Lodges of Nepal: A Complete Accommodation Guide

Nepal offers diverse lodge accommodations catering to trekkers, pilgrims, and leisure travelers. From basic teahouses to luxury mountain lodges, here's your essential guide to staying in Nepal's unique lodging system.

Types of Lodges in Nepal

1. Trekking Teahouses (Most Common)

• Location: Along all major trekking routes (Everest, Annapurna, etc.)
• Features:
  • Basic rooms (2 single beds, shared bathrooms)
  • Common dining hall with stove/heater
  • Menu: Dal bhat, noodles, pancakes ($$)
• Cost: $3-$10/night (often free if eating meals there)
• Best For: Budget trekkers wanting cultural immersion
• Pro Tip: Bring a sleeping bag even if they provide blankets - heating is minimal at high altitudes.

2. Community Lodges

• Location: Less-touristed areas (Makalu, Kanchenjunga)
• Unique Aspect: Run by local cooperatives
• Benefit: Directly supports village economies
• Cost: $5-$15 including meals

3. Pilgrimage Guesthouses

• Location: Near temples (Muktinath, Gosainkunda)
• Features:
  • Simple dorm-style rooms
  • Vegetarian meals only
  • Often donation-based
• Cost: $2-$5 or pay-what-you-can

4. Luxury Mountain Lodges

• Location: Popular routes (Everest, Annapurna)
• Examples:
  • Yeti Mountain Home (Everest)
  • Ker & Downey Lodges (Annapurna)
• Features:
  • Ensuite bathrooms
  • Hot showers
  • Western menus
• Cost: $100-$300/night

5. Wildlife Jungle Lodges

• Location: Chitwan, Bardia, Koshi Tappu
• Features:
  • Thatched roof bungalows
  • Safari packages included
  • Evening cultural programs
• Cost: $50-$200/night

Lodge Amenities Comparison

Feature	Teahouse	Community Lodge	Luxury Lodge
Bedding	Basic mattress	Thin mattress	Quality bedding
Bathroom	Shared squat toilet	Shared Western	Private ensuite
Shower	Bucket (extra $)	Solar sometimes	Hot water 24/7
Charging	Solar (extra $)	Limited outlets	Available in room
WiFi	Paid (spotty)	None	Usually included
Heating	Dining room only	None	Room heaters

Booking Tips

• Peak Seasons (Oct-Nov, Mar-Apr): Reserve luxury lodges in advance
• Teahouses: No need to book ahead - just arrive by 3-4pm
• Payment: Cash only in remote areas (no ATMs on trails)
• Etiquette: Remove shoes indoors, don't waste resources

Unique Lodge Experiences

• Buddhist Monastery Stays (Mustang, Tsum Valley)
• Homestay Lodges (Tamang Heritage Trail)
• Heritage Palace Lodges (Kathmandu, Patan)

Did You Know? Many Everest teahouses now offer "yak wool" blankets for rent ($1/night) to supplement sleeping bags in freezing temperatures.