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.