Food and Drinks on the Everest Base Camp Trek

When you think of hiking or trekking to Everest Base Camp, the last thing that probably comes to mind is food. But just like on any other hike, your body needs nourishment along the way to keep up your energy levels. What kind of food can you expect on an

trek? And what are the best eating strategies for making the most of your trek? Read on for all the details!

Food and drinks in Everest Base Camp trek

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Where do you eat?

You will be eating most of your meals in local teahouses. These are simple lodges that provide basic accommodation and food for trekkers. The teahouses are usually family-run businesses, and the food is prepared fresh using local ingredients.

Each tea house has a dining room where you will take your meals. Meals are typically served, family-style, at large tables with other trekkers. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and learn about their experiences on the trail!

Tea houses during everest trekking guide

However, it’s important to note that not all guesthouses are created equal. Some have better food than others, and some trekkers may find the food quality lacking. This is often because guesthouses are located in remote areas with limited access to fresh ingredients.

What kind of food can you expect?

The menu at teahouses is usually quite limited, with just a handful of dishes to choose from. The most common dish is dal bhat, a traditional Nepali meal of rice and lentils. You will also find some Tibetan dishes like momos (dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup).

You can expect oatmeal, pancakes, eggs, and toast for breakfast. And, of course, no meal is complete without a cup of hot tea!

Dal Bhat-a traditional nepali food everest base camp trek

Drinking water on the Everest Base Camp Trek

It is very important to stay hydrated while trekking, especially at high altitudes. The best way to do this is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. You should aim to drink at least four liters (about one gallon) of water daily.

The tap water in Nepal is unsafe to drink, so you must purchase bottled water. You can buy water at most guesthouses, but it is more expensive than buying it in town. We recommend that you stock up on water before starting your trek.

Another option is to use a water filter or purifier. This is a great way to save money and reduce your plastic waste. The Sawyer Mini Water Filter is a great option for filtering water on the go.

What about other drinks?

In addition to water, you will also want to drink plenty of hot tea and fluids with electrolytes. These will help you stay hydrated and prevent altitude sickness. You can buy bottled or canned soda and beer at most guesthouses, but they are expensive.

A better option is to bring your own tea bags and instant coffee. This is a great way to save money and enjoy a hot drink after a long day on the trail.

Is meat available?

Yes, you can find meat dishes at most guesthouses. However, they are usually quite expensive. The most common meats are chicken and yak. Whether you are vegetarian or vegan, there are plenty of options available. Just be sure to let your server know in advance so that they can prepare a meal for you.

What about snacks?

You will probably get hungry between meals, so it’s a good idea to bring some snacks with you. Popular trekking snacks include energy bars, trail mix, dried fruit, and nuts. You can also buy snacks at most guesthouses, but they are usually more expensive than buying them in town.

When is the best time to eat?

You will be doing a lot of walking during your trek, so eating enough is important to keep your energy levels up. We recommend you have a big breakfast before starting your hike for the day. This will give you the energy to make it up steep hills and through tough trails.

You should also eat a big dinner because you will need to refuel after a long day of trekking. If you are hiking in the morning, we recommend having a light breakfast and packing some snacks for the trail.

How fresh is the food in Everest Base Camp Trek?

The food quality at guesthouses can vary depending on the location. The food might not be as fresh as you would like in remote areas because of limited access to ingredients. However, in general, the food is fairly fresh and tasty. You will just need to be prepared for some dishes that might not be as good as others.

What about food safety?

The food safety standards in Nepal are not as high as those in developed countries. This means you must be more careful about what you eat and drink. Always wash your hands often, and avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables. It is also a good idea to bring hand sanitizer and wipes before meals.

What Shouldn’t You Eat During a Trek?

You might wonder what food and drinks you should avoid during your trek. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Avoid drinking water from streams or rivers unless you have boiled it first. The water can contain harmful bacteria that can make you sick.
Don’t eat raw vegetables or fruits unless you have peeled them yourself.
Be careful of street food vendors. Ensure that the food is cooked fresh and that the vendor uses clean utensils.
Avoid dairy products, as they can be difficult to digest.
Lastly, limit your salt intake, as it can lead to dehydration.
Avoid eating meat that is not cooked all the way through. This is especially important if you are trekking in remote areas where food safety standards are not as high.

Costs of Food and Drinks on the Trek

Now that you know what to eat and drink let’s talk about how much it will cost you.

Water: You should plan on drinking at least four liters of water per day. A liter of water costs around $0.50 per liter.
Beer: Canned drinks and beer are also available, but they tend to be more expensive, costing around $7-$15 per can or bottle.
Meals: A basic meal of dal bhat (rice and lentils) costs around $0.50-$0.70 per plate. If you want something more substantial, such as chicken or mutton curry, expect to pay around $0.70-$0.90 per plate.
Snacks: Chips, candy bars, and other snacks are available for purchase along the trail. Prices range from $0.50-$15 per item.

Should you eat Meat along the Everest Trek?

There are many different opinions on whether or not meat should be eaten while trekking. Some people believe getting the protein and other nutrients the body needs is necessary. Others believe it is better to avoid meat because it is more difficult to digest and can cause gastrointestinal problems. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to eat meat while trekking is a personal one. If you do decide to eat meat, it is important to make sure that it is cooked properly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.

Altitude Sickness and Food

Food and drink are important considerations on the Everest Base Camp trek. The higher you go, the more difficult it is to digest food and stay hydrated. At high altitudes, your body needs time to acclimatize and adjust to the lack of oxygen in the air.

Most trekkers will experience some level of altitude sickness, especially if they are not used to hiking at high altitudes. The symptoms of altitude sickness can range from mild discomfort to severe and even life-threatening.

Eat more Carbs

Eating more carbohydrates is one of the best ways to combat altitude sickness. Carb-rich foods help your body process oxygen better and give you more energy.

Stay Hydrated

It is also important to stay hydrated on the trek. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Alcohol will dehydrate your body and can worsen altitude sickness symptoms.

Garlic soup:

If you are suffering from altitude sickness, garlic soup is thought to be helpful. This traditional Nepali dish is made with garlic, ginger, and onion.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine:

You should avoid alcohol and caffeine while trekking, as they can dehydrate you and worsen altitude sickness.

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Conclusion

Trekking to the Everest Base Camp can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It is important to be prepared for the trek’s physical and mental demands and to consider the effects of high altitude on the body. In this article, we have highlighted key points to remember when planning your food and drink intake while trekking in Everest Base Camp. We hope you find this information useful and helpful as you prepare for your journey. Thank you for reading!

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post them below. We would love to hear from you!

Happy trekking!