Tibetan food options at Rongbuk Monastery - trekking to Everest Base Camp

If you are looking for the best view of Mount Everest the Rongbuk Monastery is the place. The Rongbuk Monastery is a place with tents and a restaurant where you can rest from hiking and exploring more about Tibetan culture and people. Restaurants have some traditional and universal dishes and drinks. But if you planning to visit this place you must try the traditional Tibetan teas and dishes, they are made by local people.

Location of Rongbuk Monastery

If you are interested in trekking and feel drawn by the enchanting landscapes of Tibet, then Everest Base Camp (or E.B.C) is the place for you to visit! On your way to conquering Mount Everest, the world's highest peak at 8,848 m (29,029 ft) above sea level, you can enjoy amazing views of snow-capped mountains and star-studded night skies, as well as the opportunity to sample unique Tibetan foods and experience the Tibetan way of life in local tea tents and canteens along the way.

At the heart of this expedition lies the Rongbuk Monastery, an emblematic spiritual haven that offers trekkers a unique blend of cultural immersion and breathtaking views. Positioned at an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,404 feet), it is acclaimed as the highest monastery in the world, presenting an unparalleled vantage point overlooking Mount Everest.

The significance of Rongbuk Monastery extends beyond its geographical marvels; it serves as a pivotal cultural landmark on the route to Everest Base Camp. This monastery is intricately woven into the fabric of Tibetan Buddhism, housing monks and nuns who practice daily rituals and prayers, contributing to the serene and mystical ambiance of the area. For trekkers, it offers a momentary respite from the physical demands of the hike, inviting them to pause and reflect amidst the spiritual and natural grandeur.

Rongbuk Monastery, the closest cafeteria and guest house to E.B.C. at 8 kilometers (5 miles) away, offers a variety of Tibetan food options for trekkers, including butter tea and tsampa, which are universal staples for Tibetan people.

Must-Try Traditional Dishes

Butter Tea 

Butter tea is a mixture of yak butter and strong brick tea churned together with a wooden stick until it becomes a frothy mixture. The resulting milky beverage is both sweet and salty and will leave you feeling warm and refreshed even on the coldest winter day. Not only that, a bowl of steaming buttered tea is a good choice if you need to restore your energy after a long, tiring day of travel. 

Butter tea, widely recognized as Po Cha in the Tibetan language, is a cherished traditional beverage made from a blend of brewed tea leaves, rich yak butter, pure water, and a pinch of salt. Esteemed as the beverage of choice, it holds a special place in the hearts of Tibetans residing in Tibet, as well as in the Tibetan diaspora in India and Nepal.

Advantages of Butter Tea:

• Energizing Effect
• Cognitive Benefits
• Appetite Suppressant
• Digestive Support.
• Altitude Acclimatization
• Cardiovascular Benefits
• Immune System Boost

Tsampa

Tsampa is another delicious snack commonly found on the Tibetan Plateau. This mealy treat is made of highland barley which is dried in the sun, fried in the husks, and then ground into flour. If you share many meals with Tibetans, you might be surprised to find that Tsampa is served at nearly every meal. Often, buttered tea is served alongside Tsampa, and the two are mixed together in a small bowl and rolled into a dough ball by hand and then eaten alongside the rest of the meal.

Thukpa

Traditional noodle couple is one of the must-have dishes with chicken meat, vegetables, and chili peppers. Rich with either meat or vegetables, the broth is seasoned with local herbs and spices, offering a soothing meal after a day in the cold. This dish is a culinary embrace, combining the warmth of the soup with the heartiness of noodles, making it a not-to-be-missed dish for travelers looking for both nourishment and a taste of local tradition. 

Tea Varieties

In Rongbuk Monastery you can find hot drinks teas like Green, Black, Jasmin, and many more teas for any traveler. The varieties of tea consumed in Tibet are not merely beverages; they are ceremonial, medicinal, and daily staples, deeply woven into the fabric of Tibetan society. These teas, ranging from the famous butter tea to sweet milk teas and aromatic herbal infusions, are essential in understanding the local lifestyle and traditions.

Besides the two above-mentioned Tibetan staples, a number of other Tibetan and Chinese fare, such as noodles, fried dishes, and rice, are also available at Rongbuk Monastery. Water and ready-made canned foods can also be procured. Outside of Rongbuk, however, there are few food and drink options on the long trek across Tibet to Everest Base Camp.  Therefore, we suggest that you pack some of your favorite snacks and bring plenty of bottled water when you depart for your trip.

Important things you should know when visiting Rongbuk Monastery

In addition to food supply concerns, it is important to note that weather in Tibet can fluctuate quickly and the temperature can drop very low at night regardless of the season, so it is advisable to pack an extra jacket or other layer of clothing for the evenings. Additionally, make sure to carry enough cash with you to cover any contingencies that might arise, because there are no banks or ATMs along the way.

The remote location of Rongbuk Monastery means that amenities are basic and scarce. Accommodations, if needed, are rudimentary, and while they offer a unique experience, they do not provide luxury comforts. Food options are limited to what is locally available, often consisting of simple, traditional Tibetan fare. Visitors should prepare for these conditions, bringing necessary supplies, snacks, and perhaps even a sleeping bag if overnighting in guesthouses.

While in Lhasa or other gateway cities, you can easily buy warmer clothing, grab whatever food and money you want to bring with you, and cover any other travel essentials that need to be dealt with before you depart.

If you enjoy tour packages, there are a number of group travel options such as an 8 day tour to E.B.C or an 8 day tour from Lhasa to Kathmadu via E.B.C to make your Everest Base Camp dreams a reality.