Nepal Tea House Basic Features
- Sleeping rooms in Nepal tea houses are usually available on a shared basis, with two to three beds in a single room.
- Toilet facilities are simple and are mostly traditional squat styles. They are generally available for communal use.
- Shared dining area in the tea house where people gather to eat, chat and rest. The dining hall normally consists of a stove or heater to keep the space warm.
- The tea house menu typically includes a mix of traditional Nepalese dishes and popular Western varieties.
- Find a wide range of hot and cold drinks in tea houses. Black and milk tea and coffee, hot chocolate, herbal teas, fresh milk, fruit juices, sodas or colas, etc.
- Most tea houses provide hot shower facilities for their guests. You get either solar heated water or a bucket full of hot water for a bath.
- You charge your electronic devices in tea houses using electricity or solar power.
- Although the connection is slow and intermittent, enjoy internet facilities in most of the tea houses in Nepal.
- Staying in a tea house is an opportunity to immerse in the local hospitality and culture. Those who run the tea houses are usually native families who are happy to share stories about their history, costumes, traditions and religions.
- Nepal tea houses mostly follow eco friendly practices like emphasizing solar power, proper waste management, water conservation, etc.
- You expect some tea houses offering extra services like laundry, gear rental, medical supplies, library or reading materials and guides for local sightseeing.
Evolution of Tea Houses in Nepal
Tea houses in Nepal used to be really modest in the past. Families often welcomed visitors into their homes where everyone would gather around a warm stove and spend cozy evenings together. Meals were usually cooked over a fire fueled by firewood or dried Yak dung. Afterward, guests would unroll their sleeping bags for the night. While the accommodations were typically simple, the hospitality was heartfelt and the experience unforgettable.
However, with the increase in trekkers and climbers from all around the world, number of tea houses has also increased in their number along with the services provided. The most frequented Himalayan adventure destinations, like Annapurna region, Everest region, and Manaslu region, have well-established tea houses with advanced facilities.
The recently built tea houses are often separate buildings from the family home, with bedrooms (both shared and private), western toilets, hot shower bathrooms and dining spaces. Local tea houses provide solar powered hot shower baths and internet connections. While the tea house stay experience is different in terms of style and comfort but the welcome is warm and the hospitality provided by the charming mountain people is genuine.
Though this evolution of tea houses is far better, those who are habitual of spending life in luxury may find amenities still quite basic than they are used to. However, it is essential to know that, given the remoteness of the region, these simple arrangements are the best possible option. While providing a somewhat level of comfort, the tea houses allow you to experience the true meaning of adventure, challenges and charm of trekking in the Himalayas.
Nepal Tea House Treks
When trekking in Nepal, you will be staying in tea houses in the local villages along the route over setting up camps. This is a tea house trek where you will stay at small and ordinary guesthouses (tea houses) each night. Likewise, during the daytime trek, you find several tea houses on the way where you enjoy lunch and drinks.
Tea house Treks in Nepal are multi day adventures offering the comfort of spending nights at traditional guesthouses or homestays throughout the journey. The tea house lodging is of great support to the trekkers who are venturing into the remote wilderness highland locations. It provides you with a homely environment, fresh cooked meals and other essential supplies.
Nepal is renowned for its tea house treks, which are an affordable way to explore the Himalayas. Tea houses are the cost effective option for trekkers to have accommodation and meals along trek routes, though the facilities are basic. While being a budget friendly alternative to expensive lodges, stunning mountain scenery and local culture in tea houses are second to none.
Staying at tea houses in local villages and connecting with indigenous communities is the best way of experiencing and immersing yourself in the culture and way of life of mountain people. Overall, tea house treks in Nepal are the approachable, convenient and typical way of exploring the Himalayan regions while soaking up the rich culture, pristine nature and magnificent mountain vistas.
Best Tea House Treks in Nepal
Nepal Tea House Trek allows you to experience unique food and shelter along the Himalayan trekking routes. The tea house treks in Nepal revolve around three premier Himalayan adventure destinations: Annapurna, Everest and Langtang regions.
These high land locations are more accessible to other remote and secluded mountain corners and offer good quality lodges. Though they provide a more comfortable experience in terms of lodging and amenities, reaching these breathtaking regions is still an adventure on its own.
The best tea house treks in the Himalayan regions of Nepal are:
Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is the classic Himalayan tea house trek Nepal. It is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty and rich cultural diversity.
The Annapurna Circuit Trekking usually takes 15 to 20 days to complete. Bhulbhule is the starting point of the trek, which ends in Nayapul. During the journey, you will cover diverse landscapes from lower region sub tropical forests to mild hill valleys, grasslands, and alpine glaciers. You pass through the ecologically rich Annapurna Conservation Area and can have deep insights into its diverse flora and fauna.
Likewise, while traversing the cultural villages of Gurung, Magar, Tamang, Thakali, and Sherpa communities, you will stay in traditional tea houses that offer a warm welcome, delicious meals and comfy accommodations.
