HomeThings to know during the trek

For those uncertain about what to expect during their trek and who may have concerns, we’ve put together a guide on key aspects of trekking:

1. Food
   • Meals provided: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
   • Typical menu items.
   • Cooking your own meals at the lodge.
2. Toilets
   • Types and conditions of toilets along the trek.
3. Lodging
   • What to expect from accommodation.
4. Electricity and Internet
   • Availability and reliability of electricity.
   • Internet access and connectivity.
5. Tips
   • Tipping customs and practices.
   • Typical tip amounts.
   • Additional considerations and advice.

• Food

If you choose a plan that includes meals, you can select from the menu at the accommodation lodge and rest stops (some menu items may not be available). The lodge might need to order ingredients after receiving your request, so please make sure to place your meal orders well in advance, as preparation may take some time.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Breaks

• Breakfast: You’ll be served breakfast at the lodge where you’re staying. Place your order the night before and indicate the approximate time you plan to eat. Note that dishes requiring long preparation times may not be available in the morning, and “Dal Bhat” is generally not served early.
• Lunch: Typically, you’ll arrive at a lodge in time for lunch and can order your food at a relaxed pace. If you plan to continue trekking after lunch, it’s smoother if everyone orders the same menu.
• Dinner: Place your dinner order as soon as you arrive at the lodge and specify the time you intend to eat.
• Breaks: During the trek, you will have 2-3 breaks before reaching the next destination, using tea houses or lodges along the way. They usually offer black tea or milk tea. Black tea often contains sugar, so if you prefer it without sugar, please inform your guide in advance.

What’s on the Menu?

All lodges offer a range of menu options in addition to traditional Nepalese cuisine. Here are some popular items that are well-received by foreigners:

• Tibetan Bread: A staple that provides a hearty option for breakfast or snacks.
• Chapati/Roti: A type of unleavened bread, similar to naan, that complements many dishes.
• Boiled Potatoes: Nepalese potatoes are notably flavorful. Boiled potatoes are a great option if you need something mild and simple.
• Chopsuey: A noodle dish with a thickened sauce. It resembles the “Hatayaki Ankake Soba” from Japan. You might find “American Chopsuey” with a ketchup-based sauce and “Chinese Chopsuey” with a saltier flavor.
• Pizza: Made with freshly prepared dough and homemade tomato sauce. The cheese is locally produced from yak milk, ensuring freshness. The pizza may sometimes feature simple toppings, like cheese on stir-fried greens, but it can be quite satisfying.
• Dal Bhat: A traditional Nepalese set meal that guides and porters frequently eat, ensuring the ingredients are used quickly and remain fresh.

Is it Possible to Cook at the Lodge?

No, it is not possible. Most lodges are constructed from wood and have strict policies against cooking indoors to prevent fire hazards. Many lodges display signs stating “No cooking” or “No use of gas indoors.”

Lodges rely on income from food and drink sales to remain profitable. Guests who choose not to order meals are often charged significantly higher accommodation fees, typically more than double the normal rate. Such policies are usually indicated either on a posted notice or on the menu.

• Toilets

Toilets in lodges are generally shared. Many lodges have pit toilets in separate outdoor buildings, though some newer lodges offer modern toilets in the guest rooms.

However, even when a modern toilet is available in a room, it may not always be fully functional. Often, the flush mechanism doesn’t work, there is no toilet seat, and the surrounding area can be dirty. In many cases, it’s more convenient to use a shared pit toilet located in a separate building rather than dealing with an inconvenient and unclean toilet in your room.

Many lodges do not provide toilet paper, so it is advisable to bring your own. After use, dispose of the paper in the provided waste bin rather than flushing it, as flushing can cause clogs.

For convenience, consider removing the core from your toilet paper roll and flattening it to save space. Thread a string through the empty core so you can hang it around your neck, keeping your hands free when you need to use the toilet. This method is useful not just for trekking but also for general travel in Nepal.

In pit toilets, a pot of water is usually available for flushing. This water is meant for washing rather than for flushing paper. However, be aware that in winter, this water might freeze, so it’s a good idea to check its availability before use.

• Lodge

Lodges in the trekking areas typically offer very basic accommodations. Rooms usually have narrow beds, and both toilets and shower facilities are shared.

