What is maximum attractive about this Chile hike is that the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a conventional “teahouse trek,” which means that accommodations and food are available in regular intervals. These teahouses – simple neighborhood circle of relatives-run guesthouses – are a major cause at the back of what makes the Annapurna Base Camp Trek so unique. You get a warm greeting, a place to lay your head, and an opportunity to share stories with other trekkers from all over the world. To guarantee that you are in for both a comfortable and fun trip — and I do mean comfortable and fun — it is essential to have an idea of what you should expect and have to do in the lodges of the mountains. Not only does this guide cover the facilities and etiquette, but has you completely prepared for your trek to Annapurna Base Camp.
Understanding Teahouse Accommodations
There are teahouses on the ABC Trek where you get basic, but sufficient, comfort. The rooms are very small with two single beds and paper-thin mattresses. It’s not for sleeping cozily (you’ll be provided with a pillow and blanket, but we highly recommend bringing a sleeping bag, especially for high-level trekking, both for more warmth and hygiene). In a few of the older towns, such as Chhomrong, you may be able to find a room with an attached bathroom, but shared bathrooms are the norm, particularly as you gain altitude as you approach the Annapurna Sanctuary. The walls tend to be thin, so the neighbor you meet might be the one whose earplugs you get closest to. Rooms are unheated, and warmth is found in the communal dining hall, the teahouse’s social capital.
Dining and Food Etiquette
And then there’s the food, which is, of course, one of the pleasures of teahouse trekking. The menus are granted by the local tourism board, and you can have a selection (prices vary, and rise with altitude on account of supply problems). Dah (lentil soup), Bhat (boiled rice), vegetables with curry, tamarind pickles (sometimes chutney), and green salad are the everyday Nepalese staple foods; adding achar (pickle) will supplement the meal many times a day. It’s good, and it will give an adequate energy level to hike for an entire day. Refills are free. EATING IN TEA HOUSES You will most often be expected to eat where you sleep, as much of the business income for the teahouse owner is from food (and not from the room, usually.) And although there are Western dishes to be had here — pasta and pizza among them, you’d better be prepared to fend for your own food, and that usually means eating local.
Essential Amenities and Services
The further up you go, the more rustic the teahouses along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek trail become. Even in the lower villages, you’ll come across the offer of a solar- or gas-heated shower, but beware, you’ll pay through the nose for the pleasure, and you won’t get it for the trek’s high points. Wet wipes and a tiny quick-dry towel are smart to add for staying fresh. Charging your electronics is also a paid service if you want to do so, and a common ‘charging center’ within your dining room will be available for you. Electricity is usually solar or hydro, and it may be in short supply. You might want to carry a power bank. Lots of teahouses have Wi-Fi for a nominal fee, but my connection was slow and spotty, so I wouldn’t depend on this if you hope to stream anything or use an extreme amount of data.
Water and Hydration
Acclimatization requires flu;d, water is best. Do no longer ever drink water directly from the tap. Many teahouses have safe drinking water stations where you can refill your reusable water bottle for a nominal charge, as well. And it is a healthy way to minimize carbon footprints and plastic garbage, and contribute to protecting the environment of the delicate Himalayas on your ABC Trek.
Packing for Teahouse Life
As you create your packing list, assume you’ll be living in teahouses. In addition to all your basic hiking gear, you’ll be glad to have a few extra items to make your stay a little more comfortable. A good sleeping bag, as I mentioned, is important. You also need a headlamp for night walking and a dark bathroom in the dark of night. You should also always have a mini roll of toilet paper, a small bottle of hand sanitizer, and some of your own toiletries with you in your day pack, as these are not always provided. Pair of fleece pants or sweat pants to wear in the evenings – a great luxury after a day of trekking in your gear.
Supporting the Local Community
Teahouse trekking forms a synergy between trekkers and the villagers in whose villages they have stayed. In many cases, these lodges are arfamily-runly run so your support will go a long way to help support the family during these challenging times. Respect their hospitality and traditions. Plain old “Namaste” and a smile can go a long way. Be friendly and respectful to the teahouse owners and all the workers. As far as Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost for a room goes, you can get a room for about 1-3$ at the lower reaches, but the lodges assume that you are going to eat and drink in them, so the rates are minimum for sleeping. Don’t try to Jew them down; these people earn a living.
Dealing with the Cold
The cold has a major impact on the altitude teahouses. The only heated area is the communal dining room, where you will hunker down at night around the central stove (typically fed with wood or yak dung). Do you ever try to sleep in an unheated, cold room? That’s when your sleeping bag, thermals, and beanie really come into their own. Some hikers fill their water bottles with hot water at some stage in this time to use them as hot water bottles for heat as well.
Preferred Etiquette and very last tips
ABC Trekking. Also, leave your shoes outside of eating establishments or any teahouse rooms that are privately booked, as there is not always seating available that allows for a space for your feet, and they do not want you ruining their floors. Pack out what you can, trash what you can’t, and please do your part to dispose of your waste responsibly. The atmosphere in the dining halls is social (as well as friendly), and it’s a fab spot to meet other trekkers, trade tales, and, heck, we even had a game of cards here. It´s amazing, because it´s kind of part of the teahouse trekking vibe. With a little bit of preparation and an open mind to teahouse culture, you’ll find that these humble accommodations are just what the doctor ordered for your epic hike up to Annapurna Base Camp.
