Accommodations and Foods in Everest Trekking

Embarking on an Everest Trekking adventure exposes trekkers to the unique and authentic hospitality of the Himalayan Region, particularly in terms of accommodation and culinary experiences. While cities like Kathmandu boast a diverse range of luxurious accommodations and international cuisines, ranging from Chinese, Indian, to Japanese, things take a more local and traditional turn as one moves towards the trekking routes.

In the heart of the Everest Region, unlike the urban sprawl that offers everything from non-star to 5-star hotels & resorts, trekkers find solace in teahouses. A staple of the Himalayan Regions, including the Annapurna Region, Langtang Region, and Manaslu, teahouses have evolved from simple resting points where weary travelers sipped tea, to now being integral overnight stops offering meals and shelter. Over time, as the influx of tourists swelled, these teahouses metamorphosed into comfortable abodes, giving trekkers a homely feeling in a foreign land, often dubbed as Teahouse Trek.

Teahouses, though simple in infrastructure due to the challenging geography and remoteness, provide the best they can in terms of food and lodging. As trekkers traverse from Lukla to the uppermost parts of the Khumbu Region, they'll encounter numerous teahouses, each having its own unique charm and offering.

When it comes to cuisine in these teahouses, expect to be treated to traditional Nepalese dishes. While the lavish international buffets of the city might be far away, the heartwarming and energy-packed meals like Dal Bhat become a staple for every trekker.

While trekking in the Everest Region, the teahouses not only provide shelter and sustenance but also a deep dive into the local culture and tradition, making the journey all the more enriching.

Drinks Available on Everest Trekking

While trekking through the majestic trails of the Everest Region, staying hydrated and making wise beverage choices is crucial, given the high altitudes and physically demanding terrains. Though tempting options like alcohol and caffeine are available in teahouses, it's advisable to avoid or limit their consumption. Instead, trekkers can relish a variety of other beverages that cater to their tastes and also provide comfort and energy. Here's a look at the beverages you can expect on the Everest Trek:

• Mineral Water: Always a staple, mineral water is widely available. It's imperative to stay hydrated, and consuming ample water can also help acclimatize to higher altitudes.

• Tea: A warm cup of tea, whether it's black or with milk (often prepared using milk powder), is the perfect companion to start your mornings or end a long day of trekking.

• Fruit Juices: These are not your typical freshly squeezed juices but are fruit-flavored extracts mixed with hot water. Hot Lemon and Hot Orange are among the common choices. Some teahouses also offer these with ginger slices, which can be particularly soothing for an upset stomach and offer a warming sensation.

• Alcohol: While local homemade spirits and beers like Everest and Nepal Ice might tempt many, it's essential to remember that alcohol can dehydrate the body and may not be ideal when trekking. However, for those wanting to try a local brew, these are the popular choices in the region.

While there are a variety of drinks available on the Everest Trek, it's essential to make choices that not only quench your thirst but also ensure your well-being during the trek.

Type of food is served in the tea houses during Everest Trekking

Due to the remoteness and high elevation, Foods and other necessary goods have to be carried by people themselves or by using horses/mules and yaks. So, most meals are of nonperishable ingredients such as cereals, rice, grains, and others.

Types of breakfast served During Everest trek
Generally, most of the teahouses offer a hot breakfast usually consisting of French toast, eggs, potatoes, tea, and coffee. Here is a list of such breakfasts which may be available during trekking in the Everest region.

• Toasted Bread
• Toast bread with jam and honey
• French toast
• Cheese toast
• Honey toast
• Jam toast
• Toast bread with egg and cheese
• Plain toast

Eggs

• Boiled eggs
• Plain omelets
• Scrambled eggs
• Fried eggs
• Veg omelets
• Cheese omelets
• Bread and Pancakes
• Tibetan Bread
• Pancake with jam or honey
• Apple pancake
• Egg pancake
• Chocolate pancake
• Lemon pancake
• Cinnamon pancake
• Chapati plain
• Chapati with honey, peanut butter, egg, and baked beans

Porridge

• Oat porridge
• Tsampa porridge
• Apple porridge
• Honey porridge
• Porridge with cinnamon and resins
• Muesli with hot milk
• Cornflakes with hot milk
• Rice pudding
• Chocolate pudding

Lunch and Dinner in Teahouse

• Rice Meals ( Dal Bhat Power-24 hour)
• Dal Bhat Normal/ Veg
• Dal Bhat non-veg
• Rice with chicken curry
• Rice with veg curry
• Cheese fried rice
• Veg fried rice
• Egg fried rice
• Tuna fried rice
• Mixed fried rice

Other Foods Available in Teahouse

• Noodles
• Veg fried noodles
• Egg-fried noodles
• Fried noodles with cheese
• Mixed fried noodles
• Momo (Dumplings)
• Veg momo
• Buff momo
• Chicken momo
• Cheese momo
• Veg momo fried or steamed
• Potato momo
• Pasta and Macaronis
• Veg fried pasta
• Cheese fried pasta
• Pasta with cheese and tomato sauce
• Plain macaroni
• Macaroni with vegetables, cheese, and egg
• Mix macaroni
• Pizza and Sandwiches
• Chicken Pizza
• Mushroom pizza
• Mixed pizza
• Grilled cheese tomato sandwich
• Grilled tomato egg sandwich
• Grilled tuna and tomato sandwich
• Spaghetti
• Spaghetti with cheese and tomato sauce
• Spaghetti with tomato sauce
• Spaghetti veg tomato sauce
• Spaghetti with tuna, cheese, and tomato sauce

There are lots of variety of foods as your choice and need. You are given a menu locally prepared by the teahouse and you will find the options in order for your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Due to the large crowd and mass trekkers, there may be a chance of unavailability of such foods but don’t worry. Nepali Traditional and common food “Dal Bhat” is surely available.

