Post MASTER

Food and Accommodation In Everest Three High Pass Trek


Listen Later

Accommodation


The primary form of accommodation during the Everest Three High Pass Trek is the family-owned teahouses. However, there are a few upgraded guesthouses and lodges in the main trekking hubs in the low and mid regions. As trekkers move to the upper regions, accommodation is limited to teahouses that provide basic but comfortable stays and warm, nutritious meals. Similarly, the rooms have a warm bed, pillows, and a blanket, but there is no separate room heating. 

The communal kitchen, where trekkers enjoy their meals, also serves as the only heated space. It has a big wooden fireplace in the center, where travellers from around the world gather and exchange their stories. Likewise, the bathroom or toilets are shared and situated outside. In most of the teahouses, hot showers and Wi-Fi are available, but trekkers have to pay an additional fee (which increases with the altitude). 

  • Lower Region—$3 to $5 per shower
  • Mid Region—$5 to $7 per shower
  • Higher Region—$7 to $10 per shower

Likewise, the Wi-Fi service typically ranges from $3 to $5 per day. Alternatively, trekkers can also use the Everest Link cards for internet facilities. The cost for the 10 GB to 20 GB pack is about $20 to $30 and is valid for 30 days. Compared to the teahouse Wi-Fi, it is faster and more reliable. 

Meanwhile, the upgraded resorts or lodges offer well-furnished rooms with heated blankets or personal heaters. Additionally, they have a private toilet and bathroom with hot showers. The premium lodges in the area around Phakding and Namche Bazaar even offer pools, a lounging area, and a bar area. 


Food 


Along the trail, trekkers have breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the teahouses or lodges where they stay. Meals here are prepared to offer warmth and nutrients that provide energy for long hours of walking. They serve typical Nepali dishes, with Dal Bhat Tarkari being the most common. The plate consists of boiled rice, stir-fried vegetables, lentil soup, salad, and Nepali-style pickle (achar). It is the most loved trekking meal because it is rich in carbohydrates and protein, and is  readily available. 

A general teahouse breakfast includes a warm cup of tea, Tibetan bread, and an egg (boiled, fried, or scrambled). Additionally, trekkers can also try muesli, fruits, porridge, pancakes, bread and butter, and hash browns. Hot drinks offered are milk tea, black tea, ginger, lemon, masala tea, coffee, hot chocolate, hot water with honey, etc. 

Similarly, a typical lunch consists of Dal Bhat Tarkari, Chowmein (stir-fried noodles with veggies and lean meat), and Thukpa (soupy noodles with meat, vegetables, and whole grains) and mo: mo (Nepali dumplings). Teahouses also incorporate some Western dishes in their menus, like pasta, spring rolls, burgers, and pizza. Some of the typical dinner choices include Dal Bhat, Noodles, and potato dishes.

Other than that, when staying in luxury resorts in Kathmandu and lower regions, trekkers may also enjoy international cuisine and beverages. In the higher regions, they can try authentic Sherpa dishes like rildok, shyakpa, thukpa, thenthuk, tsampa, yak cheese and other dairy products, garlic soup, and many more. 


Shyakpa


People also call it a Sherpa stew, and it features hand-pulled flour noodles, potatoes, and vegetables. You can also request them to add meat according to your preference. Locals believe this hot bowl of goodness helps combat the cold in the higher regions. 


Rildok


It is a traditional Sherpa and Tibetan potato dish. Locals prepare it by boiling potatoes until tender, then lightly crushing or tossing them and mixing them with chili, garlic, salt, and spices. Most people add a splash of butter at the end to give that extra richness and warmth to the dish. It has a bold flavor and a hearty texture that satisfies the taste buds while also providing energy. 


Tsampa 


It is a roasted barley flour that is mixed with tea, milk, or just hot water. Traditionally, the Sherpas used to consume it because of its high nutritional value and warmth. 


Thenthuk


It is another hearty noodle dish that is similar to Shyakpa but lighter. It has flavorful broth, noodles, carrots, cabbage, leafy green vegetables, and sometimes a boiled egg. This warm and rich dish provides both energy and hydration, which makes it an excellent meal for long trekking days in harsh mountain weather. Moreover, it is also easy to digest, making it a popular dinner choice amongst the trekkers. 


Butter tea (Po Cha)


It is a traditional Himalayan drink that people prepare by churning strong brewed tea with yak butter, salt, and milk. Locals brew the tea for several hours, then blend it vigorously with butter and salt to create a rich and creamy beverage. Locals believe it keeps the body warm even in cold weather and provides energy and hydration. 


Garlic Soup 


It is a staple dish that Sherpa families prepare and serve in teahouses along trekking routes. Similarly, it has a simple broth with herbs and seasonings to create a light yet flavorful dish. Drinking this soup is believed to boost immunity. Trekkers should consume it in the evening for muscle recovery.


Sweet Treats


There are bakeries in Namche Bazaar, Lukla, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorak Shep (the highest-elevation bakery). They prepare pastries, cookies, bread, and sweet beverages. The Gorak Shep one is best known for their simple apple pie that has fresh and local ingredients. So, enjoy these sweet little treats as a motivation and reward to yourself. 

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Post MASTERBy Waqas ur Rehman