Nepal has been a trekkers’ paradise for a long time, with incredible mountain trails and friendly hostees in the form of local guides and porters. The experienced guides/porters of Nepal will keep you safe, at ease, and immersed in the culture of the local people as you travel, whether you are hiking the well-known Everest Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Circuit, or the more obscure Pikey Peak Trek.
Wondering what type of food and accommodations await along the trail on your stunning trek to Pikey Peak? You are certainly not alone! Whether you are budget traveling or looking for a little more comfort in the mountains, knowing a little about what to expect for food and accommodations on the Pikey Peak Trek will make a huge difference in your trekking experience.
When moving on the Pikey Peak route, there are friendly teahouses that provide warm accommodation, wholesome traditional Nepali meals including the famous Dal Bhat, and optimal views of the mighty Himalayas. Whether you are looking for a simple wooden lodge or a comfortable family-run guesthouse, the Pikey Peak Trek has excellent accommodation options available to meet your needs.
This blog will discuss everything you need to know about where to have meals and accommodations on the trek—including meal types and pricing, sanitation standards, and the most enticing accommodations along the route. Whether you’re trekking on your own or with a local agency, we desire to help you be prepared and enjoy your Pikey Peak adventure.
Types of Accommodation on Pikey Peak Trek
The accommodation for the Pikey Peak trek is mainly traditional teahouses, which are inexpensive, and local family-run lodges that are basic yet comfortable. Unlike more developed trek routes, such as in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Langtang Valley Trek, Pikey Peak has a more authentic experience; all accommodations can generally be found operating as small family-run businesses.
Teahouses and Lodges
Teahouses are the usual accommodation for the trek and are family-run businesses. The teahouses offer basic and clean rooms that usually come with two twin beds, pillows, and blankets. Rooms would be wood or stone walls in a teahouse. Most teahouses have a common dining room for trekkers to sit at a table, and for meals, they will have a wood-burning stove for ambiance and warmth, which most people will usually collectively sit around after the meal for stories to share or just relaxing.
Room Facilities
Room facilities will be dependent on the altitude and the location of the teahouse along the trek. In the lower altitude sections of the trek, such as the villages Dhap and Jhapre, most people will be able to find comfortable room facilities, with thicker mattresses sometimes with attached bathrooms. As the trek continues to ascend past Pikey Base Camp, the room facilities will change accordingly. Most room accommodations will be twin beds with foam mattresses, correctly still pillows, thick blankets (sleeping bags are recommended), and a small window with an unobstructed view of the mountains.
Simple teahouse room with twin beds on Pikey Peak Trek
Shared toilet facilities would be standard for room accommodations when staying in teahouses/dining rooms. Most teahouses will also offer hot showers at an additional charge of 200-500 NPR for the convenience of the trekker. Electricity is available in most villages, which would offer advantages when charging devices and finding electrical outlets for the trekkers. The cost to charge any device you may carry would be approximately 100-300 NPR.
Homestays
A few villages introduce you to a homestay with local Sherpa families, giving you a closer cultural understanding of local mountain life. Homestays are simply a one- or two-level version of teahouses with more robust cultural interaction.
Your first night usually starts in this lovely Sherpa village with a number of good teahouses. There is basic but comfortable accommodation in the village with friendly local people and fantastic sunset views.
Jhapre (2,920m)
Jhapre has some of the best places to stay on this Pikey Peak trek. The teahouses are well-maintained, and you can expect a warm hospitality on and around the edge of town, which can be particularly beautiful in spring with the blooming rhododendron flowers. Most lodges offer dining rooms that are clean with comfortable common and private guest areas.
Pikey Base Camp (3,640m)
Teahouses at Pikey Peak Base Camp with mountain backdrop
Staying here also places you in a great location to view the sunrise and hike to Pikey Peak summit (4,065m). The accommodations are more basic in the Pikey Base Camp, but it's still a great experience that you are unlikely to forget. You can expect pretty basic rooms, thin blankets, a communal dining space with a cooking stove, and simple, hearty meals. The view of the stars during the night is spectacular.
Lhamuje (2,850m)
This calm village has excellent teahouses with quality facilities - perfect for a post-long ascent rest.
Junbesi (2,680m)
One of the larger villages with better facilities, including attached bathrooms and historically diverse menus. The beautiful Thubten Choling Monastery is also located here.
Pikey Peak Trek Food
The food on the Pikey Peak trek is surprisingly wide-ranging. The teahouse menus have everything from traditional Nepali food to Western comfort food.
Dal Bhat - Nepal's quintessential meal of rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, pickle (and sometimes papad). Most teahouses will offer unlimited refills, and it is the cheapest and highest energy food. Trekker saying - "Dal Bhat power, 24 hour!"
Noodle Dishes - Chow mein, thukpa, and instant noodles - chow mein is heavy and filling, but will be found at all teahouses are very filling and comforting.
Soups - Vegetable soup, noodle soup, and garlic soup are perfect for cold evenings. Garlic soup is popular for its supposed altitude sickness prevention properties.
Pancakes and bread - Breakfast options include pancakes, Tibetan bread, toast with jam, and porridge for morning energy.
Momos - These Tibetan dumplings filled with vegetables or cheese are trekker favorites.
Rice and potato dishes - Fried rice, boiled potatoes, potato curry, and French fries provide necessary carbohydrates.
Aerial view of teahouse lodges along Pikey Peak trekking route
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
The food and lodging on the Pikey Peak Trek is very accommodating to vegetarians. Much of the menu is vegetarian by nature, including dishes like Dal Bhat, vegetable momos, soups, and pasta. There are also lots of options for vegans with just a bit of modification—just let the teahouse owners know exactly what you need, and they are very accommodating.
