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Accommodation During Annapurna Base Camp Trek

26 October 2024
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Accommodation on Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek or ABC Trek, renowned for its majestic landscapes and the cultural immersion it offers, is also one of the most accessible treks in Nepal. One of the key reasons for its popularity is the availability of a network of teahouses and lodges, providing trekkers with comfortable shelter throughout their journey. Unlike many other high-altitude Trekking in Nepal where camping may be the primary option, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek allows you to stay in cozy teahouses at various stops along the trail.

This blog will dive into everything you need to know about accommodation during the trek—from what to expect in terms of facilities and comfort to cost, booking procedures, and tips for making your stay as pleasant as possible.

1. Overview of Teahouse Culture on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The concept of teahouses is unique to trekking in Nepal whether it is Everest Trek, Langtang Trek, Manaslu Trek or Annapurna Trek. These teahouses are family-run establishments that serve as both lodges and restaurants, providing a bed, basic amenities, and freshly cooked meals to trekkers. They form the backbone of trekking infrastructure in the Annapurna Trek and other trekking regions, allowing hikers to explore without the need for carrying camping gear.

On the ABC Trek, you will encounter a mix of basic lodges and more modern guesthouses offering enhanced facilities, particularly in the more popular stops like Ghorepani, Chhomrong, and the base camp itself. While some teahouses may be quite simple, others offer surprising comforts, including Wi-Fi, hot showers, and even varieties of food from dal-bhat to pizza.

couple near abc

2. Popular Stops and Accommodation Types

Below is a breakdown of the main stops along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and what you can expect in terms of accommodation:

Nayapul and Tikhedhunga

Nayapul is the starting point for most trekkers. If you arrive late, there are a few small guesthouses here where you can spend the night before beginning the trek. Basic accommodation is the norm.
Tikhedhunga, a common stop on day one, offers small teahouses with simple beds and shared bathrooms. Hot showers may be available for an extra charge.

Ghorepani (2,850m)

One of the larger villages on the trek, Ghorepani offers a wide variety of teahouses ranging from basic to fairly luxurious (by trekking standards). This is a popular spot because many trekkers hike to Poon Hill for sunrise views.

Accommodation here is comfortable, with some teahouses even offering private rooms with attached bathrooms. Hot showers, charging stations, and Wi-Fi are usually available for an extra fee.
Prices here are higher compared to lower-altitude villages, as the location is a popular waypoint.

Also find the details for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek into Annapurna Region

Chhomrong (2,170m)

As a major hub along the route, Chhomrong offers some of the best accommodations on the ABC trek. You will find spacious teahouses with well-built rooms and modern amenities.

Most teahouses here provide hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging facilities, and diverse meal options. Given its popularity, it is a good idea to book in advance during peak seasons to ensure a room with better facilities.

Dovan and Bamboo

Dovan and Bamboo are quieter villages with basic, often smaller teahouses. Rooms are clean but simple, usually consisting of wooden or concrete beds with foam mattresses. Shared bathrooms with squat toilets are common here.

Facilities like hot showers or Wi-Fi might not be available in every teahouse, and the communal dining areas are where trekkers bond over meals.

Deurali (3,200m)

Deurali is one of the higher altitude stops, where accommodation gets simpler as you go higher. There are only a few guesthouses here, with basic amenities and little to no extra frills like Wi-Fi or hot showers. As temperatures drop significantly here, bring warm clothes as the insulation in the rooms is minimal.

Machapuchhre Base Camp or MBC (3,700m)

Reaching Machhapuchhre Base Camp or MBC means you are very close to your final destination. However, accommodation here becomes much more basic. The cold can be intense, and rooms are often drafty, with shared bathrooms.

Given the altitude and the remoteness, the food prices are higher, and choices are limited, though you will still find staples like dal-bhat and noodles.

Annapurna Base Camp or ABC (4,130m)

Accommodation at ABC is often in dormitory-style rooms, especially during peak seasons. The facilities here are very basic, with shared toilets and communal dining halls.

Heating is limited to the dining areas, where they may light a stove in the evening, so bring plenty of layers for sleeping.

Food is typically simple, with options like fried rice, noodles, and soup, and prices are the highest on the trek due to the difficulty in transporting supplies.

abc view

3. Facilities and Comfort Level

Rooms

Beds: Most rooms come with two single beds or one double bed, foam mattresses, and a blanket. While some teahouses provide linens, it is a good idea to bring a sleeping bag, especially at higher altitudes where temperatures can drop below freezing.

Bathrooms: Shared bathrooms are the norm, with squat toilets more common than Western-style toilets. At lower altitudes, attached bathrooms may be available in select lodges.

Food

The food menu is surprisingly diverse, given the remoteness. Expect local staples like dal-bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables), along with Western dishes such as pasta, pizza, and pancakes. As you go higher, the menu options become simpler.

Prices rise with altitude due to transportation costs, but dal-bhat is always a filling and affordable option.

Showers and Toilets

Hot showers are available at many teahouses below 3,500 meters, but you will often need to pay extra (100–300 NPR). Above MBC, hot showers are either unavailable or prohibitively expensive due to limited water and fuel resources.

Toilets are typically basic squat toilets with water buckets. Carry your own toilet paper, as it is rarely provided.

Wi-Fi and Charging

Wi-Fi is available in many teahouses, even at higher altitudes, but expect to pay for it (around 200–500 NPR per session). The signal can be unreliable, especially during bad weather.

