Most of the treks in Nepal are related with Teahouse based treks. Teahouses are usually defined as small hotels established especially in trekking areas which offer food and accommodation and are huts or buildings made up of stone and wood. They are usually built along the trekking routes to provide the rooms and board. Most of the teahouses provide home-made foods and are owned by the members of the same family. The teahouses have made the trekking easier by fulfilling basic requirements of the guests. Due to them you have to carry only minimal gear.
In the popular trekking areas like Manaslu, Annapurna and Everest regions, the teahouses are well facilitated than that of other areas. They have the convenience like flush toilets, hot showers and so forth. The teahouses in the less travelled trekking routes, may offer fundamental facilities.
Brief History of Tea houses of Nepal
Traditionally, teahouses meant the place where the trekkers get the fundamental requirements like tea, homemade local food and place to sleep on the floor taking the minimal cost or even free. But today many things have been changed. These days teahouses are converted into small hotels having many facilities like separate rooms, have running water, and western food as well.
Food, Drinks and Accommodations
Mostly the owners themselves prepare the food themselves. It is often cooked over the fire in the kitchen. The food seems to be same but is arranged differently despite the thorough menus and offerings. You can have traditional but favorite food dhal bhatt, a good option, if you are hungry enough. In some areas you can have options of food like Pasta & noodles: chow mein, noodle soup, spaghetti, fried rice, Momos, pakauda, Popcorn, chips, potatoes, Spring rolls, Pizza, Sandwiches, soup and Dessert (rice pudding, chocolate pudding, apple or banana fritters)
Tea is the most common drink in the teahouses. As you reach to teahouse you will be welcomed with the cup of warm black tea. It is the best way to relax if you are hiking in the snow, wind or even rain. According to the area you will have other drinks such as coffee and other soft and hard drinks as well.
After trekking two days or more, have the similar setup of the teahouses having two to three twin beds in every room, a light in each room having personal lock for a door and a window. They usually provide the bed with foam pad, a pillow and a blanket. Trekkers are requested to bring the sleeping bag for their comfort.
