Food and Accommodation on Everest Region Trek Routes: Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass
Food and accommodation on Everest Region trek are key elements of your adventure to the world’s highest peak. Trekking to Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, and Gokyo-Cho La Pass offers breathtaking views, rich cultural experiences, and an unforgettable physical challenge. To ensure a smooth journey, it’s essential to prepare for the meals and lodging you’ll encounter along the way.
Accommodation Along the Trekking Routes
As you make your way through the Himalayas, accommodation is offered by guest houses and tea houses. While these are basic, they provide exactly what trekkers need to rest and prepare for the next day’s journey.
Types of Lodging
The comfort and facilities at the guest houses vary depending on your altitude. Let’s explore the accommodations you’ll find at different stages of your trek:
Lower Altitudes (Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar)
At lower elevations, you’ll encounter more comfortable and equipped accommodations. Guest houses in these areas offer rooms with attached bathrooms and some even provide Wi-Fi (though at a cost). Hot showers are available, but they come with an additional charge.
Mid Altitudes (Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche)
As you climb higher, the guest houses become simpler. Here, rooms will be smaller and shared bathrooms are more common. The temperature also drops, and heating may be provided by wood stoves or gas heaters to keep you warm at night.
High Altitudes (Gorak Shep, Near Base Camp)
Once you reach Gorak Shep and higher altitudes, the accommodations become very basic. Expect rooms with minimal comfort, and no showers in most cases due to the cold conditions. Wood stoves may still provide some warmth, but at these heights, the focus is on basic shelter.
Meals and Drinks on the Trek
Your daily meals on the Everest Region trek will primarily consist of Nepali and Tibetan dishes, designed to give you the energy needed for the physically demanding journey. While you might miss your usual home comforts, the food and accommodation along the way will sustain you through this unforgettable adventure.
What to Expect for Meals
Here’s a look at the meals you can enjoy during your trek:
Breakfast
Breakfast is a crucial part of the day, especially for a trek that demands energy. Typical morning meals include:
- Porridge, often with honey or fruit for added flavor
- Eggs with toast or pancakes to fill you up
- Tea or coffee to warm you up and start your day right
Lunch
Lunch is served mid-day and usually consists of a filling and satisfying meal. Common options are:
- Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice)
- Momos (dumplings) served steamed or fried
- Fried rice or noodles to keep you energized
While traditional Nepali meals are abundant, you can also find some Western dishes like spaghetti or pizza along the way.
Dinner
For dinner, expect similar options as lunch, with a focus on hearty dishes to replenish energy after a long day. Dal Bhat is a common choice, and you can also enjoy:
- Vegetable curry with rice
- Chapati (flatbread) to complement the meal
- Soup to warm you up on colder nights
Hydration and Drinks
Staying hydrated is critical at high altitudes, and the trekking tea houses offer various drinks to help keep your energy levels up:
- Tea is the most popular choice, including black tea, green tea, and herbal options such as ginger or mint.
- A warm favorite for many trekkers is ginger lemon honey tea, perfect for soothing the throat and providing warmth.
- Bottled water is readily available, though it’s advisable to use water purification tablets to avoid excessive plastic waste.
Accommodation and Meals on the Gokyo Lakes Trek
The Gokyo Lakes trek is a fantastic alternative route for those looking for a quieter experience. While the accommodation and meals are similar to those found on the Everest Base Camp Trek route, they may be even more basic due to the remoteness of the region.
Guest Houses Along the Gokyo Route
Guest houses in places like Gokyo and Dragnag offer simple rooms. As you get higher up, the accommodations become even more minimalist. You’ll typically stay in small rooms with shared bathrooms. Warm layers are a must, and you may want to bring your own sleeping bag for added comfort.
Meals on the Gokyo Trek
Food along the Gokyo Lakes route mirrors that of the main Everest trek. Expect hearty meals like dal bhat, fried rice, and momos, though fewer Western options are available the higher you go. Stick to easily digestible meals like soup or porridge as you climb higher.
Accommodation and Food on the Cho La Pass Trek
The Cho La Pass trek is one of the most physically demanding sections in the Everest region. Crossing the high-altitude pass requires proper planning for accommodation and meals to keep up your energy levels.
Guest Houses on the Cho La Pass Trek
The guest houses along the Cho La Pass route are basic and may be more spread out, so it’s important to plan overnight stops in advance. Accommodations will include shared bathrooms and twin-sharing rooms, and the facilities become simpler the higher you go.
Meals Along the Cho La Pass Trek
Expect traditional trekking meals like dal bhat and noodles along the Cho La Pass route. As with the other treks, soups and rice are ideal for high-altitude trekking, while fried rice can provide an energy boost. You might find fewer choices as you approach the higher elevations, so it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet.
Tips for Staying Healthy and Energized
Trekking at high altitudes requires careful attention to your physical well-being. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and energized:
- Hydrate regularly: Drink plenty of ginger lemon tea or other warm beverages to stay hydrated.
- Eat often: Even if you lose your appetite at higher altitudes, make sure to eat light, nutritious meals.
- Take rest breaks: Listen to your body and rest when needed, especially when tackling high passes like the Three Passes trek.
- Eat light: Stick to meals that are easy to digest at higher elevations, such as porridge or soup.
Conclusion
Food and accommodation on Everest Region trek are essential for a successful adventure through the Himalayas. The journey to the iconic peak, along with routes through the Gokyo region and high mountain passes, offers breathtaking views, rich cultural experiences, and a unique challenge. While the meals and lodging along the way are simple, they provide the nourishment and rest needed for an unforgettable trek. With some preparation, you can ensure your adventure is both enjoyable and rewarding.
Get ready for the trek of a lifetime, and may the Himalayas inspire you!