Amenities:

• Basic Amenities: Towels, shampoo, and soap are generally not provided in lodges. This is standard for mountain lodges. While some high-end lodges that cost more than $100 per night do provide these items, their quality may not match that of hotels in other countries.
• Hair Dryers: Many lodges lack electricity altogether, so amenities like hair dryers are rare. Be prepared for the minimalistic setup.

Peak Season Challenges:

• Crowds: During peak trekking seasons (October to November, March to April), lodges can be very crowded, often leading to full bookings. Most lodges offer shared rooms and do not accommodate single bookings, even with an extra fee. While some lodges may accept advance reservations for large groups, individual reservations are usually not possible.
• Availability: In high-demand areas, such as between Chomrong and Annapurna Base Camp in the Annapurna region or after Tengboche in the Everest region, finding a room for one person can be nearly impossible during peak season.

Room Conditions:

• Futons and Duvets: Rooms typically contain thin futons. During peak periods, duvets may not be available, so bringing your own sleeping bag to use as a mat is advisable.
• Hot Showers: An increasing number of lodges now offer hot showers, but these are usually paid and shared. At high altitudes, taking a shower can increase susceptibility to illness, so it’s recommended to avoid showers when possible.

• Electricity and Internet Situation

Electricity:

• High Altitude Areas: Some high-altitude areas may not have electricity. Solar power is often used to supplement electricity, but this is usually limited to common areas. Guest rooms may lack electricity.
• Charging Devices: If your room has electricity and a plug socket, charging your digital camera is typically free. If not, you may need to pay to charge your devices. Cell phones are usually charged at the lodge’s reception.

Charging Times:

• Solar Power Limitations: Charging is often restricted to after sunset and before sunrise. Some lodges may have specific times when charging is available.

Internet:

• Wi-Fi Availability: Many lodges offer Wi-Fi, though it usually comes with a fee in the Everest and Annapurna Base Camp areas. In other areas, such as up to Manang on the Annapurna Outer Circle Course, Wi-Fi is often free.

SIM Cards:

• Prepaid SIM Cards: For internet access, many travelers use prepaid SIM cards. The two major providers are:
  • Nepal Telecom: Generally reliable in most regions, including Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other major cities. It is often better in remote areas like the Annapurna region.
  • Ncell: Also available in major cities and the Everest region, though coverage can vary.
• Purchase Locations: SIM cards can be purchased at the international arrivals terminal of Kathmandu Airport, where the process is quick and straightforward. Just bring your passport and a photo.
• Coverage by Region:
  • Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Other Major Cities: Both Nepal Telecom and Ncell are widely available.
  • Everest Region: Nepal Telecom or Ncell.
  • Poon Hill, Mardi Himal Base Camp Direction: Nepal Telecom, Ncell.
  • ABC, Jomsom, Manang Area: Nepal Telecom.
  • Other Regions: Nepal Telecom is often more reliable, but this can depend on the specific location.

• Tips

Market Price:

• Guide: Approximately 1,000 rupees per day.
• Porter: About half the price of a guide, roughly the same amount.
• Car Driver: If you charter a car to get to the trek’s starting point:
  • For 1-hour travel: 500 rupees one way.
  • For 5 hours or more: 1,000 rupees one way.

These amounts are guidelines. Typically, the tip amount is multiplied by the number of days trekking and rounded to a convenient figure. For groups, the total tip should be at least twice the guideline amount for individuals.

Special Tips:

• If staff provide exceptional service or go beyond their duties, it is customary to give them an extra tip. This encourages continued hard work and dedication.

Currency:

• The most convenient currency for tipping is the Nepalese rupee, but US dollars or Japanese yen are also acceptable.

Timing:

• Tips are usually given on the last day of your trek.

Digression:

• There is a perception among local porters that Japanese trekkers are less likely to tip. This belief can affect the availability and enthusiasm of porters during peak seasons (October to November, March to April), when Western trekkers who provide generous tips are more common.
• Some older travelers may express concerns about tipping customs, arguing that they prefer the trekking fee to include tips or that they are unfamiliar with tipping practices. However, times have changed, and it is important to understand and respect local customs and expectations.