Food, Drinks, and Accommodation during Annapurna Circuit Trek

What do we eat for food on the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

You need not be concerned about food, as there are plenty of options on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. We eat three times a day. Keep in mind that overeating can make it difficult for you to walk, especially if you have to trek for several hours. So eat as much as you think you can, and walk without difficulty. 

Let's briefly discuss what we can eat on a day of trekking:

Breakfast

After we wake up, we will start our breakfast with a nutritious breakfast that is necessary to go trekking in the Annapurna Circuit. Most of the tea houses in between the trails offer a decent amount of breakfast options, which can have both local and international tastes. 

• A typical breakfast might include pancakes with honey or jam, which are considered an energy-boosting food and also famous among trekkers.
• Tibetan bread, mostly eaten by locals and their favorite as well, can be eaten with butter, jam, or honey.
• Porridge made from oats, rice, or corn is another option for breakfast that gives long-lasting energy.
• Eggs, whether boiled, scrambled, or fried, are a beneficial source of protein for our body and are mostly available in almost all places. 
• Muesli with milk or yogurt is a great option for a nutritious meal as well as something light to eat.

Lunch

We eat lunch in between each day's hikes. We'll rest in one of the tea houses and have lunch there. It's essential to have a balanced meal to maintain energy for the afternoon trek. 

• Common lunch items include Dal Bhat, a famous Nepalese dish consisting of lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat), vegetables, and sometimes meat. It's nutritious and provides a beneficial amount of carbohydrates and proteins.
• Fried rice or noodles, which are filling and provide essential carbohydrates.
• Momos, Tibetan-style dumplings stuffed with vegetables, meat, or cheese, are another lunch option that is filling.
• Sandwiches, if you want a quick and easy choice for lunch.
• Varieties of soup, especially garlic soup, which is believed to work for avoiding altitude sickness.

Dinner

Dinner plays an important role in restoring your energy after a long day of trekking. Just like lunch, you can customize and eat as per your preference while having dinner.

• Dal Bhat is the Nepalese meal, which is also a popular dinner choice.
• Thukpa, a Tibetan noodle soup, is perfect for cold evenings.
• You can also eat western foods like pizza and pasta.
• Vegetables and curries provide a beneficial balance of nutrients and help you keep yourself warm.

Foods you should prioritize for your health during the Annapurna Circuit Trek

While trekking in the mountains, you must also look after your health, so you should always have food that boosts energy and health. You should supply the important nutrients to your body as your energy gets drained after a long hour of hiking every day.

You should eat a balanced diet that is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and healthy fats. Foods like whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fresh fruits, and vegetables are essential. Garlic soup helps with acclimatization; energy bars and dried fruits help with gaining quick energy. Dairy products like yogurt help support bone health and digestion. Stay hydrated with lots of hot water, herbal or black tea, hot lemon, and electrolyte drinks, which are the necessary drinks for the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

These are the major foods and drinks for your well-being and good health at high altitudes.

What are the popular dishes and foods on the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek provides you with many popular dishes that have both local and international tastes. Let’s discuss further:

• The majority of trekkers and locals alike enjoy eating Dal Bhat.
• Momos: Momos can be fried as well as steamed.
• Thukpa is a type of noodle soup filled with vegetables or meat that is good for cold weather.
• Chapati with Curry: It is a simple meal filled with nutrients.
• Porridge and pancakes: energy-giving food choices.

What are the foods and drinks that should be avoided during the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Although you can drink and eat anything during the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you must avoid certain foods and drinks to stay healthy.

• Unfiltered Water: You should always drink purified or bottled water so that you don’t get sick.
• Raw fruits and vegetables: They can become contaminated and lead to stomach problems, which will eventually make you ill.
• Street Food: It’s safer to eat at reputable tea houses to ensure your health and well-being.
• Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol as it can affect acclimatization, which can be harmful if you hike at high altitude, and cause dehydration.

Is a single food item enough for me?

While you might wonder if a single food item will be sufficient for you or not, let me tell you that it’s essential to have a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Let’s take Dal Bhat as a perfect example of a single meal providing various nutrients. However, it is necessary for you to ensure that you get all the vitamins and minerals that are required for your body.

