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Known as the starting point for Mount Everest, the Khumbu region is a popular spot for hikers looking for the exciting challenge of climbing the world’s highest peak. People go up the mountains and find small places to eat and rest. These simple spots are like havens where hikers can recharge and take a break surrounded by beautiful landscapes. The special connection between these small eateries and the brave hikers makes the trip through the Khumbu area more than a tough adventure — it becomes a memorable journey through the amazing Himalayan mountains.
Meals in the Khumbu Region:
1. Breakfast:
- Porridge: Made from millet, rice, or corn with the option of adding sugar or salt.
- Tsampa Porridge: Barley flour mixed with tea and a touch of sugar or salt.
- Eggs: Prepared according to your preference – boiled, scrambled, omelettes, or fried.
- Breads: Tibetan bread, chapati, and toast served with butter, jam, or honey.
- Cereals: Muesli and cornflakes are often served with milk.
- Hot Beverages: Such as tea (black, milk, ginger, mint), coffee, and hot chocolate.
2. Lunch & Dinner:
- Dal Bhat: A traditional Nepali dish comprising lentil soup served with rice, vegetable curries, and pickles, and might include meat curries or poppadoms.
- Sherpa Stew: A nutritious stew of vegetables, dumplings, and meat (optional).
- Momos: Tibetan-style dumplings filled with either meat or vegetables.
- Thukpa: A robust noodle broth enriched with either meat or vegetables.
- Chow Mein: Stir-fried noodles with a mix of vegetables and optional meat.
- Fried Rice: Served with vegetables and optional meat.
- Pasta: Various dishes, such as spaghetti or macaroni, are often designed to be calorie-rich for trekkers.
- Potato Dishes: Given the region’s abundance of potatoes, expect dishes like potato curry, fried potatoes, or the Sherpa favourite, potato rosti.
3. Snacks and Desserts:
- Popcorn, Peanuts, and Biscuits.
- Apple Pie: A favourite in many teahouses.
- Trekking Bars or Chocolate: Useful for a quick energy boost.
4. Drinks:
- Tea: Various types, including black, milk, ginger, and mint.
- Coffee: Both local brews and instant options.
- Hot Chocolate.
- Soft Drinks: Like Coke, Sprite, etc.
- Local Alcoholic Beverages: Chang (a beer made from fermented rice or barley) and Raksi (a strong spirit). However, it’s advisable to limit alcohol consumption at higher altitudes.
Guesthouses (Teahouses) in the Khumbu Region:
Teahouses in the Khumbu region provide basic accommodations tailored for trekkers:
- Rooms: Typically twin beds with basic bedding. As you go higher, expect colder rooms, and it’s a good idea to have a four-season sleeping bag.
- Facilities: Shared bathrooms; some teahouses in lower altitudes might offer hot showers for an extra fee.
- Dining: A communal dining hall, often heated, where trekkers gather for meals and socializing.
- Electricity: Available for charging devices, but it may come at an extra cost, and the supply can be unreliable. Consider bringing a portable charger or a solar charger for added convenience.
- Internet: Some teahouses offer WiFi for an additional fee, but the connectivity can be spotty. Think about purchasing a local SIM card with data to ensure a more reliable and consistent connectivity experience.
As you go higher, teahouse prices increase because bringing things there costs more. Carry cash since there aren’t many ATMs, and cards often aren’t accepted. Teahouses are simple but let hikers learn about Sherpa life and Himalayan kindness.
