Food and Accommodation on the Everest Base Camp Trek

Food and Accommodation on the Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp is known worldwide for being the gateway to the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest (8848.86 meters). If you are a trekking aficionado, then the Everest Base Camp trek is definitely on your list of destinations where you want to visit at least once in your lifetime. The journey is one of a kind, taking you through the low alpine lush green forests to a high alpine zone full of snow-capped mountains. 

And if you are planning the trek in the near future, there are a lot of questions in your mind that need to be answered. So on this blog, we will do a breakdown on what you can expect regarding the foods, drinks, accommodation, and other services on the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Food during the Everest Base Camp Trek

Trekking to the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain is not an easy task. There are many challenges and hurdles that must be overcome to successfully complete the trek. And one of them is eating proper food with a balanced diet and nutrients that give you energy throughout the trek. 

Talking about the food on the Everest Base Camp Trek, you can find most of the things you would find in the city area; that is within reason. You can categorize the food into two main parts: local food and western food. 

Local Food

One of the most popular dishes of Nepal is known as Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari. And it is eaten every day by the locals twice a day for lunch and dinner. Dal means lentil soup, Bhat means cooked rice, and Tarkari means curry side dishes that can be both vegetables and meat. There is a saying in Nepali, “Dal Bhat Power, 24 hours,” and it truly gives you the energy that is required for the trek to the Everest Base Camp. 

The breakfast includes foods like gram, eggs, rotis, potatoes, and other locally grown vegetables. And apart from Dal Bhat, you can also enjoy MoMo (Nepalese dumplings), Thukpa (noodle soup), Thenduk (stew), and alu roti (potato pancakes). Although western foods are also available, Nepalese foods, especially Dal Bhat, carry enough nutrients that will help you push through the trek and reach the base camp of Everest. 

Western or International Food

One certainly wouldn’t think you will find western cuisine such as pastas, pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, etc. on the Everest Base Camp Trek. But you can find food like this in most of the tea houses along the trail. Though the higher you climb, the more limited the menu becomes. And of course the taste will not be as authentic as the specific country the dish comes from. But definitely will scratch the itch of your cravings. 

Then again, just having sandwiches or burgers for your lunch might not be enough for a long day of trekking. Therefore, you should have a meal with all-round nutrition. 

Extra Food and Drinks or Beverages 

You will, of course, carry extra food in the form of snacks such as mixed dried nuts (trail mix), protein bars, chocolates, biscuits, and other dry foods that are light weight and easy to snack on while walking on the trail. It is better to carry all the snacks from Kathmandu, as it will be a lot more expensive once you reach the Everest Region, and there are also limited options. 

Your standard package comes with one hot drink of your choice for breakfast and a cup of tea once you check into the tea house. Drinking water can be tapped, boiled, and bottled as mineral water. We recommend you carry two water bottles: one normal bottle and another a thermos to store hot water or drinks. Buying mineral bottled water adds to the pollution so we suggest you only buy it if necessary. Even though you will be charged for hot water, normal tap water is free to refill anytime. 

You can carry water-purifying tablets to make sure your water is clean. Water is an essential part of your trek. Keeping your body hydrated is the key to a successful trek. You can have hot beverages such as black lemon tea, ginger honey lemon, and coffee, which will help you to keep you warm and toasty in the cold weather. 

Things to remember during the trek

• It is better to avoid meat during the trek as it might not be fresh and cause digestion issues, which can hinder your entire schedule and, well, cause a medical emergency. 
• Drink either boiled water or put water-purifying pills in your drinking water. 
• Avoiding alcoholic beverages is emphasized as it can cause health issues and also increases your chances of getting altitude sickness. You can indulge once you complete your trek. 
• The higher you ascend, the more expensive things are. 

Accommodation on the Everest Base Camp Trek

Getting a good night’s sleep will not only enhance your trekking performance but also give you a better experience overall. The trail is filled with tea houses and lodges that offer you accommodation. You will generally get two types of rooms:

• A twin sharing room with attached bathroom and 
• A twin sharing room without attached bathroom

The price depends on the type of accommodation you choose. The standard room with a twin sharing bed and no attached bathroom costs $10 per night, whereas the mid-luxury-level accommodation costs around $30-40 per night. 

And last but not least, a high-luxury lodge, namely Yeti Mountain, charges around $200-$350 per night. In luxury accommodations, you get the following facilities and services: electric blankets, a hot shower, an attached bathroom, and a charging port in the room. 

What you have to keep in mind is that you might not get the same luxury facilities every day in each location. Places like Lukla, Namche, and Dingboche are the only places to provide luxury accommodations. Even then, it is only limited to a few hotels. The higher you go, the fewer facilities you get access to. 

Things to remember during the trek

• You will have access to western-type toilets but sometimes also might have to use squat toilets. 
• Carry a sleeping bag (-10°C to -20°C) because the blanket provided at the tea houses and lodges might not be enough to keep you warm, especially during the winter. 
• For standard rooms, you can take showers by paying extra money. 
• Most rooms do not have charging outlets, so you have to charge your devices in the dining hall. 
• You can also use wifi, where you can buy a recharge card for a 24-hour wifi pack in many tea houses throughout the trail.
• You should always carry your own toiletries, such as toilet papers, soap, toothpaste, and other items, as they might not be available in the tea house. 
• You are advised to pre book your room to avoid the hassle of finding a place that has a vacant room. Especially during the season when it can be fully packed. 
• Follow the guidelines set by the tea houses and lodges, making sure to not trash the rooms. 

Overall,

The Everest Base Camp Trek is by far one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world. Every year, many people trek to the foot of the world’s highest mountain and make memories to last a lifetime. That being said, food and accommodations are the integral part of this trek, as you require a lot of energy and a good rest to successfully complete this formidable trek.

You should know your body and only indulge in fresh foods and foods you know your body can handle. The accommodation can vary from price to price and pick according to your budget and desire. And as you ascend to higher elevations, the amenities you enjoyed in Namche Bazaar and Lukla will not be available but the close-up views of the majestic mountains will make up for any shortcomings. 

In conclusion, the Everest Base Camp Trek is all about stepping outside of your comfort zone and finding a new light in yourself as you trek through the unyielding snow capped mountains that will only build up your mental core. If you are enthusiastic to do the Everest Base Camp Trek, then contact us WhatsApp at +977 985-1175531 or email us at alpineramble@gmail.com