Cost of food in Everest trekking

Trekking in the Everest region isn't just about the scenic landscapes and mighty mountains, but also the unique cultural and culinary experience. When planning for the trek, one of the essential things trekkers ponder upon is the cost of food. Let's break it down:

Given the remoteness of the Everest region, the cost of food items tends to be higher than in lower altitudes or city areas. This is due to the logistical challenges involved in transporting goods to such high and inaccessible places, often requiring yaks, mules, or human porters.

General Pricing:

1. Most food items range between USD 3-8. This cost can vary based on:

• The specific location: As you ascend higher, the cost might increase slightly due to transportation challenges.
• The type of dish: Local dishes, primarily centered around rice and lentils, may be cheaper than more Westernized options.
• The tea house or lodge you choose: Some upscale lodges may charge a bit more.

While the menus across teahouses in the Everest region remain relatively consistent, offering a mix of Nepali, Tibetan, and standard continental dishes, trekkers are often introduced to traditional Nepali dishes for the first time. The staple food and a must-try is Dal Bhat, a nutritious combo of lentil soup and rice, often accompanied by vegetable curries and pickles. This hearty meal not only offers a genuine taste of Nepali cuisine but is also a source of sustained energy for trekkers.

Tips for Trekkers:

• Always carry some extra cash, as prices can be slightly higher than expected in some places.
• While trying out new dishes, especially local ones, is part of the adventure, ensure you're eating at reputable places to avoid potential stomach upsets.
• Consider opting for package deals that include food and accommodation, as they might offer better value for money.

While trekking in the Everest region, it's essential to budget appropriately for food. This way, you can enjoy the vast array of culinary delights without any concerns. The Everest trek is as much a gastronomic journey as it is a visual one, so savor every bite!

Carry some snacks of our own

Yes, definitely, we can. Trekkers carry some light snacks on the trail to satisfy their immediate hunger. You can carry some light snacks like cookies, chocolate, fruit, etc.

We have done good and enough discussion about foods in this article which will definitely be helpful for you while trekking to Everest or Trekking in Nepal.

We already discussed that accommodation on trekking in the Himalayan will be served by the teahouse. Due to the remoteness of the area, the expected facility as in the city is a little illogical. However, accommodation in the Teahouse will definitely exceed your expectations. 

Accommodation in Everest trekking

A quintessential aspect of trekking in Nepal, especially in the Everest region, is the unique teahouse experience. For trekkers unfamiliar with the concept, a teahouse is essentially a mountain inn providing both food and accommodation in the remote Himalayan areas. Even amidst the remote terrain, these establishments ensure a commendable level of quality and comfort.

Trekkers can choose from a range of room types – Single, Twin, and Triple. Depending on the inflow of trekkers, especially during peak seasons, rooms can get pre-booked swiftly. Hence, it might pose a challenge to secure a room of one's preference. Whether you opt for a single room or shared accommodation, the teahouses ensure they are well-kept.

Bathroom and toilet facilities are typically on a shared basis. While cold showers are usually complimentary, a hot shower might incur an additional cost. Another amenity offered is charging stations for your electronic devices, though there might be limited access in some teahouses.

Rooms, generally equipped with two beds and a table, are snug and insulated. Cleanliness is a priority, evident in the fresh bed linens, pillows, and blankets provided. For those particularly concerned about the security of their belongings, it's advisable to carry a personal lock to ensure peace of mind.

The teahouse accommodation is tailored to provide trekkers with a cozy retreat in the heart of the Himalayas, offering a genuine taste of Nepalese hospitality.

Cost of Accommodation in Everest Trekking

The Everest region, while remote, caters to a variety of trekking preferences, from the budget-conscious traveler to those seeking a touch of luxury amidst the mountains.

For trekkers desiring a more luxurious experience, the Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek offers upscale accommodations. However, these luxury accommodations are available primarily in specific locations such as Lukla, Phakding, Namche, and Dingboche. To ensure a seamless luxury experience, trekkers are advised to communicate their preferences to their local trekking partner well in advance.

On the cost front, luxury accommodations in the Everest region range from USD 25-35 per night. In contrast, traditional teahouse accommodations are more economical, with prices varying between USD 5-15 per night. It's worth noting that most teahouses now have a per-night charging model, often on a sharing basis, providing a blend of affordability and camaraderie for trekkers.

If you are looking for the best Everest Trekking, we offer the Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter flight, Everest Base Camp Heli Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek with 5-star accommodations in Kathmandu, Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek, and many more.

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