The Himalayas of Nepal have some of the most breathtaking and adventurous trekking trails throughout the world. And the iconic Annapurna Base Camp Trek definitely is a part of that list.
Being one of the most iconic adventures of Nepal, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers stunning panoramas, breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters, and a deep connection to nature.
A major part of the entire trekking experience that you are going to have while on the Annapurna Base Camp trail is the kind of accommodation where you will be staying among the locals.
The accommodation during Annapurna Base Camp trek is not merely a part of the trek but also one of its highlights as it not only provides basic necessities but also offers trekkers a glimpse into the warm hospitality of the Himalayas.
So, what is all so special about accommodation on the ABC trek? Well, we have covered it in this blog where we will take you through the accommodation options at each stop along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, based on our standard itinerary.
Type of Accommodation during Annapurna Base Camp Trek
First and foremost, you need to know the kind of accommodation options that you will exactly be coming across while on the Annapurna Base Camp trek, and this might take you by surprise.
If you have trekked in Nepal before, you would know about the teahouse culture. But for those planning for their first trek in Nepal, your ABC trek accommodation would look like much less tents and many more teahouses.
Let us give you a brief idea about the teahouse culture in Nepal. Teahouses are small lodges that are run by the families of the locals and are scattered across various trekking routes in Nepal.
They basically generate a sustainable business for locals via the entire hospitality business and also gives cheaper and comfortable option to the trekkers when it comes to accommodation and food on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
In a teahouse, trekkers can get comfortable rooms, hearty and warm home cooked meals, other basic amenities, and a communal space to unwind after a day of hiking.
These accommodation options are central to the trekking experience in Nepal and rather add a cultural element that sets Himalayan treks apart from others around the world.
However, do not expect high end facilities when you are at a teahouse on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The amenities as well as their availability is subjective and depends on which season you are trekking.
The availability of luxuries such as western toilets, electricity, Wi-Fi, hot water, and similar amenities can vary depending on the elevation and location where you’re resting.
While internet access during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is generally available, Wi-Fi is offered at all teahouses along the route. However, trekkers will need to pay extra for internet access, and these services may be intermittent or occasionally unavailable at higher altitudes.
Day By Day Accommodation on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Based on the standard itinerary of Ace the Himalaya for the Annapurna Base Camp trek, below is a detailed breakdown of what to expect in terms of accommodation while you are on the Annapurna Base Camp trek:
1. Ulleri
Being the first stop on your journey towards the Annapurna Base Camp, at Ulleri you will find some simple teahouses with rather better amenities as you will still be at low altitude, i.e. 2,070 meters.
You will find basic twin sharing rooms here with comfortable bedding and warm blankets. Most of the teahouses will provide you a shared bathroom. However, it also depends on the availability and the season.
In case of peak trekking season, you might also have to settle for rooms with shared bathrooms. The dining area is mostly communal where you can get nice home cooked staple meal options.
As Ulleri marks only the beginning point of the trek, coming across amenities such as hot showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, charging points, and others might be easily available. However, you do need to pay extra for these amenities.
2. Ghorepani
Moving ahead to approximately 2,850 meters, Ghorepani is another bustling village where you will find teahouses that are well equipped and offer most of the basic amenities.
The rooms here will be clean and spacious and almost all the teahouses will offer you rooms with private bathrooms and a hot shower so that you can unwind and relax.
You will also find reliable Wi-Fi and charging ports in Ghorepani which has to be paid for additionally. These teahouses might also offer an extensive menu which is not limited to the local food items in case you want to opt for some other food.
Again, not being very deep into the trek, this location can be thought of as a rather luxurious resting spot as compared to other villages that follow on your itinerary of Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
While you are staying in Ghorepani, you also get an option to include a small detour in your trekking itinerary, i.e. the Ghorepani Poonhill trek which makes for one of the best sunrise viewing points in Nepal.
3. Tadapani
Located at 2,630 meters, Tadapani is a rather basic village with stunning views but rather basic amenities as it is a quieter and remote location. So, you will find limited teahouses in Tadapani.
However, these teahouses provide all the comfort that is required for a trekker as in these local Nepali teahouses you will find a cozy bed with a soft mattress and warm blankets to keep you warm.
When it comes to amenities, you might have to settle for shared bathrooms as getting a private bathroom is quite tough here. It is best to carry an insulated sleeping bag for additional warmth and hygiene.
You might also struggle with limited electricity and Wi-Fi that is either erratic or unavailable as many trekkers will be trying to connect with and use the same network.
You might find a wood stove where you can sit around for warmth. Adding to the authentic feels of a remote life, you will also be surrounded by dense rhododendron forests, the setting is peaceful and ideal for nature lovers.
4. Chhomrong
Chhomrong at 2,140 meters marks one of the biggest stops on the Annapurna Base Camp trek and it also in a way serves as the gateway to the majestic Annapurna Sanctuary.
You will find that the teahouses in Chhomrong are among the best across the entire route. In most of the teahouses, you will find that the rooms in most of the teahouses are spacious with private bathrooms.
