While trekking in the Himalayas, Embark groups always stay in tea houses. But it occurs to us that, unless you’ve been there, “tea house” might sound like less than they actually are.

First, and obviously, they do serve tea. Sometimes we just pass by during a walk and have a warm-up. But tea houses also offer cozy, traditional, and often family-run accommodations. Typically there will be a common room where meals are served, and then single- or double-occupancy sleeping rooms. Showers are available, sometimes with hot water for a small fee, and in some of the more popular areas we’l see flush toilets. The whole experience is often quite rustic, but we think that the point of travel is to be close to the locals, not holed up in a luxury hotel.

The food is basic but filling, with breakfast generally consisting of pancakes, porridge, meats and bread. At lunch and dinner, the most common dish is daal baht, a plate of lentils with perhaps spinach and potatoes, plus a bowl of lentil soup. It’s warm, filling and — this part is great after a day on the trail — all-you-can-eat.

Our favorite thing about staying in tea houses is meeting the local people who run it, as well as the other trekkers we see along the way. After a long day in the world’s highest mountains, nothing beats eating a hot meal, stories swapping stories, and yes, having a nice cup of tea. It’s what tea houses are all about.

Go trekking in Nepal with us!