Charging your phone or camera typically costs extra, around 100–300 NPR per hour. Solar power is common at higher altitudes, so charging availability may be limited during cloudy weather.

PACKING LIST FOR ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK 

trekking to abc

4. Costs of Accommodation

Accommodation on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek ranges from 200 to 500 NPR per night at lower altitudes. At higher elevations, such as Deurali or MBC, prices can increase to 500–800 NPR per night, especially during peak trekking seasons.

During peak trekking periods (March to May, and September to November), it is a good idea to book in advance, especially in the popular villages like Chhomrong and Ghorepani, where rooms fill up quickly.

5. Booking and Availability

Most teahouses do not have an online booking system, and reservations are typically made in person or through trekking agencies. If you are trekking in the off-season (winter or monsoon), accommodation is easier to secure. However, during peak season, it is recommended to reach your destination early in the afternoon to secure a room, especially in the more popular teahouses.

6. Etiquette and Tips for Staying in Teahouses

Bring your own sleeping bag: Although most teahouses provide blankets, they are often not sufficient for cold nights, particularly at higher altitudes.

Be respectful: Teahouses are often family-run, so it’s important to be considerate of local customs. Always greet your hosts with a smile and say "Namaste."

Support the teahouses: While accommodation might be cheap, teahouses make most of their income from food and beverages. It is courteous to have dinner and breakfast at the place you are staying.

Learn more Annapurna Base Camp Trek : Everything You Need to Know 

women with red jacket

FAQs

1. What type of accommodation is available on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Accommodation on the ABC trek consists mainly of teahouses and lodges. These are basic, family-run guesthouses that offer a simple room with beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. As you ascend, the facilities tend to become more basic, especially at higher altitudes like Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC) and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC).

2. What is a teahouse?

A teahouse is a local establishment in the trekking regions that offer both lodging and meals. They are simple, providing basic beds and meals in a common eating area.

3. Do teahouses on the ABC trek offer private rooms or dormitories?

Teahouses typically provide private rooms with two single beds. However, at higher altitudes or during peak trekking seasons, teahouses may offer dormitory-style rooms, especially at Annapurna Base Camp itself, due to limited space. Booking in advance or arriving early helps secure a private room during busy times.

4. Are hot showers available at the teahouses?

Yes, hot showers are available at most teahouses, but you will have to pay an extra fee (usually around 100–500 NPR). At higher altitudes, hot water is scarcer and more expensive due to limited fuel and solar energy. In some places, you might only have access to cold water.

5. Is Wi-Fi available in the teahouses?

Wi-Fi is available at many teahouses, especially in more populated stops like Ghorepani and Chhomrong, but it typically costs an extra 200–500 NPR per session. The quality of the connection decreases as you ascend, and at higher altitudes like MBC and ABC, Wi-Fi may not be available at all or can be unreliable.

6. How much does accommodation cost on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Accommodation costs on the ABC trek are relatively cheap:
At lower altitudes, rooms usually cost 200–500 NPR per night.
As you go higher, prices increase to around 500–800 NPR per night, especially at places like Deurali or MBC. The cost may also depend on the season, with higher prices during peak trekking periods.

7. What are the bathroom facilities like in the teahouses?

At lower altitudes, some teahouses offer attached bathrooms with Western-style toilets. However, most teahouses along the trail have shared bathrooms with basic squat toilets. As you ascend, expect more basic facilities with bucket-flush systems.

8. Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

During peak seasons (spring and autumn), it is advisable to book accommodation in advance, especially in popular villages like Chhomrong and Ghorepani. While teahouses may not always have online booking systems, you can book through trekking agencies or by calling ahead. In the off-season, accommodation is easier to secure without prior booking.

9. What is the food like in teahouses?

Teahouses offer a surprisingly wide variety of meals, ranging from traditional Nepali dishes like dal-bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables) to Western options such as pizza, pasta, and pancakes. However, as you ascend, the menu becomes more limited, and food prices increase due to transportation costs. Expect to pay 300–800 NPR per meal, depending on the altitude and complexity of the dish.

10. Is bedding provided in the teahouses?

Yes, teahouses provide basic bedding, including foam mattresses and blankets. However, at higher altitudes where temperatures drop significantly, the provided blankets may not be enough, so it is recommended to bring a sleeping bag or rent one in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting the trek.

11. Can I charge my electronics in teahouses?

Yes, most teahouses allow you to charge your devices, but it comes at an additional cost (usually 100–300 NPR per hour). Charging is typically done in the common dining area, and at higher altitudes, power is limited to solar energy, making it less reliable.

12. What should I expect in terms of comfort?

While the teahouses are simple, they provide the essentials needed for a comfortable stay—beds, warm meals, and basic sanitation. Comfort levels decrease at higher altitudes, where rooms may be colder, and facilities are more limited. It is important to keep expectations realistic, especially as the focus of the trek is on the natural experience.

Conclusion

Accommodation on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is diverse, ranging from basic lodges to more comfortable guesthouses. Despite being in a remote region, trekkers can enjoy surprisingly good facilities, including hot showers, Wi-Fi, and diverse food menus. However, it is essential to manage expectations, especially as you ascend, where comfort levels decrease but the natural beauty only grows. Whether you are huddling in a common dining hall around a warm stove or resting in a cozy bed with incredible views of the Annapurna range, the teahouse experience adds an authentic, cultural dimension to the ABC Trek.

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