blog

Food costs on a Nepal trek: are meal inclusions worth it?

Local chef making some yummy momo's | Sally Imber
Local chef making some yummy momo's | Sally Imber

The last thing you want to find out after booking and spending thousands of dollars on a holiday is that there is a huge list of things that weren't initially included. One of those kickers is finding out that meals were never part of the deal, and this can prove to be a costly issue for trekkers and hikers.

Here are some key reasons why it’s a good idea to have your food included when heading on a trek.

1. Value for money

Many who book a holiday feel that taking care of their own meals for the journey will end up saving them money in the long run, but is this really the case?

On average, the prices for meals, snacks and drinks in tea houses or lodges across the Himalayas are not as cheap as you may think. Many companies advise that you should budget anywhere from $US650-$US800 for a 13-day trek, often with limited food choices — and many of which are fried. Incidentally, the cost of food has appreciated over the years and no longer comes at bargain prices, so by the end of your trip, you can rack up quite an expensive food bill.

Unlike most companies, however, World Expeditions provide customers with full-service meals on their trek as part of the trip price. On our Nepal treks, a cook and kitchen crew join travellers during their expedition to provide three hearty meals a day. A combination of local and European cuisines ensures travellers are taken on a culinary experience that is varied and delicious, as opposed to a number of lodges and tea houses that offer a standard set menu.

Trekkers can expect cuisines such as the classic Dal Bhat (lentils, beans, rice and vegetable curry), pasta, momos (dumplings) and tasty regional breads. And, when dinner arrives, a generous three-course meal awaits. Yes, that's an entrée, a main, and a dessert — every evening — with plenty to go around, so you can even go for seconds at no extra cost! Not only that, the cooks secretly make a note of trekkers celebrating a special occasion or a birthday to later bring out a surprise cake that'll make you feel right at home.


 

2. Security

The last thing you want on a trip is to lose your wallet and when travelling to destinations, such as Nepal or Bhutan, carrying cash is a necessity with few shops and restaurants accepting card payment options.

By having meals included in your trip price, you eliminate the need to carry significant amounts of cash for food purchases. The convenience of having everything included can definitely lift the weight of responsibility from your shoulders.

3. Food safety and hygiene

By having a trained cook, you can feel confident your food is prepared fresh and under strict hygiene standards, lowering the risk of illness on your holiday.

On trek, produce is purchased from local communities where possible, so you know your meals are prepared with fresh ingredients, while non-perishable foods are often transported ahead of time. Porters and kitchen staff are, however, on hand to help carry food supplies and replenishments during the expedition.

Enjoy local cuisines during your expedition in the Himalaya. Photo: Sally Imber

4. Water

If you had to name a must-have item on a trek, we're sure water would be the top answer. When reaching high altitudes and undergoing strenuous and enduring physical activity, hydration is critical. Research has shown that regularly consuming liquids can help people acclimatise better and, thus, reduce feeling the effects of altitude sickness.

So, when you think about having to continually purchase bottles of water on a hike, it can seriously add up — not just in your pockets but in landfills with single-use plastic bottles. As part of our responsible travel efforts, we avoid daily plastic bottle usage and instead encourage travellers to bring refillable bottles, which we continually replenish with clean drinking water. So, you can rest assured that we take care of you — and the environment.

RELATED: 10 steps to being a sustainable traveller

5. Convenience

An eventful day of trekking and exploring can be tiring, so the last thing you want is to lug around extra supplies. Also, the task of buying, preparing and cooking your own meal may also be far from your mind after a long day on your feet, which is why on all World Expeditions treks in Nepal, a cook and kitchen crew accompany the group so you can sit back, relax and enjoy a freshly cooked meal.

6. Dietary requirements

A key concern for many travellers with specific health and dietary requirements is finding restaurants and food shops that can cater to their needs, especially when heading to remote overseas destinations. For those with any dietary requirements, World Expeditions’ cooks can accommodate most diets, provided that we are notified in advance. Coeliac? No problem! Diabetic? We have you covered. What’s more, meals are balanced and wholesome to provide you with enough energy to take on activities for the day. Healthy appetites build up when travelling, so it’s gratifying knowing that you will be provided with nourishing foods.

7. Dealing with waste

The proper disposal of waste and rubbish is vital when entering natural environments that are already threatened by deforestation, pollution and climate change. Therefore, as part of the ‘Leave No Trace’ campaign, our Himalaya treks are operated on the ethics of minimal impact, which include responsible waste management. When it comes to kitchen food waste, the biodegradable matter is buried away from campsites and streams and placed within deep leaf litter or in village composts. Paper and plastic are safely burned and where possible — such as in Bhutan — litter is taken to the nearest city where it can be recycled. By integrating these practices into our itineraries, our travellers can feel satisfied that their travels have left a positive impact.

 

 

By embarking on a complete trekking experience, which incorporates all meals as part of the trip cost, you can limit your spending once you leave home and focus on catching picturesque sunsets and admiring the majesty of the mountains ahead.

What have your experiences been when it comes to meal inclusions on your trip? Let us know in the comments below.

Thinking of hiking the great Himalayas with all the inclusive benefits? View our treks across Nepal.

Nepal, Responsible Travel, trekking, meal inclusions, food, meals, cooks, crew

Comment (0)

Your comment will be visible after the administrator's approval.







b i u quote


Save Comment
Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips