Tea Houses on the Everest Base Camp Trek 2024

The Everest Base Camp trek is famous for teahouse lodging in Nepal's mountains. When you hear "teahouse," it might sound like just a place for tea. But in Nepalese trekking routes, teahouses are more like small hotels along the trail.

Teahouses give tired trekkers beds, meals, and sometimes hot showers and electricity. They're crucial for resting after trekking 5-7 hours a day. Often family-run, teahouses serve homemade meals that give a taste of local Nepalese life.

Today, teahouses are the easiest and cheapest lodging option for trekkers in the Everest region. They're easy to find with signs advertising tea, coffee, and amenities like hot showers and electricity.

A typical day in a teahouse means checking into a cozy room after trekking, then enjoying a warm meal in a shared dining area, often heated by a traditional stove burning yak dung for warmth.

Teahouses vary in quality, from basic to more comfortable options along the trekking route. They usually have twin beds, meals like Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), and basic amenities like hot showers and electricity, especially in popular areas like Namche Bazaar.

As you go higher, teahouses become simpler with shared bathrooms and fewer comforts. They're still comfortable and offer a glimpse into local life and hospitality. Bringing a sleeping bag is a good idea for added comfort, especially in colder areas.

Food in teahouses is hearty and freshly made, with local staples like Dal Bhat, soups, and Tibetan bread. Meat dishes are less common due to local customs, but there are plenty of vegetarian options.

Teahouses are also social places where trekkers meet and share stories. They're essential for experiencing local culture and hospitality, something you might miss if you camp instead.

Teahouse trekking means moving from one teahouse to another each day for accommodation and meals. Originally meant for basic refreshments, teahouses now offer a more hotel-like experience along Nepal's trekking routes.

Each teahouse is different, offering a look into local life and providing essential services for trekkers tackling some of the world's highest mountains.

Teahouses on the Everest Base Camp Trek change as you progress along the route. Depending on where you stop each day, from Lukla to Gorekshep, you'll find different types of accommodation options.

Teahouses in Lukla

Lukla is where most trekkers start their journey after a short flight from Kathmandu. On the first day, trekkers usually head to Phakding for the night instead of staying in Lukla itself. However, on their last day back, many choose to stay in Lukla. Accommodation ranges from basic teahouses to luxurious lodges, costing anywhere from $5 to $250 per night. You can also choose meals according to your budget.

Popular tea houses include Buddha Lodge, Hotel Sunny Garden, and The Northface Resort.

Teahouses in Phakding

Phakding is a common stop after the flight to Lukla, just a 3-4 hour walk away at an altitude of 2610 meters. Here, you'll find a variety of lodges and teahouses, from budget to more comfortable options. Prices for rooms range from $5 to $250 per night, depending on the amenities. There are also well-maintained moderate rooms available.

The most popular lodges/teahouses in Phakding are;

• Hotel Beer Garden
• Yeti Mountain Home
• Sherpa Guide Lodge
• Hotel Snowland
• Hotel Mountain
• Kalapatthar Lodge
• Hotel Kongde View

Teahouses in Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar is a major stop where trekkers spend two nights for acclimatization, situated at an altitude of approximately 3440 meters. It's the largest Sherpa town in the region with high-quality lodges, budget teahouses, markets, restaurants, cafes, and religious sites. Rooms range from $5 to $250 per night in teahouses, with higher prices at places like The Everest View Hotel, which can go up to $350 per night. Meals vary by choice.

The most popular lodges/teahouses in Namche Bazaar are;

• The Nest
• International Foot Rest Lodge
• Hotel Green Tara
• Hotel Camp de' Base
• Namche Guest House
• Hotel Kongde
• Hotel Kamal
• Hotel Hilton
• Yeti Mountain Home
• Hotel Namche
• Hotel Sherpaland
• Hotel Tibet Khumbu Resort

Teahouses in Tengboche

Tengboche, known for its monastery and stunning mountain views, offers basic to moderate teahouses.It is located at an altitude of about 3860 meters above sea level.  Rooms cost between $5 to $30 per night, with more options available in nearby Debuche. Meals are available based on your preferences.

The most popular lodges/teahouses in Tengboche are;

• Hotel Himalayan
• Hotel Tashi Delek
• Tengboche Guest House

Teahouses in Dingboche

At Dingboche, at an altitude of 4400m, teahouses are limited but still offer basic services like attached bathrooms. Prices for rooms range from $5 to $30 per night, with meals available as per your choice.

The most popular lodges/teahouses in Dingboche are;

• Hotel Good Luck
• Hotel Summit
• Hotel Yak
• Hotel Peak 38
• Hotel Valley View

Teahouses in Lobuche

As you climb higher, teahouses become simpler with shared facilities like bathrooms and dining areas with fireplaces. Rooms in Lobuche cost between $7 to $60 per night, depending on amenities. Meals are available according to your preferences.

The most popular lodges/teahouses in Lobuche are;

• Hotel Mother Earth
• Hotel Peak xv
• New EBC Guest House
• Oxygen Home
• Hotel Above The Cloud
• Himalayan Eco Lodge
• Hotel 8000 Inn

Teahouses in Gorakshep

Gorakshep is the last stop before Everest Base Camp, offering basic accommodations due to its high altitude. Rooms cost between $7 to $50 per night, with limited food options. It's a common place to stay for trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp.

The most popular lodges/tea houses in GorakShep are;

• Everest Inn
• Yeti Resort
• Snowland Highest Inn
• Buddha Lodge
• Himalayan Lodge

The Everest Base Camp trek offers a range of teahouse accommodations suited to different budgets and preferences, providing a comfortable stay amidst breathtaking Himalayan scenery.

Useful Tips for Teahouses on the Everest Base Camp Trek

Trek with a tour operator like Vajra Adventure to ensure stress-free accommodation and food arrangements. We know the best teahouses and can book rooms in advance, making your trek hassle-free. If you're trekking without a guide or porter, arrive early at your destination to secure a room in the tea houses. Tea Houses along the trek provide basic amenities, often with rooms shared among trekkers. Bring your own sleeping bag for comfort and safety in the higher altitudes, where conditions can be extreme.

                                               FAQ

1. How do I book accommodation in tea houses?

If you're trekking with a tour operator like Vajra Adventure, they will usually handle accommodation bookings in advance. For independent trekkers, it's advisable to reach teahouses early in the day to secure a room, especially during peak trekking seasons.

2. What are tea houses on the Everest Base Camp trek?

Teahouses are small lodges or guesthouses that provide accommodation and meals along the trekking routes in the Everest region. They range from basic to relatively comfortable, offering a place to rest and eat during the trek.

3. What is the cost of staying in tea houses?

The cost of accommodation in teahouses varies depending on the location and the amenities provided. On average, expect to pay between $5 to $250 per night per person. Meals are usually additional and cost according to your choices.

4. Is it necessary to tip tea house staff?

Tipping is customary in Nepal as a gesture of gratitude for good service. It's appreciated but not mandatory. Tips can be given directly to staff members or pooled and given to the owner at the end of your stay.