There are many different types of accommodation in Nepal. However, there is a big difference between the standard of accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, compared with the teahouses on the trekking trails.
Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Kathmandu and Pokhara offer many options from budget to luxury accommodation. We always book comfortable and clean minimum 3* hotels with an en-suite bathroom, warm/hot shower and flushing toilet. These are things you’ll learn not to take for granted once you start trekking!
When you contact us for a quote, you’ll have the option to request a city hotel upgrade (for an extra cost). We have relationships with several accommodation providers in Kathmandu and Pokhara, which means we can negotiate better deals for you!
Accommodation in Teahouses (During Your Trek)
One of the most common types of accommodation in Nepal is teahouses. With the introduction of teahouses along many of the trekking trails, it’s easier than ever to trek Nepal. We always reserve the best teahouses available, but the standard can vary greatly. The usual sleeping arrangement is a solid bed and foam mattress. If a blanket isn’t provided you can ask your guide to get you one. You’ll be sleeping in your own sleeping bag (you can hire a sleeping bag in Kathmandu or Pokhara), yet an extra layer always comes in handy.
Most teahouses have shared toilet facilities, which are usually located outside and are often extremely basic (see below).
Additional washing facilities are not always available, hence biodegradable hygiene wipes are our ‘go to’!
Most teahouses are supplied with cold water from an outside tap, which you can use to wash your hands, feet (after a long, hard trek!), and face. Sometimes you can pay extra for a bucket of hot water or a warm (solar) shower. If you’re at high altitude and it’s very cold, we advise against this. Your body can get cold very fast when you’re wet and it’s hard to get warm again. You don’t want to risk getting sick during your trek.
Attached Bathrooms
The standard of teahouses is slowly improving and some have started offering attached bathrooms for approximately $10 extra per night. Talk to your guide if you’re interested in upgrading where there is availability. However we strongly recommend you check the facility first. Some attached bathrooms don’t have running water. Just a toilet and bucket of water to flush. Whilst others have a cold tap, or even a shower (most likely with cold water).
Toilets in Nepal (During Your Trek)
Toilets in Nepal, like many in Asia are usually holes in the ground that you squat over and flush with a jug of water. The key is to squat and relax all the way down until you’re resting on your calves! If you’re fit enough to trek, you’re probably fit enough to squat low!
The cleanliness of toilets really does vary. Some are sparkly clean and others will turn your stomach. But when you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go. So be brave and get it over with quickly!
The first time you sit on a ‘normal’ toilet once back in Pokhara or Kathmandu will be delightful. It makes all the squatting well worthwhile, unless you’re used to squatting that is!
There are other types of accommodation in Nepal as you’d expect. Including luxury retreats, village home-stays, and just about everything in between. If you’d like to spend some time in a different type of accommodation in Nepal, let us know. We can build it into your itinerary!