The high Himalayan pass of Thorong La is the maximum altitude point that the trek reaches, which is at 5,416 meters. The panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range, with several adjoining peaks like Macchapuchre, Gangapurna, Tilicho, Lamjung, Tukuche etc, are spectacular from the pass.
After navigation of the Thorung La Pass, the trail descends through the semi deserted Mustang region, manifesting its unique Tibetan influenced culture. You will also traverse the breathtaking Kali Gandaki Gorge and stay in typical Tamang tea houses along the way.
Tea houses in the Annapurna region are regulated by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) and are required to adhere to specific standards, including fixed pricing and standardized menus. You enjoy the authentic hospitality, delectable flavors of different local cuisines and restful sleep in tea houses, making your Annapurna Circuit Trek truly an immersive and memorable experience.
Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek is the most popular tea house trek in the Nepal Himalayas. It takes place in the iconic mountaineering destination of the Everest region. The wonderful stays in local Sherpa tea houses along the trek route, soaking in warm hospitality, traditional cuisines and a cozy atmosphere, enhances your overall adventure experience.
The adventurous journey of the Everest Base Camp Trek is completed in around 12 to 16 days. The trek covers varying mountainous terrains like forests, hills, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, villages, terraced fields, pastures, alpine grasslands, glaciers and snowfields. You will venture deep into the rich biodiversity of this Himalayan area, exploring the diverse vegetation, unique wildlife and various bird species found in the Sagarmatha National Park.
The Everest Base Camp Trek starts and ends in Lukla. You spend a day acclimatizing to the bustling and vibrant Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. In either of these places (Namche or Lukla), you find souvenir shops, currency exchange offices as well as small laundries.
Tengboche Monastery is the significant highlight of the trek which is the largest in the entire Khumbu Valley. This ancient Buddhist monastery is the spiritual center of the Everest region. Reaching the classic base camp (5,364 meters) of the world’s tallest mountain, Everest (8,849.86 meters), is the ultimate achievement of the trek.
Additionally, you will hike to the Kalapathhar viewpoint which is at a breathtaking elevation of 5,545 meters. Sweeping vistas of Himalayan giants like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Taboche, Cholatse, Kangtega, Kwangde Ri, Ama Dablam, Island, Mera, Pumori, Cho Oyu, etc from both these places are rewarding and appreciable.
Langtang Valley Trek
The Langtang Valley Trek is a short tea house trek in the Langtang Himalayan region of Nepal. Langtang Valley is in proximity to Kathmandu, with the drive to the trek’s starting point taking about 7 to 9 hours. It is an accessible and convenient destination for trekkers seeking a easier, shorter and remarkable Himalayan adventure.
The exhilarating journey of Langtang Valley Trek lasts around 7 to 10 days. Beginning from Syabrubesi the trek follows the shimmering Langtang River and continues through rhododendron forests, traditional villages and alpine meadows. While spending nights at cozy tea houses in the quaint hamlets of Tamang, Sherpa, Gurung and Hyolmo, experience the traditional cuisine and unique local culture.
Exploring the centuries of old monastery of Kyanjin Gompa and hiking to the Tserko Ri viewpoint for panoramic views of the mountains and valleys are the highlights of this trek. You accompanied by stunning views of the majestic Snow-covered mountains like Langtang Lirung, Gyaji Kang, Langsisha Ri, Dorje Lakpa, Yala Peak etc, throughout the Langtang Valley trekking journey. This rewarding trek is less crowded alternative to other well trodden trekking routes in the Annapurna and the Everest region.
Tea House Nepal Price
The price of tea houses in Nepal varies depending upon the location, altitude, and services/facilities provided. If the tea house is in a difficult and remote location, prices are certainly higher. Likewise, higher elevations you reach, more expensive the tea houses will be. Conversely, their availability is less at alpine and rugged wilderness locations.
The cost of tea houses in such areas is high due to the harsh environment, transportation challenges and greater demands (more trekkers but less space to accommodate them). Especially, the price for both meals and accommodation gets higher at alpine altitudes as hiring porter or Yak/Mule deliveries is harder.
On the other hand, price of tea houses is directly dependent on the level of comfort we get to experience from them. The spaces in tea houses generally come at low price rates because you also dine there. The tea house rooms are usually available at around USD5-10 per person per night. You opt for private rooms with attached bathrooms if you prefer to stay in a quiet and peaceful environment with more privacy. But these are typically expensive, which can cost you the price equal to what three trekkers pay for a shared room.
Most of the trekking packages that you will purchase from a trekking agency are inclusive of your accommodation and meals. They handle all your tea house expenses besides personal snacks, drinks, laundry, etc. For additional facilities like WiFi, electronic chargings and hot showers, you have to pay an extra amount ranging from USD 2 to USD 5 for each.
Tea House Accommodation Nepal
Nepal tea house accommodations are ordinary with simple rooms and basic amenities required for a stay. Tea house beds usually come with mattresses, blankets and pillows. Quality and comfort of accommodation can vary, with some tea houses offering private rooms while most have shared rooms. There are no heating facilities in most teahouse bedrooms and it can be quite chilly at night. So, it is also important to bring a sleeping bag for spending the nights cozily.
