What Food to Expect During Everest Trekking

Published On : 11th Dec, 2024 By Himalayan Dream Team

What Food to Expect During Everest Trekking: A Typical Day's Meals

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is a thrilling adventure, but it's also one that requires careful attention to nutrition and hydration. Knowing what food to expect can help you stay energized and healthy throughout your journey. Here's a guide to a typical day's meals during the trek, highlighting the variety of food options available at the teahouses along the route.

Breakfast: Fueling Up for the Day

Tibetan Bread and Jam

Start your day with Tibetan bread, a deep-fried, doughy bread that's filling and delicious. It's often served with local honey, jam, or butter, providing a good mix of carbohydrates and fats to kickstart your energy levels.

Pancakes and Eggs

Pancakes are a common breakfast item, often served with honey or local preserves. They provide a good source of carbohydrates to fuel your morning trek. Eggs, cooked to your preference (boiled, scrambled, or fried), are also widely available and offer a valuable protein boost.

Porridge

A bowl of warm porridge is another popular breakfast choice. Made from oats or local grains, it's often flavored with cinnamon, honey, or fruit. Porridge is both nutritious and easy on the stomach, making it an excellent option for trekkers.

Mid-Morning Snack: Keeping Energy Levels Up

Energy Bars and Nuts

While trekking, it's essential to keep your energy levels steady. Carry energy bars, nuts, or dried fruits in your backpack for a quick snack. These items are lightweight, easy to carry, and provide a quick energy boost when needed.

Lunch: Refueling for the Afternoon

Dal Bhat

Dal Bhat is the staple meal for lunch, loved by trekkers for its balance of nutrients and energy-sustaining properties. This traditional dish consists of steamed rice (bhat) and lentil soup (dal), often accompanied by vegetable curries, pickles, and sometimes meat. Dal Bhat is typically served with unlimited refills, ensuring you get enough calories for the trek ahead.

Sherpa Stew

Sherpa stew, also known as Sherpa Khaja, is a hearty, warming dish perfect for the cold mountain environment. It's a thick soup made with potatoes, vegetables, and sometimes meat, accompanied by dumplings or bread. This stew is both nourishing and comforting, providing a good mix of carbohydrates and proteins.

Fried Rice or Noodles

Fried rice or noodles are common lunch options, often cooked with vegetables, eggs, or meat. These dishes are familiar to many trekkers and provide a quick, filling meal that’s easy to digest.

Afternoon Snack: Sustaining Your Trek

Momos

Momos, Nepalese dumplings filled with vegetables or meat, make for an excellent afternoon snack. They are typically steamed or fried and served with a spicy dipping sauce. Momos are a tasty treat that provides a mix of carbohydrates and protein, helping to sustain your energy levels.

Dinner: Replenishing and Winding Down

Pasta and Pizza

Many teahouses offer pasta and pizza, catering to the tastes of international trekkers. These dishes are often made with local ingredients and can vary in quality, but they provide a comforting taste of home. Pasta dishes, such as spaghetti with tomato sauce or vegetable pasta, are filling and provide a good carbohydrate boost for the next day's trek.

Vegetable Curry and Rice

For dinner, vegetable curry with rice is a popular choice. The curry is usually made with seasonal vegetables and a blend of local spices, served with steamed rice. This meal is both nutritious and flavorful, offering a satisfying end to your day.

Thukpa

Thukpa, a Tibetan noodle soup, is a warm and hearty option for dinner. It’s made with noodles, vegetables, and sometimes meat, in a flavorful broth. Thukpa is particularly comforting in the cold mountain evenings, providing warmth and nutrition.

Hydration: Essential Drinks

Tea

Tea is a staple drink in the Himalayas, with varieties such as ginger tea, lemon tea, and masala tea being particularly popular. These teas not only help keep you hydrated but also provide warmth and a soothing effect, which is much needed in the cold climate.

Water and Electrolytes

Staying hydrated is crucial. Always drink treated or boiled water to avoid any water-borne illnesses. Carry electrolyte powders to mix with water, which can help maintain your hydration levels and replace lost salts, especially important in the high-altitude environment.

How Much Does Food Cost on the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Food on the Everest Base Camp Trek will cost between $20 to $30 per day, with meals alone costing $7 to $10 each, depending on your choices. Prices get higher the higher you go because it is difficult to bring supplies up to high villages; goods are carried in by yaks, porters, or helicopters. Traditional Nepali Dal Bhat, often with an option for unlimited refills, is a cost-effective and energy-rich meal option, while international dishes such as pasta or pizza tend to be pricier. Compared to other trekking routes like the Manaslu Circuit or Annapurna Base Camp, food on the EBC trek is relatively affordable thanks to better infrastructure and high trekking volume. To budget, trekkers can stick to local food, bring along snacks, and also use water purification systems instead of buying bottled water. If planned properly, the food experience becomes enjoyable and an integral part of this journey.

Food Safety and Hygiene Tips

• Eat Freshly Cooked Meals: Opt for meals that are freshly prepared to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.
• Avoid Raw Vegetables: Stick to cooked vegetables as raw ones may be washed in untreated water.
• Carry Hand Sanitizer: Use it before meals to maintain hygiene and prevent illness.

Conclusion

Understanding what food to expect during your Everest trek can significantly enhance your experience. The variety of meals available, from traditional Nepalese dishes like Dal Bhat and momos to familiar Western options like pasta and pancakes, ensures that you stay nourished and energized throughout your journey. Embrace the culinary adventure as part of your trekking experience, and enjoy the unique flavors that the Himalayas have to offer.