The best way to experience trekking in Nepal is to stay at the numerous teahouses that line the popular trekking routes. Originally, teahouses were small shops where travelers could take a break for a refreshing cup of tea. Over time, as more visitors came to explore the mountains in Nepal, these teahouses evolved into full-fledged mountain lodges offering food and accommodation to guests at a nominal price.
Most of the teahouses are owned, managed, and inhabited by local families. Trekkers love staying at teahouses as it gives them a rare glimpse into the culture and daily lives of the local people in rural Nepal. Teahouse trekking also saves you from having to carry your camping equipment, such as tents, sleeping bags, and food. Losing a few extra kilos can make all the difference at 4,000m elevation!
The standard of the teahouses and the comforts they offer will vary depending on their location. The more remote and less visited by tourists the region is, the more rustic and basic the lodgings will be. Specific well-traveled trails, such as the Everest Base Camp trail and Annapurna Base Camp, will offer some luxury hotels along the route, but most often, they will be pretty basic. From food to toilets and wifi, here is what to expect on your teahouse trek in Nepal:
Food
Nothing gets you over a looming mountain pass like the promise of a home-cooked meal waiting on the other side. Teahouses on the more traveled routes offer a surprising variety of world cuisines these days, ranging from Chow Mein to Pizza and Mac and Cheese. However, it is the traditional local dish, Dahl Bhat. Off the beaten path, such as in Manaslu Circuit Trek, may have limited food options. The plant-based dish is always fresh and gentle on your belly, providing the best fuel to conquer the strenuous terrain of the Himalayas. A set of Dal Bhat includes white rice, lentil curry, vegetable curry, and steamed spinach. The best part of having Dal Bhat is that you can eat as much as you want for the same price.
Mo: Mo’s, another one of our favorite local dishes, is a standard menu item. However, making Mo: Mos from scratch is no easy task, and you may have to wait 30-40 minutes to get your hands on some. To stick to your trekking itinerary, it is best to opt for quick meals, such as noodle soup, during the day and indulge in Mo: Mos in the evenings when you have more time to spare. The availability of meat varies and is exceptionally scarce in remote and high-altitude areas, as well as near sacred sites. If you’re accustomed to a protein-rich diet, consider bringing along protein bars and snacks for your trek. Teahouses can also serve as very welcome pit stops to refuel on trail snacks, such as tea, biscuits (try the coconut ones), and chocolate bars.
Accommodation
There is nothing like falling asleep after a long day on the trails to a panoramic display of mountains outside your bedroom window. On the inside, the accommodation is simple yet clean and functional. The rooms usually include single-sized beds with sheets, pillows, and blankets, a bedside table, and ceiling light. Some trekkers prefer to bring their own sleeping bag liner or sleeping bag for hygienic reasons. Rooms are quite drafty, and with no heating available (besides perhaps a wood-burning stove in the dining hall during dinner). The higher you go, the colder it becomes. Similarly, the walls right next to you are pretty thin, so if you’re a light sleeper, you may want to consider bringing earplugs.
The essentials – showers, toilets and electricity
Toilets in the mountains are not fancy, and it’s best to approach this experience with managed expectations. Some teahouses may have rooms with en-suite bathrooms and Western-style toilets, but most often, they are shared facilities with traditional squat toilets. Toilets can sometimes be located outside the teahouse, so it’s a good idea to bring a head torch for those midnight visits.
Pro tip: Toilet paper is a rare commodity in the mountains, so you may want to bring a few packs of tissue paper if this is what you’re accustomed to. Note that many toilets may be unable to flush paper without clogging, so always properly dispose of it after use.
Another essential feature after a long day on the trails is the availability of a hot shower. Some swear by the wet wipe wash, but if this is where you draw the line on roughing it, many teahouses will offer a showering option for a small fee, be it in a real shower or with hot water in a bucket.
Rooms don’t always come with a plug socket, but it is usually possible to charge your phone, Go Pros, and other gadgets in the dining hall for a fee of $1-2 per hour.
Wifi
One of the perks of journeying into the Himalayas is disconnecting from the outside world and tuning in to nature. For those who find it impossible to live an analog life, you will be relieved to hear that some teahouses on the main trekking routes, such as Annapurna and Everest Base Camp, offer wifi. However, the trail, such as Narphu Valley Trek, may not even have a phone connection. It is spotty and unreliable at best, so it is advisable to finish any digital obligations before heading out on the trail.
Teahouse manners
Teahouse trekking is a relatively laid-back and straightforward experience with few rules to follow. One thing to be aware of, though, is that proprietors make most of their money from food and beverages, as the cost of the room is relatively inexpensive. Therefore, you are always expected to eat all your meals in the place where you sleep.
Trekking can be a messy business, and your shoes will bear most of the brunt of the environment. It is considerate to leave your hiking boots outside your room and use flip-flops for indoors.
Cost
The cost of accommodation may vary depending on your elevation. In general, the price per night will be between $3 and $ 10, but it may vary depending on the elevation and whether the teahouse is located in a very remote area. In recent years, there has been a demand for luxury guest lodges along the popular trekking trails, mainly on the Everest Base Camp trek. The cost of comfort can be around $ 150 or more per night.
Having a Plan B
The popular trails can get busy in peak trekking season (fall and spring), and teahouses in smaller settlements can fill up quickly. Packing a sleeping bag and bed roll in case the teahouse runs out of beds can be a good idea. While visitors rarely get turned away, they may have to spend the night on the dining hall floor if there is a shortage of beds.
The more remote trekking routes will not always have teahouses within a day’s walk. In these locations, you will have to bring your tent and camping equipment.
Teahouse trekking is for the adventurous, curious, and open-minded traveler. For many, this is a rustic experience, one that is removed from the comforts and frills of Western living. Today, there are few countries where visitors have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the culture and customs of the local inhabitants. Teahouse trekking in Nepal is a great option.