Besides sleeping spaces, other facilities like toilets, bathrooms and dining hall are all communal. Despite the simplicity of tea house, the staff will not leave a space to make your stay pleasurable. Most tea houses provide outdoor seating areas to relax, taking in the surrounding view.
After the mesmerizing sunset over the mountains, you enjoy delicious local dishes and soak in the kind hospitality of local people. Ultimately, wrap up in your warm sleeping bag or retreat to teahouse beds, which come with a small solar powered light at the side table, providing a bit of illumination.
Tea houses usually get packed during the peak trekking seasons of spring and autumn. But if you are trekking with a company, then pre book the accommodation for tea house, which will ensure a hassle free journey. Still, if there are heavy crowds, you may be requested to share rooms to save space and accommodate everyone. This is because tea houses are usually limited in the high Himalayas but everyone needs a place to stay.
Nepal Tea House Menu
The Nepal tea house menu includes different varieties of traditional regional dishes as well as popular Western cuisine options. In tea houses, you choose from a range of veg and non veg food items. Moreover, you order a special meal that fits your dietary plan and they will prepare it for you. The meals in the teahouse are healthy and nutritious which are made from crops and vegetables that are grown in local farms.
You will have a satisfying dining experience in tea houses if you stick to Nepali dishes. Local food with vegetarian options is the best in terms of variety, authentic taste and digestive health.
The most preferred meal for many trekkers is a staple dish of Dal Bhat. Nepal's national cuisine, Dal Bhat, is a perfect mix of rice with lentils, vegetable curries and pickles. While it is typically a vegetarian dish, you can also request to add the meat available in the tea house to enjoy a meal of your choice.
Nepal Tea House's food menu consists of a wide array of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items, such as
BREAKFAST
- Eggs (boiled, fried or scrambled)
- Toast with honey, jam, or butter
- Chapati
- Tibetan bread
- Noodles
- Pancakes
- Popcorn
- Potato chips
- Pakauda
- Sandwiches
LUNCH AND DINNER
- Dal Bhat
- Chowmein
- Fried rice
- Momos
- Porridge
- Pizza
- Pasta
- Vegetable soup
- Thukpa
- Stews
Besides meals, the tea house menu includes a variety of hot and cold drinks. Here is a list of drinks that you expect to order in a tea house.
- Tea (black, milk, honey, ginger, and green tea)
- Coffee (usually black and milk option)
- Hot chocolate
- Fresh milk (of yak or cow)
- Juices (fresh fruit or canned and soft carbonated drinks)
- Mineral water or bottled water
- Local beverages like Chhaang
Nepal Tea House Bathrooms
In tea houses, you can either get western sit and flush style toilets or the traditional squat types, depending upon the location and the establishment (old or newly designed ones). Old tea houses and alpine altitudes you reach, there is a high possibility of the latter being available. In these toilets, there will be a bucket of water and a small jug at the side for rinsing and cleaning purposes. As there may be a lack of toiletries, pack enough toilet paper for the entire adventure along with a hand sanitizer.
Likewise, shower facilities are mostly available at the lower elevation tea houses. They usually provide Solar powered showers or gas heated water for baths. However, as you ascend higher, the chance of hot water showers considerably declines. Likewise, limited facilities for washing, either in a sink or a bucket. The plumbing in tea houses is quite basic, with a minimal water supply.
All these conditions will give you no escape than to embrace the difference and adjust to the simpler amenities provided.
Nepal Teahouse Electricity and Internet
Tea houses in Nepal generally rely on solar power as it is a renewable and eco friendly solution for lighting. However, the electricity supply can also be interrupted by bad weather. So, while electricity and internet services are available, it cannot guaranteed that you get to enjoy them all the time.
On the other hand, WiFi connectivity can be slow and intermittent. Hence, it is essential to carry extra batteries and power banks to keep your devices operational during power outages. Likewise, the best alternative for communication is to buy a local SIM card and use mobile networks and data packages where there is good signal strength.
The electricity and internet in tea houses, however, do not come at a free price. When charging devices and using the WiFi, you have to make an extra payment of a few dollars.
Tips to Make Your Tea House Experience Uplifting
- Always carry enough money to buy essential things or extra meals like candy bars, chips, and other snacks beyond what is included in your package.
- Bring your earplugs as the walls or partitions between rooms can be thin and sound may disturb your rest and ensure a good night’s sleep.
- Wearing up with flexible light pants and comfy slippers for tea house night offers you deep relaxation after a long day hike.
- Carrying portable solar lights is beneficial for brightness and visibility in case of a power outage.
- Having cards and books keeps you entertained and allows you to pass your time effectively.
Finally
Nepal tea house activities provide unforgettable travel experience in a lifetime. Trekking/tours makes you exciting journey for all age travellers. Nepal trekking provide culture, mountains, and history of Nepal.
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