Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is not just about white peaks and alpine passes - it's also a culinary journey along the Himalayas. With a well-developed teahouse and lodge system along the trekking route, trekking tourists can enjoy hot, home-made, and surprisingly diverse meals even at high elevations.
Here in this blog, we will take you through the types of meals you get to enjoy, what nutritional expectations are, hygiene, availability, price tag, and some handy tips on eating well when on your Annapurna trek.
Why Meals Matter on the ABC Trek
Trekking at high altitudes burns a lot of energy. You’ll be walking 5-7 hours daily, often uphill, in varying weather conditions. That’s why staying well-fed and hydrated is crucial to keep your stamina up and avoid issues like fatigue, headaches, or even altitude sickness.
Good news? The Annapurna region offers some of the best food options among all trekking routes in Nepal.
The Classic: Dal Bhat Power 24-Hour
"Dal Bhat" is not only food, it's a tradition and a super fuel for Nepalese trekkers.
What all is there in a standard Dal Bhat meal?
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Steamed rice
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Lentil soup (dal)
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Vegetables of the season (potatoes, spinach, cabbage, etc.)
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Pickles and chutneys
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Papad (crispy cracker)
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Sometimes meat (only at lower altitudes)
Refillable and unlimited! One of the best things is that Dal Bhat often comes with second helpings for free. It is rich in calories, balanced, and best for daily trekking.
Breakfast Options: Filling and Familiar
Teahouses along the Annapurna Base Camp trail serve hearty breakfasts to kickstart your trek.
Common breakfast items include:
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Tibetan bread with jam/honey
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Pancakes (plain, apple, banana, chocolate)
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Porridge (plain, honey, apple, or cinnamon)
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Muesli with hot milk
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Boiled eggs or omelets
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Toast with butter and jam
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Tea/coffee/hot lemon
If you’re trekking in colder seasons, a bowl of hot porridge or chapati with honey is both warm and energizing.
Lunch and Dinner: Variety That Surprises
Although Dal Bhat is a daily diet, teahouses also have a huge variety of meals to keep your palate excited.
Top choices for lunch/dinner are:
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Momos (steamed or fried dumplings) - filled with vegetable, cheese, or meat
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Chowmein - Nepali-style noodle stir-fry
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Fried rice - egg or vegetable-based
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Thukpa - soothing Tibetan noodle soup
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Spaghetti/pasta - tomato, cheese, or vegetable-based
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Pizza - basic variations available in bigger villages
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Vegetable curry with rice
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Roti (flatbread) with curry or lentils
The options change with altitude: The lower you go, the greater the menu. Close to ABC, food gets simpler but not unclean and unhealthy.
Beverages: Hot Beverages & Hydration
It is essential to be hydrated at high altitude, and plenty of warm beverages are available on the trail.
Drinks offered are:
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Herbal teas (mint, lemon, ginger, etc.)
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Masala tea (spiced milk tea)
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Hot lemon with honey
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Instant coffee
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Black tea
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Hot chocolate
Bottled water is available but expensive at higher altitudes. Trekkers usually refill water bottles with water boiled at teahouses or use the services of water purification tablets or filters.
Food Limitations & Avoidable
In order to keep your digestion safely during the trek, attempt the following suggestions:
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Raw salads at high altitude must be avoided - they might not have been washed in clean water.
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Avoid meat from the point of Chhomrong onwards - freshness cannot be guaranteed due to there being no refrigeration.
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Avoid the alcohol and excess caffeine - they dehydrate and can increase the risk of altitude sickness.
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Go for hot and cooked food whenever possible.
Prices of Meals: Reasonable at Low Altitudes, Steeper at Altitude
Prices go up with altitude because it's difficult to transport (everything has to be portered up by porters or mules).
|
Location |
Dal Bhat |
Breakfast Set |
Hot Drinks |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ghandruk/Chhomrong |
$3-5 |
$2.5-4 |
$1-2 |
|
Deurali |
$6-7 |
$4-5 |
$2-3 |
|
Annapurna Base Camp |
$7-8 |
$5-6 |
$3-4 |
Pro Tip: Take energy bars, dried fruit, and nuts from Pokhara as in-between snacking.
Is the Food Hygienic?
Yes - on the whole. Since the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) manages lodges and menus, hygiene standards are fairly high.
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Meals are prepared fresh, and teahouses value cleanliness.
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Dishwashing of dishes in boiled water or treated water in most places.
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However, to be safe, bring your own hand sanitizer, and don't share bottles or utensils.
Food for Special Diets: Vegetarian-Friendly and Customizable
Vegetarians are well taken care of on this trek. The majority of menus have:
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Veg Dal Bhat
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Veg momos
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Veg noodle soups
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Potato recipes
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Bread, jam/honey/peanut butter
Vegan and gluten-free food is available, but not necessarily labeled. Be sure to let the owners of the lodges know ahead of time about your dietary requirements.
Meal Schedule On the Trek
A typical meal schedule along the trail is as follows:
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7:00 AM - Breakfast
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12:00-1:00 PM - Lunch (en route)
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6:00-7:00 PM - Dinner (at your lodge)
Most teahouses do take advance meal orders, especially for dinner. Let them know when you get there.
Packing Tips for Meals and Snacks
Although food is readily available, carry along:
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Energy bars and trail mix
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Electrolyte tablets or ORS sachets
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Instant noodles or soup sachets
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Re-usable cutlery and a bowl/cup
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A thermos flask for hot drinks
These are handy on remote sections and provide an instant boost for difficult ascents.
Conclusion: Delicious Simplicity at High Altitude
Food on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is warm, nourishing, and suitable for high-altitude trekking. While the food may be plain compared to dining out in the city, it's freshly prepared, clean, and offers enough variety to satisfy most tourists.
Whether you're eating a big plate of Dal Bhat or drinking ginger tea at sunrise, you'll find that food on the ABC trek is an iconic aspect of the experience.
Ready to Experience Annapurna - Bite by Bite.
Join Best Heritage Tour for a supported Annapurna Base Camp Trek with thoughtfully planned meals, cozy lodges, and professional local support.
Phone/WhatsApp/Viber: +977-9851149197
Email: info@bestheritagetour.com / bestheritagetour@gmail.com
Website: www.bestheritagetour.com
Office: Thamel Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal
Author: Best Heritage Tour
Date: 14th August, 2025
