless resources to explore and discover, Nepal is at the pinnacle of trekking destinations. Widely known as the ‘trekker’s paradise’, Nepal has countless trekking routes that will captivate you to your heart’s content.

Nestled in the lap of some of the world’s finest mountains, the Everest region, Annapurna region, Langtang region, Manaslu region, Dolpo region, Upper Mustang region, etc. are prime areas for trekking. Treks in these and many other regions offer different flavors and unique features and some are even local to the region, creating a huge dilemma among travelers.

Meals and Accommodation During Trekking in Nepal

Meals and accommodation during trekking in Nepal vary depending on the trekking style. General trekking in Nepal can be divided into two types: teahouse trekking and camping trekking. Teahouse trekking is a trekking program where you will stay in various tea houses throughout your trek. These tea houses are equipped with adequate supplies and adequate room services. Camping trekking, as its name suggests, is where you will camp at various places on your trek. You will be trekking with a team equipped with all the necessary supplies around the route.

Tea House Trekking in Nepal

What is a Tea House Trek?
Teahouse trekking is where you will stay in pre-established lodges that are available around the trails. You will see many tea houses along the way and this is the name of this type of trekking due to the increasing number of tea houses and trekkers. These lodges will have adequate services and supplies for your stay, including food and to a certain extent other various services. Teahouse treks are very popular in the Nepali trekking industry because it is actually less hassle than camping treks. You can engage in this type of trek around popular routes of Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Manaslu Circuit, Langtang Valley and many other areas. The tea houses that you will come across on your trek are very well established and of good standard and are run locally.

Meals (breakfast and dinner) is pre-ordered to save time, the next day’s breakfast is ordered before you go to bed and dinner is ordered as soon as you reach the tea house. Your typical day starts around 6:00-7:00 AM depending on your itinerary for that day. You start the day with breakfast at your lodge and if you have a guide, he will probably contact the next tea house/lodge every day about your arrival and you will head towards the next stop. Along the way, you will have lunch at any nearby lodge in the afternoon. Shortly after lunch, you will arrive at your destination. Here you can explore the nearby sights or relax. Around 7:00 PM you will have your dinner and the day ends.

Accommodation in teahouses/lodges during trekking in Nepal
Over the years, the standard of teahouses and lodges has improved a lot. Teahouses available around the regular trekking areas are equipped with various facilities. Accommodation during trekking (Egarmatha, Annapurna, Langtang and Manaslu areas) does not require much logistics as there are many clean and friendly lodges. The rooms are basic, usually beds with pillows and blankets. Some have electric lights and all have a warm spacious dining room lounge. All the lodges that go to the trekking area are locally run. Please note that some of them are very basic and require a sense of adventure. You can find different qualities of teahouses that offer basic facilities to some that offer luxurious options. However, these teahouses are very comfortable and cozy. Hot water, electricity for charging, and WiFi are available at most teahouses for an additional fee.

Meals at a teahouse/lodge during a trek in Nepal
The food during a teahouse trek depends on the teahouse and its location. Basic teahouses may offer you a variety of food while teahouses located at higher altitudes may not be able to offer you the same menu. However, the food served at these teahouses is hygienic and tasty. The food is usually made from local agricultural produce. Other ingredients that cannot grow at a certain altitude are brought from the market. Some of the common food items available at teahouses are dal-bhat sets (rice, lentils, vegetables), meat, rice items, noodle items, pasta, momos, potatoes, etc. Breakfast usually includes toast, eggs, pancakes, porridge, muesli. etc.

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

• Dhal Bhat: Dhal Bhat is a traditional Nepali dish made from rice and lentil soup (dal) and is served with a variety of side dishes such as vegetables, pickles and meat. It is a staple of Nepali cuisine and is considered a cheap and filling meal. Apart from being a tasty and satisfying meal, dal 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 of the Solu-Khumbu region, and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, meat or cheese. They are 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 is a filling and flavorful option that is 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 dishes from the Solu-Khumbu region, and has a tangy, salty flavor. It’s often used to add flavor to soups, stews, and other dishes.
• Breakfast: Oatmeal, muesli, pancakes, bread, toast, eggs

Camping Trek in Nepal

What is Camping Trekking?
Camping Trekking is a trekking program where you will trek with a fully equipped team with all the necessary supplies and logistics. You will set up camp at various stops along your route. Your team will carry tents, sleeping mats, dining tents, kitchen equipment, food supplies, utensils, etc. for your comfort. Your team will include guides, porters, cooks, and camping staff. You will camp at pre-determined locations where the camp will be set up and food will be prepared by the team before you arrive. One of the advantages of camping trekking is that you can go anywhere for camping treks, including teahouse trek destinations.

Some of the popular camping trek destinations are Rolwaling Valley, Upper Dolpo, Dudhkund, Dhaulagiri Circuit, Limi Valley, Kanchenjunga, etc. Some of these destinations are some of the most isolated yet culturally rich regions of Nepal. Your day begins with a cup of tea/coffee brought to your tent. Pack your bags and enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast by the kitchen staff while other staff pack your tent and equipment. Resume your trek and head to your next destination, lunch will be served en route and camps will be set up before you reach our overnight spot.

Accommodation on a camping trek in Nepal
Accommodation on a camping trek is a completely different experience compared to a teahouse trek. On a camping trek, you will stay and eat in a tent. We provide high-quality mountain tents for all our camping trips. For every 2 people, the tent is provided with a sleeping bag, mattress and other things for comfort. You may consider bringing an extra mattress or inflatable mat. There will be a dining tent with chairs and a table for you to eat and relax and talk. The accommodation on a camping trek will definitely not be as comfortable as the accommodation on a teahouse trek, but it will definitely give you a step up in exposure to nature and adventure.

Meals on a camping trek in Nepal
We consider hearty and delicious food to be a key ingredient for the overall success of our trips. Our chefs will prepare exceptional food and ensure quality preparation during the trekking/climbing period on our climbing trips. You are encouraged to bring some tasty food items – chocolates, power bars, dry fruits, candies, other snacks etc. You will be travelling with an experienced logistician and cook, you will be provided with good quality. Healthy food. Your choices may be narrower than on a teahouse trek but you will definitely enjoy these tasty meals. Each food item will be cooked by the crew members. Some of the common food items eaten on camping treks are roti, eggs, pancakes, porridge, muesli etc. for breakfast and dal bhat set, rice, noodles, pasta, spaghetti, momos, potatoes etc. for lunch and dinner.

Conclusion
Both teahouse and camping treks are great ways to experience trekking in Nepal. These are two options for food and accommodation while trekking in Nepal. Trekking is gaining popularity with the availability of teahouses along the famous trekking routes of Nepal. There is no dearth of camping treks, you can go anywhere you want for camping treks. Many people prefer to take it to rural areas and areas with very few teahouses. The main differences between the two types of treks are in the food and accommodation. However, both types of trekking can be a great way to quench your thirst for adventure.