# 15 Things Nobody Tells You Before Trekking in Nepal

_Published 19 June 2026_

Guidebooks cover permits and packing. These are the things our trekkers tell us they wish they had known.

**Quick answer:** Expect early nights, cold rooms, slow days at altitude, small extra costs for showers and charging, and possible flight delays. None of it spoils a trek if you know it is coming.

1. **You'll be in bed by 8:30.** Teahouse life follows daylight, and you'll be tired.
2. **Rooms are not heated.** The dining room stove is the warm place. See [sleeping bags](/blog/sleeping-bag-guide-nepal-trekking).
3. **Showers and charging cost extra**, more the higher you go.
4. **Porters will overtake you** carrying twice your weight. Smile and step aside.
5. **Dal bhat comes with refills.** It's the best-value meal on the trail.
6. **Yaks have right of way.** Always stand on the mountain side.
7. **Mornings are clearest.** Cloud often builds by lunchtime.
8. **Flights to Lukla get delayed.** Keep a spare day or two. See [Lukla flights](/blog/lukla-flight-guide).
9. **Your appetite may vanish at altitude.** Eat anyway: soup and carbohydrates help.
10. **Stone steps are harder than hills.** Poles save your knees. See [trekking poles](/blog/trekking-poles-guide-nepal).
11. **Toilets vary.** Carry toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
12. **You will sleep badly one night up high.** It's normal.
13. **Cash is king.** ATMs above Namche are rare or absent.
14. **Wi-Fi is slow.** Enjoy the break. See [digital detox](/blog/digital-detox-trekking-nepal).
15. **The people are the highlight.** Many trekkers remember the lodge families most.

Ready? Start with our [12-week preparation plan](/blog/nepal-trek-preparation-timeline).

## Frequently asked questions
### What surprises first-time trekkers in Nepal?
Cold rooms, early nights, extra costs for showers and charging, and flight delays.

### Are teahouse rooms heated?
No, only the dining room.

### Do I need cash on the trek?
Yes; ATMs are rare up high.

### Why do I lose my appetite?
Altitude often reduces appetite; keep eating.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/things-nobody-tells-you-before-trekking-nepal