What are the costs of foods in Annapurna Circuit?

The cost of food on the Annapurna Circuit Trek varies depending on altitude and remoteness. The higher you ascend, the higher the cost of food. Because it is very difficult for them to carry the essentials to make food up there by walking all day, this is the reason why the costs are higher as you move to the higher elevations

• Lower Elevations: The cost of a meal can range from USD 4 to USD 8 at lower elevation locations, such as the starting point of our daily hike. This also depends on the meal you take and the quantity of items.
• Higher Elevations: Due to the difficulty of transporting groceries to higher elevations, prices can rise to between USD 5 and USD 10 per meal. This may increase slightly, depending on the type of meal you choose and the quantity of items you purchase.
• Average Daily Food Cost: It is expected to spend USD 25 to USD 35 on food per day. It depends on your food preference and the number of items you eat per meal.

What is the cost of a bottle of water?

Like food, the price of bottled water also increases with altitude. The cost of a water bottle at lower altitudes is low, whereas the cost gets higher at higher altitudes.

• Lower Elevations: It will cost around USD 1-2 or less than that for a bottle of water. In these areas, carrying water bottles up there is easy.
• Higher Elevations: The cost of a bottle of water is approximately USD 3, which is slightly higher than the average price. At higher altitudes, transporting water bottles from lower elevations or urban areas to their designated areas becomes challenging.
• Alternative: You can purify the water using a water purification method, which can save costs and reduce plastic waste. It is suggested that you take hot water, as it helps keep your body warm at a cold temperature. You can also drink hot water over there, but additional costs will be charged for that at higher altitudes.

What are the kinds of accommodations available at Annapurna Circuit Journey?

Well! While you go for a trek in Annapurna Circuit, you should not expect the accommodations to be as fancy as city areas. Accommodation in tea houses is small and has limited facilities, but it is nice and clean to stay overnight. The accommodation in remote areas or trekking destinations differs slightly from the accommodation in urban areas.

Accommodation during the Annapurna Circuit Trek ranges from normal tea houses or homestays to comfortable lodges. The accommodations in Annapurna Circuit Trek are mostly packed during the spring  and autumn seasons but easily available during the off-season and we can see the tea houses, homestays, or lodges have maintained proper hygiene and cleanliness.

• Tea Houses: Tea houses are the most common and basic form of accommodation. They can provide you with a room with two or four beds and clean shared or common bathrooms.
• Luxury Lodges: Luxury lodges are a comfortable form of accommodation. They can provide you with a room with one or two beds and good facilities, such as neat and clean bathrooms and better insulation. This luxury or comfortable lodge can be found rarely because, at high elevations, you can only find these kinds of accommodations in a particular area.

What is the cost per night of accommodation at Annapurna Circuit Trekking?

Furthermore, it is good to know the cost of accommodation in advance so that trekkers can make their trek hassle-free. The cost of accommodation also depends on the lower and higher altitudes. The higher you ascend, the higher the cost of accommodation, just like the cost of food. It also depends on your preference and comfort.

• Tea Houses: At tea houses, the accommodation cost ranges from USD 5 to USD 10 per night. It is a budget-friendly stay for trekkers who want to go on a trek on a low budget.
• Luxury Lodges: Comfortable lodges with the most necessary facilities are rare and can cost between USD 15 and USD 20 per night.

In Conclusion

Planning for food, drinks, and accommodation on the Annapurna Circuit Trek is crucial for a successful and enjoyable journey. With options ranging from local Nepalese dishes like Dal Bhat and Momos to more familiar Western dishes, you’ll find plenty to fuel your trek. You should stay hydrated and avoid risky foods. You can find accommodation options ranging from simple tea houses to comfortable lodges for overnight stays.

Focus on your health and well-being when trekking to minimize the Annapurna Circuit Trek difficulty, so food, drinks, and lodging are important. We hope you have a clear understanding of Annapurna food, drinks, and accommodation. Get ready with your backpack for this trek.

Happy and safe trekking!