In this guide, we will talk about some of the popular beverages you can find while trekking in Nepal.
When trekking in Nepal, you will find many different drinks that can warm you up, give you energy, or just let you relax after a long day on the trail. Nepal has a rich culture of beverages, from hot teas to local alcoholic drinks.
In places like the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley, these drinks are part of the experience.
Milk tea, or "chiya," is the most common drink in Nepal. It is a mixture of black tea, milk, sugar, and sometimes spices like cardamom or ginger. In most tea houses along the trekking routes, you will find milk tea served hot.
It is very comforting, especially in the cold weather of the mountains. Many trekkers drink several cups of milk tea each day to stay warm and energized. It is also a great way to connect with the local people, as they enjoy sharing a cup of tea with visitors.
For trekkers who do not want milk, black tea is also widely available. It is simply brewed black tea leaves without any milk, and it can be served with or without sugar. Black tea is a good choice for vegans or for people who do not drink dairy.
It is also a good drink for staying hydrated, and it gives a little boost of energy. In areas like the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley, black tea is often served in small cups, and it is a part of the daily routine for many locals.
Herbal tea is another popular drink in the mountains. It is made from different herbs, such as lemongrass, mint, or tulsi (holy basil). These teas are naturally caffeine-free and are known for their health benefits.
Herbal tea is a good option if you want something warm without caffeine. It can help you relax and is also good for digestion. In the Tsum Valley, you may find herbal teas made from locally grown herbs, which are fresh and very flavorful.
Butter tea, also known as "po cha," is a traditional Tibetan drink that is popular in high-altitude areas, including Tsum Valley. It is made from tea leaves, yak butter, salt, and hot water. Butter tea is very rich and has a salty taste.
It may be unusual for people who have not tried it before, but it is a good drink for staying warm and keeping your energy up, especially in cold weather. The yak butter provides calories and helps prevent chapped lips and dry skin, which is common at high altitudes.
Hot lemon is a simple and refreshing drink that you will find in almost all tea houses in Nepal. It is made from hot water, lemon juice, and sometimes a little sugar or honey. Hot lemon is great for staying hydrated and is also good for sore throats or colds.
It is especially nice to drink in the mornings or after a long day of trekking. The vitamin C from the lemon can help boost your immune system, which is important when trekking in remote areas like the Manaslu Circuit.
Tibetan tea is similar to butter tea but is not as rich. It is made from tea leaves, a little butter, and salt. It has a light salty taste and is often served in small cups. Tibetan tea is popular in high-altitude areas where people need extra energy to stay warm.
It may take some time to get used to the salty taste, but it is worth trying for the cultural experience. In places like Tsum Valley, you may be offered Tibetan tea when visiting local families, as it is a part of their daily life.
While tea is the most common drink in Nepal, you can also find Nepali coffee in many tea houses. Nepali coffee is usually made from locally grown coffee beans, and it is served either black or with milk and sugar.
Coffee can be a nice change from tea, especially in the morning when you need a little extra energy to start your day. In remote areas like the Manaslu Circuit, the coffee may be instant coffee, but it still gives a warm and energizing boost.
Chyang is a traditional local alcoholic drink made from fermented rice or millet. It is popular in many parts of Nepal, including the Manaslu region and Tsum Valley. Chyang has a mild, slightly sweet taste and is usually served in a large mug. It is often homemade and is a part of many local festivals and celebrations.
Drinking chyang can be a fun way to experience the local culture, but it is important to drink it in moderation, especially at high altitudes, where alcohol can make altitude sickness worse.
Raksi is another traditional alcoholic drink that you may find in the mountain areas of Nepal. It is a clear, strong spirit made from rice or millet. Raksi is often compared to whiskey or vodka and is usually served in small amounts.
It is sometimes offered during festivals or special occasions. Like chyang, raksi is a big part of the local culture, but it is very strong, so it is best to drink it carefully. In the cold mountain evenings, some locals drink raksi to stay warm, but trekkers should be mindful of the effects of alcohol, especially at high altitudes.
Warm water is one of the simplest and most important drinks while trekking. In high-altitude areas like the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley, staying hydrated is very important to prevent altitude sickness.
Many tea houses provide warm water, which you can drink plain or use to make tea. Drinking warm water is also good for digestion and can help keep you comfortable in the cold weather. Always make sure to drink plenty of water during your trek to stay healthy and avoid dehydration.
In many tea houses, you will also find powdered fruit juice, like Tang, which is mixed with hot or cold water. It is not fresh juice, but it can be a refreshing change from tea and coffee. The sweet taste can give you extra energy, and it is also a good source of vitamin C.
Fruit juice is popular among trekkers who want something different to drink, but it is important to remember that it contains a lot of sugar, so it is best enjoyed in moderation.
In some areas of the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit, you may be offered yak milk. Yak milk is richer and creamier than cow's milk, and it is often used to make butter, cheese, and tea.
Yak milk is a good source of energy, protein, and fat, which is important when trekking in cold weather. It may have a strong taste, but it is worth trying if you want to experience the local culture. You may find yak milk added to tea or served as a drink on its own.
Lemon honey ginger tea is a popular drink among trekkers. It is made with hot water, fresh lemon juice, ginger, and honey. This tea is very soothing and is good for sore throats, colds, and boosting the immune system.
The ginger helps with digestion, while the lemon and honey provide vitamins and energy. It is a great drink to have in the evenings after a long day of trekking. In many tea houses along the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley, this drink is a favorite for its taste and health benefits.
Masala tea is a spiced tea made with black tea, milk, sugar, and a mix of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. It is similar to Indian chai and is very popular in Nepal. Masala tea is rich in flavor and has a warming effect, making it perfect for cold mountain mornings.
The spices in masala tea are also good for digestion and can help keep you feeling warm and energized throughout the day. It is a must-try for anyone trekking in Nepal.
Hot chocolate is also available in many tea houses, especially in the more popular trekking areas. It is a favorite among trekkers who want a comforting and sweet drink after a long day of walking.
Hot chocolate can be a great way to relax in the evenings and warm up in the cold mountain air. While it is not a traditional Nepali drink, it is widely enjoyed by trekkers and adds a bit of comfort to the trekking experience.
Trekking in Nepal is not just about the beautiful mountains and challenging trails; it is also about experiencing the local culture, including the food and drinks. From the comforting milk tea to the rich butter tea and the local alcoholic drinks like chyang and raksi, there are many beverages to try while trekking in places like the Manaslu Circuit and Everest Base Camp.
These drinks are not only tasty but also help keep you warm, hydrated, and energized during your trek. Enjoying a cup of tea or a local drink is also a great way to connect with the local people and learn more about their culture. So, when you are trekking in Nepal, take some time to try these popular beverages and make your trekking experience even more special.
