The food availability during the Annapurna Base Camp trek is excellent. There are many nourishing and delicious options to choose from. If you buy a trekking package, we will provide three daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
The menu is almost the same everywhere, with one or two extra options per the elevation. The menu is extensive at the lower elevation compared to the upper part of the trail. Nepali dishes are common and found everywhere.
You will also get a few Western, Indian, and Chinese dishes. As the peak trekking season comes, the lodges stock up their inventory and are ready to serve you healthy and heartily meals. Both veg and non-veg dishes are available.
Most ingredients are locally sourced, so the food is usually organic. Before having a non-veg dish, make sure to inquire about meat fresheners with the lodge owner. Meats are typically frozen here so that you may get an upset stomach. That is why we recommend that trekkers stick to vegetarian food during the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Local food vs Western dishes on ABC Trek
Local foods are much more delicious, and you will enjoy authentic taste. While Western dishes are also flavourful, the taste may differ from what you are used to because of a lack of ingredients and different species.
We recommend having local dishes as much as possible because it will make your journey more immersive. Local dishes will help you understand more about the villagers and their lifestyle. The ingredients used in Nepali food are also generally fresh.
Toast, egg, French toast, oatmeal, cornflakes, muesli, soups, Tibetan bread, porridge, chapati, fruits, hot drinks (black tea, lemon tea, milk tea, black coffee, milk coffee, honey-lemon tea), hot chocolate, etc.
Lunch and dinner
Dal bhat, Sherpa stew, curries, fried rice, rich with curry, nonveg dishes, momo, sandwiches, mashed potatoes, stir-fried vegetables, chilies, pizza, pasta, thukpa, noodles, thenduk, porridge, soups, steak, etc.
Dessert - Fruits, apple pie, rice pudding, hot chocolate, bakery items
Himalaya view from ABC trail
Drinking water on Annapurna Base Camp Journey
Water is essential for any trek in the Himalayas. High-altitude treks like Annapurna Base Camp require an average of 6 hours of walking daily, so you must keep yourself hydrated to maintain energy.
Likewise, being hydrated will also avoid altitude sickness. Fortunately, drinking water along the trail is not an issue. Trekkers are recommended to carry reusable water bottles and fill them with boiled water in lodges.
It is an affordable option, costing USD 1 to USD 2 per litre. Likewise, plastic water bottles are available in many lodges and tea shops. However, they cost much more and are not a sustainable option.
Buying plastic water bottles will also increase waste during the trek and negatively impact the environment. Therefore, stick to boiled water. We do not recommend drinking water directly from a stream or a tap.
Water in the mountains can be hard to digest. Drinking tap or stream water may upset your stomach.
*Trekkers should drink at least Three liters of water daily.
Beverage options on Annapurna Base Camp Trip
Several types of hot and cold drinks are on the menu. Teas and coffee are the most famous beverages among the locals and the trekkers. You will see a wide variety of teas on the menu, ranging from the good old milk tea to black tea, ginger tea, mint tea, lemon tea, etc.
Tibetan tea is also available in many places. Non caffeine options include hot lemon, hot chocolate, ginger, and honey tea. Similarly, in cold drinks, you can see options like Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Red Bull, canned juice, fruit juice, iced coffee, etc.
Note that soft drinks or any pre-packed beverages will be higher than the MRP price because of the location and the lack of roadways. Likewise, alcoholic drinks are also available along the trail.
We do not recommend trekkers consume alcoholic drinks while ascending as it can dehydrate their bodies and make them more prone to altitude sickness. However, during descending, you may taste local alcoholic drinks.
Must Try food items during Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Dal Bhat: Dal bhat is the typical Nepali meal that locals all over the country have daily. Moreover, the locals eat dal bhat twice daily in the mountain regions. It is the most delicious, affordable, fresh, and filling food. Likewise, dal bhat is also considered a super food for trekkers. You will get ample energy and nutrition to walk long hours. We highly recommend having it in your lunch. Dal bhat comprises steamed rice, lentil soup, veggies, and other assortments. Your pallet will be pretty flavorful. Both veg and non-veg options are available.
Momo: Momo is a famous Nepali dish that comes in different varieties. You may know it as a dumpling. It is one of the heavy and delicious meal options. You can have it steamed, fried, soupy, or in a chilly style. It is widely available in all lodges along the way. Both veg and non-veg momos are available.
Thenduk and Thukpa: Thukpa is another famous trekker's meal. It is a noodle soup served steaming hot, available as a vegetarian or non-vegetarian option. Thukpa is one of the most loved trekking foods because of its warm and comforting nature. Likewise, Thenduk is a famous Sherpa dish that is well-adapted throughout the mountain region. It is a hot soup served with wheat balls.
Chowmein: Nepali Chowmein is a must-have food during your Annapurna Base Camp trip to Nepal. It is similar to Chinese Chowmein but very different in taste. Two types of Chowmein are found. One is made from the locally loved instant noodles WaiWai, and the other is made from spaghetti-like long noodles.
Fried Rice: Fried rice is a common dish that trekkers eat during trekking. It is easy to eat and tasty. Different varieties of fried rice are available, such as egg fried rice, vegetable fried rice, and chicken fried rice.
Tibetan Bread: As the name suggests, Tibetan bread is a traditional mountain breakfast choice. Tibetan bread is deep-fried flatbread topped with peanut butter, jam, or honey. Eggs and cheese are other popular toppings.
Pancakes: Trekkers love pancakes, a famous breakfast option. You can have them plain or with toppings like chocolate, banana, honey, peanut butter, or jam.
Porridge and soups: Porridge and soups are two hearty meal options that are great for soothing colds. Both of these dishes have many varieties. Some famous soups are garlic soup, tomato soup, chicken soup, mushroom soup, and vegetable soup.
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