Vegetarian and vegan trekking in Nepal is one of the uprising concept. As Nepal is slowly turning out to be the tourism capital of the world, there have been queries about the vegan diet and food for vegetarian people.
What’s better for the readers is the fact that Nepal is fond of plant-based foods and focuses less on meat items even during the trekking moments.
Dal Bhaat, which is the staple food of Nepal, is provided during the trek. The Trek Nepal also plans every meal for the guests in a way they feel comfortable.
In the context of Nepal, vegan eating has been prioritised rapidly based on the demand of the tourists. Places like Kathmandu and Pokhara have high demand for vegans and vegetarian trekkers.
In this blog, we would like to talk in detail about vegetarian and vegan trekking in Nepal.
Vegetarian and Vegan Food during Nepal Trek
One of the key components during the Nepal trek would be the availability of vegan and vegetarian food. The food culture of Nepal is deeply linked to rice, vegetables, lentils, and not meet.
The national dish of the nation is dal, bhaat, which is steamed rice along with lentil soup, vegetable curry, and pickles. This whole food is plant-based.
Even during trekking with The Trek Nepal, we provide the same staple food to the tourists twice a day. Rich in carbohydrates, this particular food gives you energy for lengthier treks.
For vegetarian and vegan trekking in Nepal, this is a blessing in disguise. The best part about the food is that you get unlimited access to it until you are full.
What one must be assured of is the fact that Nepal isn’t a vegetarian country. Anyone who has intested in meat and dairy products can easily find it.
What’s easier to understand is the fact that vegan or veg isn’t forced in the context of Nepal. It is a practiced approach which makes the experience better.
Vegetarian and Vegan Trekking in Nepal
Readers must be wondering how you can get enough energy to trek for 2 weeks with only a veg or vegan diet.
Well, all the itineraries for the food menu are prepared based on the needs of the human body. The staple food along with the fruits and other items are highly rich in carbs and protein, making the meals balanced.
Other than dal and bhaat, you also have an option of momo, thukpa, fried rice, noodles, porridge, pancakes, and even pizza.
For the vegan diet, though, you can skip the likes of ghee or butter to make things easier. You can also get dal, rice, curries, beans, potatoes, bread, and other items which will fulfill the vegan diet and the energy required.
Practical Tips for Vegetarian and Vegan Trekking in Nepal
Not everyone is a vegan, but the ratio of vegetarians is much higher in Nepal. With different kinds of trekkers being part of The Trek Nepal, we would like to provide some practical tips for vegetarian and vegan trekking in Nepal.
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Have proper communication with the guide
The most important aspect of having a successful vegetarian and vegan trekking in Nepal experience would revolve around being clear on the goals and ideas.
Tell your trekking agency what your expectations are about the trip and how they are ready to fulfill your protein and dietary requirements. This will make a clear path.
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Carry backup snacks
It doesn’t matter whether you are doing the Everest Base Camp trek or the Mardi Himal trek; carrying backup snacks as a vegan or veg is important.
The backup snacks could be anything from almond or peanut butter to walnuts and even dried fruits. This will help you to keep up with the energy.
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Always consume freshly cooked food
A key aspect that gets overlooked most of the time during vegetarian and vegan treks in Nepal is the use of freshly cooked food.
There are 3 meals provided during the day by The Trek Nepal, and be sure to consume them fresh and hot. This will help you to keep up with the proteins and carbohydrates.
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Treat your water better
Just imagine trekking for more than 7 hours every day and being dehydrated. Doesn’t seem right. During the trek in the context of Nepal, try to remain hydrated most of the time.
By hydration, The Trek Nepal doesn’t mean plain water but much more than that. Try to use electrolytes in your water so that it can hold you better during longer sweaty treks.
Final Thoughts
Vegetarian and vegan trekking in Nepal shouldn’t be a massive issue at all. As there is plenty of options both for vegan and veg trekkers, always be assured that your experience will be better.
Along wth that, clear communication will help you to manage the overall trek in the right manner. In the context of The Trek Nepal, we have attended plenty of vegan and veg trekkers and made proper dietary plans.
This has helped them with better results and plans. All the popular destinations in Nepal have everything veg and vegan trekkers look for.
Still, if you are confused whether it is worth it, or whether you will be attended properly, contact The Trek Nepal. We will help you with the right set of itineraries, diet, and food. This will keep you in good shape for the big trek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dal bhaat vegan?
Yes, dal bhaat is absolutely vegan. The confusion would be the use of ghee. If you are vegan, try to remove ghee from your food plan, and you are good to go.
Does plant-based eating provide enough protein for treks?
There are plenty of treks in Nepal that go beyond 2 weeks and even for a month. So will plant based trek be able to provide the required protein?
Well, the answer is yes. From lentils to beans, chickpeas, peanuts, soyabeans, tofu, and nuts, everything provides you with enough protein to carry through the trek. With The Trek Nepal, we also create diets that will help you to have a safe and healthy trek over the extended period.