The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is one of Nepal’s most popular and scenic high-altitude hikes, attracting trekkers from around the world every year.
While breathtaking mountain views, rhododendron forests, and diverse terrain are the highlights, knowing where and how you’ll rest each night is just as important as planning your daily trekking route.
Accommodation on the ABC trek primarily consists of local lodges known as teahouses—modest, family-run establishments offering basic facilities, hearty meals, and warm hospitality.
Over the years, these accommodations have evolved in both quality and availability. If you're planning your trek in 2025, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about where to stay for ABC trek in Nepal, what to bring, and how to make your nights on the trail as comfortable as possible.
Nepal ABC Trek Guide: How to Sleep, Eat, and Prepare for Your Nepal Adventure
Source: Depositphotos.
1. The Basics of Teahouse Accommodation
Teahouses are scattered throughout the Annapurna region and are available in every major stop along the trek—from Nayapul and Tikhedhunga to Chhomrong, Deurali, and all the way to Annapurna Base Camp itself. These lodges typically offer private or twin-sharing rooms with wooden beds, foam mattresses, pillows, and blankets.
However, don’t expect luxury. Most teahouses are simple structures with thin walls, shared bathrooms, and limited hot water. Electricity is available for lighting and charging, but it often comes at an additional cost. In higher altitudes, heating is generally confined to the dining area, and rooms can get very cold at night.
2. Accommodation by Region: What to Expect Each Night
As you gain elevation, the availability and quality of teahouses vary. Here’s what to expect at different stages of your ABC journey in 2025:
Lower Altitudes (Nayapul to Ghandruk/Chhomrong): These areas have well-developed tourism infrastructure. Teahouses offer comfortable rooms, hot showers, and decent food menus. Some lodges even have Wi-Fi and attached bathrooms.
Mid-Altitude (Sinuwa, Bamboo, Dovan): The lodges become more basic but still sufficient. Rooms are clean but smaller, and facilities may be limited to shared toilets. Food quality remains good, and options like dal bhat, fried rice, pasta, and chapati are commonly available.
Higher Altitudes (Himalaya, Deurali, Machapuchare Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp): At these altitudes, teahouses are fewer, smaller, and far more rustic. Rooms are basic, often with thin mattresses and no heating. Solar-powered hot showers may be available but are unreliable in bad weather. Food choices become more limited, and everything costs more due to transportation challenges.
Source: Depositphotos
3. Room Booking and Availability in 2025
Over the years, trekking in the Annapurna region has become increasingly popular. During the peak seasons—March to May and October to November—teahouses tend to fill up fast. As of 2025, online booking is still uncommon for most teahouses, especially in the higher sections of the trek.
If you're trekking independently, it’s best to start early each day and reach your destination by mid-afternoon to secure a room. Trekking with a guide or porter can help, as they often have local contacts or can call ahead for room reservations. Organized group treks typically pre-book accommodations in advance.
4. Cost of Accommodation in 2025
Accommodation along the ABC trail is relatively affordable, though prices have increased slightly in recent years due to higher demand and inflation.
Lower Elevations: Expect to pay NRs 800–1,200 ($6–$9 USD) per night for a private room.
Mid to High Elevations: Prices range from NRs 1,000–1,500 ($8–$12 USD) per night.
Meals: Dal bhat costs around NRs 500–700, while western dishes like pasta or pancakes range from NRs 700–1,000.
Many teahouses offer lower room rates (or even free accommodation) if you agree to eat both dinner and breakfast there. This arrangement is common and worth considering to save on costs.
5. Amenities and What to Bring
While teahouses provide the basics, it’s important to be prepared with a few personal items to ensure a more comfortable stay:
Sleeping Bag: Even though blankets are provided, they’re often not enough, especially above 3,000 meters. Bring a -10°C (14°F) rated sleeping bag.
Quick-Dry Towel and Toiletries: Carry your own small towel, biodegradable soap, toothbrush, and toilet paper.
Power Bank and Headlamp: Electricity is not always reliable, and charging your phone may cost NRs 200–500. A headlamp is essential for nighttime bathroom trips.
Earplugs and Eye Mask: Teahouse walls are thin, and noise carries easily.
Slippers or Sandals: For walking around in the lodge after removing trekking boots.
Water Purification: Bottled water is expensive and unsustainable. Carry a purification tablet or a filter.
6. Food and Dining Experience
Source: Depositphotos.
The dining areas in teahouses are typically the social heart of the lodge. Heated by a central fire or stove (especially in colder regions), these spaces are where trekkers warm up, eat, and share stories.
The menu is surprisingly diverse given the remote location. You’ll find traditional Nepali dal bhat, Tibetan bread, eggs, porridge, noodles, soups, and even spaghetti or pizza. Meals are carb-heavy, which is ideal for high-energy trekking days.
Most teahouses also offer tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and local herbal drinks. Drinking alcohol is discouraged at high altitudes, as it can worsen symptoms of altitude sickness.
7. Teahouse Etiquette and Cultural Tips
Respecting local customs and following teahouse etiquette is important:
Remove your shoes before entering rooms or dining areas.
Don’t haggle aggressively over prices—it’s a remote region, and supplies are carried by porters or animals.
Avoid wasting food; only order what you can finish.
Respect quiet hours, usually after 9:00 p.m.
Tipping is not mandatory, but appreciated—especially if you’ve received warm service.
Source: Depositphotos.
8. Sustainability and Local Support
In 2025, many teahouses have made small but meaningful efforts to become more eco-conscious. Solar panels are now more common, plastic bottles are discouraged, and some lodges offer filtered water refills.
Trekkers can support these efforts by minimizing plastic use, carrying reusable water bottles, and choosing teahouses that support local guides and porters.
Supporting family-run lodges instead of large commercial ones helps sustain the local economy and culture.
Conclusion
Source: Depositphotos.
Accommodation on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is part of the adventure.
While not luxurious, teahouses offer a unique way to experience the local culture, enjoy authentic Nepali hospitality, and meet trekkers from around the world. With a little preparation and the right expectations, you can rest well each night and wake up ready to explore the grandeur of the Himalayas.
As you plan your ABC trek for 2025, remember that where you sleep is more than just a place to rest—it’s a crucial part of your journey. Choose wisely, prepare thoughtfully, and enjoy the unforgettable rhythm of life in the mountains.
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