Local foods you should definitely try are
Sherpa stew: A hearty stew with veggies and potatoes. It will keep you warm and taste good, especially at high altitudes.
Yak cheese: Cheese that is produced locally. Good with the bread they serve, or you can add it to other items.
Tibetan butter tea (Po Cha): A salty traditional tea that has butter in it and gives you warm energy.
Sel roti: A traditional Nepali rice doughnut, sweet and crispy.
Meal Costs
Compared to trips to Everest Base Camp or the Manaslu Circuit, the cost of food is quite good. A meal will generally cost 400-800 NPR ($3-6 USD). For example, Dal Bhat generally costs 500-700 NPR but is served unlimited in refills. Breakfast items are typically priced from 300-600 NPR, and hot drinks are about 100-200 NPR. At altitudes, the prices will go up slightly from those mentioned.
It is common to have dinner and breakfast in the same place where you stay, as hotels even lower the price or don't charge you at all for accommodations if you plan to eat with them.
Availability and Amenities on the Pikey Peak Trek
Electricity and Charging
Most villages will have electricity either from the grid or from solar panels. Occasionally, the power supply may go out. Teahouses will typically charge you 100-300 NPR to charge one device. It may be a good idea to also have a portable power bank as a backup charging option.
Sunrise view from Pikey Peak summit with prayer flags
Internet and Communication
WiFi is accessible at higher elevations in the major villages along the trek for 200-500 NPR for the day, but can be quite slow. Mobile networks operate in the lower parts of the villages, but coverage declines at higher elevations. If connectivity is important to you, you may want to purchase a local SIM card at the airport or in Kathmandu.
Water & Hygiene
Teahouses will sell bottled water, but you can decrease plastic waste by refilling with boiled water, which costs about 100-150 NPR per liter, or using purification tablets. The hygiene standards in teahouses on the Pikey Peak trek are generally good. Restrooms usually have the option to wash your hands, but you may want to bring along hand sanitizer and some toilet paper or tissues to be safe.
Hot Showers
Most teahouses offer hot showers for about 200-500 NPR. Showers are heated using solar, gas or wood. At higher elevations, many trekkers skip showers to avoid the cold!
Tips for Staying Healthy and Well-Fed on the Trek
Eat Enough Calories
Trekking can result in a calorie burn of 3,000-5,000 calories per day. Order large meals and don't deny yourself of Dal Bhat refills. Always choose carbohydrate-heavy meals with plenty of protein and fats.
Stay Hydrated
Aim to drink 3-4 liters of water each day to stave off altitude sickness and symptoms of dehydration (dark urine, headache, and fatigue). Warm fluids will help you stay hydrated and provide you with warmth.
Choose Cooked Foods
Always select hot, freshly cooked foods to reduce your risk of food-borne illness. Avoid raw veggies and unpeeled fruit. Drink bottled or purified water only.
Trekkers dining at outdoor teahouse table on Pikey Peak Trek
Listen to Your Body
Be sure to recognize the signs of acute altitude sickness (severe headache, nausea, dizziness, or appetite loss). If symptoms worsen, descend immediately if you begin to feel worse.
Bring Snacks
For the duration of a long day of trekking, energy bars, nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate can be used to supplement your meals.
Practice Good Hygiene
It is important to wash your hands with soap and water regularly, particularly before meals and after using a toilet. If soap is unavailable, instead, use hand sanitizer.
Take Altitude Seriously
Ghorepani (4,065m), the highest point of the trek, can lead to altitude sickness. Make sure you acclimatize as best as you can and do not push yourself too hard. With teahouse accommodations, you will have flexibility in your itinerary and can take rest days if needed.
Is accommodation expensive on the Pikey Peak Trek?
No, it's one of the cheapest treks in Nepal that you'll find. Basic lodging will cost around 300-500 NPR ($2-4 USD) per night, and sometimes you'll get it free of charge if you eat your 3 meals there.
Do I need to book ahead for lodging?
Usually not. Pikey Peak is much less traveled than the other routes. If you're traveling during peak seasons (March-May, October-November), just arrive by early afternoon to grab your preferred teahouse.
Are there vegetarian options?
Absolutely, and most menu items are vegetarian! The teahouse trekking culture of Nepal is very vegetarian-friendly.
What if I have food allergies?
Let your guide and the owners of the teahouse know. Most will accommodate allergies, though if you are very specific about what you can eat, you might lessen your options - bringing your snacks is always a great idea!
Is the food safe?
Yes, but with some common sense. Eat your food freshly cooked, hot, drink only purified water, and engage in good hygiene.
What if I get sick during the trek?
Rest and hydrate if you're sick, and let your guide know. Most teahouses will have basic remedies. If you get altitude sickness, the best remedy is to go down in elevation.
Conclusion
The food and accommodation on the Pikey Peak Trek provide a genuine, relaxed, and cost-effective way to experience the region by blending adventure with local hospitality. You will enjoy everything from warm teahouses to traditional Nepali foods, all while being surrounded by the natural landscape and Sherpa traditions of the Everest area.
Understanding accommodation and meal venues can lead to a smoother adventure, whether you are doing the Pikey Peak, or the Everest Base Camp Trek or Pikey Peak, or another route like the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
Pikey Peak's teahouse accommodations are simple, yet comfortable, and the food is delicious, and of a quality that makes it an adventure accessible to all experience and budget levels.
Are you ready for your Pikey Peak adventure with expert support and arrangements? Contact us at Himalayan Recreation today for your unique adventure through the breathtaking lower Everest area of Nepal.
-3.webp)
.webp)