A clean and comfortable bedding ensures that you will rest well. However, you need to make sure that the rooms are available and even book well in advance in case you are trekking in peak seasons.
Provided that you pay extra charge of 3 to 4 USD for each amenity, you will also get services like hot showers, laundry, charging points, and reliable Wi-Fi connection.
Also, be prepared for a diverse food menu including Western options like pizza and Nepali delicacies. Don’t miss the fresh baked goods! The 180-degree panorama of the mountains, including Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, is an additional bonus.
5. Sinuwa
Located a bit deeper on the Annapurna Base Camp trek and at an elevation of 2,340 meters, Sinuwa is a quieter village and you will find rather basic accommodation options here.
The guesthouses, lodges, and teahouses in Sinuwa are limited and scattered along the village. Here, you will find basic amenities like comfortable beds, pillows, and blankets.
In these usually wooden rooms, shared bathrooms are more common that private bathrooms. You can expect to get hot showers after paying additional fees.
Wi-fi is available at an additional fee but it might not always be reliable, same is the case with charging points. So, it is best to carry solar chargers and additional batteries.
You will be treated to delightful homemade meals with staple options including Dal Bhat Tarkari, Thukpa, Momo, along with tea and other light snacks as you enjoy the peaceful environment and proximity to the forest, which make Sinuwa a restful and serene stop.
6. Bamboo
In bamboo village located at an elevation of 2,310 meters, you will find basic yet comfortable and sufficing teahouses while you will be surrounded by lush forests along with a tranquil and remote vibe.
The teahouses offer cozy space with twin sharing rooms with beds and blankets. Expect a shared bathroom as this place is rather remote and you are officially entering the deeper parts of the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Hot water is usually available for a certain fee but there is limited access to it and the charges might be slightly higher too. Don’t expect facilities for laundry unless you want to clean your own clothes.
Simple and warm meals are served in the common dining area where you might find charging points along with a firewood place, especially if you are trekking to the ABC during the months of winter (December to February).
Wi-fi might be sometimes available but again, its reliability is highly under question. So, it is best to consider the primary amenity of this village to be a place to rest and refuel for the challenging trek that lies ahead.
7. Dovan
If you are someone who wants to acclimatize thoroughly before ascending towards the Annapurna Base Camp, you might want to add an extra resting stop in your itinerary at Dovan at 2,600 meters.
Here, you will find minimalist teahouses. These can be mostly considered as homestays where you will be staying with the locals and getting a taste of their warm hospitality.
Given the remote location and high altitude, expect basic rooms with mattress and blanket, and shared bathrooms. It is best to use your insulated sleeping bag to protect yourself against the challenging temperatures.
Electricity and Wi-fi services are limited, mostly unavailable. However, you will have a tranquil atmosphere surrounded by nature where you can rest well and prepare your body for the remaining parts of the trek.
8. Machhapuchhre Base Camp
Situated at 3,700 meters, the Machhapuchhre Base Camp is a pleasant bonus to your journey to Annapurna Base Camp, and it also serves as the final resting stop before you ascend to the ABC.
Given the challenging altitude and remote location, expect nothing more than a functional place that provides you warmth and sustenance from the teahouses at MBC, because that is exactly what they are.
You will not get facilities like hot showers, so it is best not to take shower. On a side note, it is always best to skip shower when you are at high altitudes as it can increase the chances of you getting altitude sickness.
Wi-Fi is available but don’t expect it to be reliable as all the trekkers will be using the same network. The power availability is also limited. On the plus side, you will be treated to stunning views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain).
09. Annapurna Base Camp
The final stop and the highest point of the ABC trek, the Annapurna Base Camp is exactly what you will be struggling for, and it will be absolutely worth it as you enter the Annapurna Sanctuary.
The teahouses in Annapurna Base Camp are basic with their sole focus being on keeping you warm. You will get shared bathrooms, and usually twin sharing or even dormitory style rooms.
There is limited to no electricity, everything runs from solar, Wi-Fi is available but connection might not be reliable, and again no hot showers. However, you will most likely not be needing any of this as you will be surrounded by majestic beauty all around.
The breathtaking views of the Annapurna massif along with the surrounding ranges will definitely leave you in awe as that is exactly what the Annapurna Sanctuary is known for.
10. Jhinu
A popular resting stop on the returning leg of the Annapurna Base Camp trek, Jhinu is famous for its natural hot springs where the water is believed to have natural rejuvenating properties.
These hot springs can come in quite handy for people who have just conquered the Annapurna Base Camp but are struggling to conquer the physical consequences it might have had.
Thankfully, Jhinu has rather great teahouses and lodges where you can get comfortable rooms with an option for private bathrooms and hot showers so that you can relax and bask in the feeling of conquering the iconic ABC trek.
At many teahouses and guesthouses, you will even be provided access to natural hot springs where you can soak in the hot springs with views of the lush landscape making it a perfect way to end the trek. Reliable Wi-fi and charging points are a bonus.
