Annapurna Circuit accommodation – your questions answered

A big part of the charm of trekking in Nepal is staying in independently owned teahouses, known locally as bhatti.

While some are large, multiple-storey affairs, others are small and can accommodate only a few trekkers at a time. But each is a unique experience and a core part of the whole trekking experience!

Some teahouses offer sublime views!

Teahouses offer super affordable accommodation rates. Most rent out a twin-share bedroom for around NPR 400 (US$3) per night.

As we discuss a little further on, most teahouses aim to make their money from selling meals, not accommodation. So it's expected that you purchase your meals where you're overnighting.

A teahouse near the start of the Annapurna Circuit

The higher you climb, the more remote the communities, and the more expensive the meals become.

That said, for most trekkers, the exchange rate is still very favourable, making an Annapurna Circuit trek extremely doable from a cost perspective.

Every teahouse is unique

Teahouse bedrooms are very simple.

Mattresses, sheets, pillows and blankets (or duvets) are usually provided. Note, however, that the blankets and duvets aren't intended as a substitute for your sleeping bag – they're only meant as additions in the quest for a cosy night's sleep.

Also, if you intend to use the pillows on offer, be sure to pack a pillowcase to keep things hygienic.

Mattresses, sheets and pillows are provided

What's great is that most teahouses put only two beds in a room, which is a nice bit of privacy.

Finally, you might also get a small table or stool. And there will be overhead light, and a key to lock your door. But don't expect anything much besides that.

As we discuss in Annapurna Circuit packing list, if you want a really snug night you need to bring:

This is because there's no heating in the bedrooms. Moreover, the walls aren't insulated, and the windows have single-pane glass. So you can expect the air temperature in the bedrooms to be almost as low as that outside.

In the hamlet of Thorung Phedi, for instance, where you overnight before your big Thorung La mountain pass crossing, night-time temperatures are almost always below freezing point, and in winter can reach -20℃ (-4℉).

Finally, because you're going to be in a shared bedroom, and the walls are thin, as mentioned, we recommend packing earplugs to ensure night owls and snorers don't ruin your sleep!

Our clients Amanda and Vonie took this snap in our of their Annapurna teahouses

Bathrooms on the Annapurna Circuit are communal.

Some of the teahouses in the lower regions have western-style flush toilets. Others, higher up, might have western-style toilets, but you need to pour in a bucket of water before flushing.

High up in the Himalayas, there are only long drops. Some are inside, others in outhouses. So be prepared for this.

And be sure to carry your own roll of toilet paper on each loo visit! While you can sometimes buy bog rolls from teahouses, rather carry enough for the whole trek with you just to be safe.

When it comes to showers, again, things vary. Some of the more modern teahouses in the lower villages have showers. Note that you'll probably also need to pay a few dollars for a hot shower (about US$2 to $4).

Don't, however, expect showers (hot or not) in the very high, very remote villages. At some of these teahouses, you can pay for a pot of hot water that you can use to wash yourself.

Most trekkers make peace with doing some strategic splashing and wiping with wet wipes in order to feel relatively fresh and hygienic. A hardworking deodorant is also hugely important!

You usually arrive at your next teahouse with plenty of time to sit outside and relax

In teahouses, the common room is the dining room and lounge in one.

The joys of the teahouse common room are many:

After a long day of trekking, a warm teahouse is just the ticket!

You need to pay for your hot drinks like tea, coffee and hot chocolate at teahouses. They usually cost around US$1 to $3 each.

We recommend not eating meat on the trek, as all meat has to be carried in from below Lukla since Sherpa tradition prohibits the butchering of animals in the Khumbu region. So you could get an upset stomach from eating animal flesh, and it might be a safer option to just eat like a vegetarian. With this in mind, you might want to pack some protein supplements or shakes for use on the trek.

As to drinking water, only drink bottled water (which can be bought), or purify the water from the tap (faucet), as drinking it untreated can also lead to stomach upsets.

Most teahouses are fairly rustic affairs

When it comes to meals, teahouses have menus that let you choose your breakfasts and dinners from a decent range of options. Your meal will cost you roughly US$4 to $7.

Food tends to be simple but warm and hearty

We recommend that you steer clear of salads, as they're washed with tap water and could cause a stomach issue.

Please note that teahouses charge low accommodation rates, and so make much of their money from meals. It's expected that you eat where you stay. And also order a packed lunch, when needed, for the next day.

You can also buy chocolate (candy), crisps (chips) and other snacks from your teahouses. The cost of such items will naturally increase the more remote the location.

Finally, note that alcohol can worsen the effects of high altitude. It's best to steer clear of alcohol completely on the EBC trek, as well as cigarettes.

We're all travelling with a gadget (or two or three or four) these days, so we know you want to know about the electricity situation and more on your Annapurna Circuit!

Most teahouses have enough electricity for overhead lights and a few electrical outlets, which are usually restricted to the common room.

That said, many teahouses rely on solar power, so you can't rely on having electricity, especially in overcast weather. We suggest that you pack a small solar charger or extra battery if you'd like to increase your chances of powering your devices on the trek.

Thorung Phedi, where you overnight just before summiting Thorung La

Wi-Fi is available at some teahouses, usually those in larger communities lower down in the mountains. You're usually going to be charged roughly US$3 to $5 for its use. And don't expect Wi-Fi of any speed or reliability.

As we discuss in Your Nepal travel questions answered, Nepal uses plug types C, D and M. Also, the standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. So be sure to bring along an adapter and converter if necessary. Or even better, organise between your group who brings what so that you don't carry superfluous devices.

Note that you usually need to pay a few dollars (around US$2 to $5) to charge your devices. Also, there can often be a wait as everyone is keen to charge their devices.

If you're going to be trekking in the busier months, it's important to book your teahouse accommodation ahead of time to ensure you can stay where you want, and that you do in fact secure a spot!

Infographic showing peak trekking seasons in Nepal

Since trek guides are now compulsory in Nepal, be sure to choose a reputable tour operator so that you can rest assured that your trek guide will book your accommodation for you in time, while also securing the best teahouses wherever there's a choice.

When you stay at a teahouse, you're helping to sustain a rural community. For the smaller settlements, especially, teahouses are the economic lifeblood that keep them going.

So you can feel glad that your trek is bringing much-needed cash into underserved areas. And if you're able and keen to spend money buying supplies from the local grocers, and so on, then that will be a big help too.

Teahouses are the lifeblood of many remote Annapurna communities

And that's all you need to know about your Annapurna Circuit accommodation. At least we think it is! Still have a question? Please feel free to drop us a line and one of our Nepal trekking experts will be touch soon!