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Teahouse Trekking in the Nepal Himalayas

2019.11.29
  • Brett Morgan
  • Travel
  • 2019
If you are interested in independent adventure travel, then I would like to tell you about a fantastic activity – teahouse trekking in the Himalaya mountains of Nepal.

Nepal is a small, landlocked country in South Asia. I have visited Nepal over a dozen times, and some years ago I also had the chance to live and work there for 4 months. I volunteered for a local adventure company that guided tourists on rafting and trekking trips throughout Nepal. These experiences gave me the opportunity to explore the natural and cultural wonders of the country, and it became my favorite country for traveling.

You might imagine that trekking in the Himalayas is only for serious mountain climbers, but teahouse trekking is very different from climbing snowy mountains attached to a rope. A teahouse is a simple, locally operated hotel or lodge in a village that provides meals and a bed. Teahouse trekking is simply walking from village to village on established, easy-to-follow paths used every day by local people. The trails can be challenging sometimes, but any reasonably fit person can do it.

You might ask – why walk when you can take a bus or other modern transport? In Nepal, many people live in small mountain villages that have no roads or other easy access. For Nepalis living in these remote areas, trails are the only way to move around, and as a result, the trails are used by local farmers, herders and their animals, porters carrying amazingly heavy loads, and visiting tourists. For trekkers, this environment gives a unique chance to experience traditional village culture away from the noise and pollution of cities while enjoying some of the best mountain scenery on the planet.

Teahouse trekking has several very attractive points. First, you don’t need a guide or an organized tour. You can plan your own trip and go at your own pace. If you don’t want to walk a long distance, you can trek slowly from one village to the next and stop at any village teahouse when you are tired. Second, you don’t need to carry a heavy pack – just warm clothes, perhaps a sleeping bag, and a few personal items. Since you can stay in teahouses, you don’t have to carry a tent, food, or cooking equipment. In addition, as Nepal is a developing country, teahouse trekking is very affordable. A trekking permit is about $15 dollars (¥1600) a day, and food, accommodation and all daily expenses should cost less than $25 (¥2700) a day. Finally, staying in teahouses is a great way to meet local Nepalis and other trekkers from around the world. At the end of the day, weary trekkers gather together in a big room for meals and socializing. It’s a great chance to practice your English or other languages!

The people of Nepal are perhaps the best reason to visit. They are extremely friendly and helpful to foreign tourists. Many Nepalis can also speak English. There are a variety of different tribes with their own ancient traditions, languages, and religions. This fascinating cultural milieu helps make Nepal a very rewarding destination.

The Mt. Everest region is the most famous area for trekking, but I recommend three less crowded treks: Langtang Valley, Annapurna Base Camp, and the Manaslu Circuit. You will need between 1 to 3 weeks to do a good trek, and Spring and Fall have the best weather for teahouse trekking. For university students in Japan, this matches your spring break. So next late-February and March, why don’t you take a few weeks and have the adventure of your life in Nepal!

(Photo credit: Brett Morgan)

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