Food and Dining · Where and how

What local drinks and brews can I try?

By Base Camp Tours, licensed Nepal travel agency (Tourism License 3121/080) · Updated · 1 min read

The short answer

Masala chiya is milk tea with spices; try it hot at roadside stalls. Tongba is warm millet beer served in a wooden pot, common in the eastern hills. Rakshi is a local spirit, and Nepali beers are widely sold. Hill tea and coffee are good non-alcohol choices.

Drink in moderation, especially at altitude where alcohol increases risk. Choose sealed bottled drinks and ask what is in homemade brews.

Key facts

Tea
Masala chiya
Millet beer
Tongba
Spirit
Rakshi
Altitude
Avoid alcohol

How it works

  1. Start with chiyaHot tea.
  2. Taste tongbaIn an eastern-style restaurant.
  3. Try local beerCarefully.
  4. Avoid altitude drinkingSkip on trek.
  5. Choose sealed bottlesFor safety.

Insider tip

Try tongba in a hill restaurant for the full experience.

Avoid this

Do not drink alcohol on your first nights at altitude.

Related questions

Is alcohol legal?

Yes for adults, with local rules.

Is homemade rakshi safe?

Quality varies; be cautious.

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