Trekking in the lap of the eighth-highest mountain in the world itself feels like a timeless adventure. Manaslu Circuit trek is a challenging expedition; thanks to its alpine and rugged terrain. Like every trek in the Himalayas, food and accommodation on Manaslu Circuit Trek are essential to the adventure on Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Food and Accommodation on Manaslu Circuit Trek is influenced by its geographical location, culture, and lifestyle. Tamang and Thakali culture and social structure inspire the uniqueness of delicacies and dishes. The harsh landscapes of the Himalayas and their remoteness also influence their cuisines. Further, the architectural design, altitude-specific needs, seasonal demands, and limited luxury of the homestays are also the consequence of the culture and geography of the Manaslu region.
Trekking in the Himalayas comes with its fair share of challenges. One such difficulty is finding a proper place to rest and spend the night. Luxury accommodation is rare in the Manaslu Circuit trek. While Manaslu Circuit Trek offers few luxury stays, you can find well-maintained teahouses throughout the journey. Further, hotel options are available in Macchakhola, Jagat, Nemrung, Lho, and Samdo. You can also find guest houses in Samagaun, Dharamshala, Bhimthang, and Dharapani.
Teahouses are the primary lodging option during the trek to the Manaslu circuit. They’re designed in the traditional Nepali style and have an outdoor seating area to relax and enjoy the scenic Himalayas. Most teahouses offer basic services such as separate rooms, shared restrooms, meals, etc. However, as the number of tourists has increased in the Manaslu circuit, some teahouses in Jagat, Lho, and Shyala offer bars, WiFi, communal lounges, and other luxuries to the trekkers. Teahouses in other locations are equipped to provide basic facilities.
While tea houses are traditional and locally operated to provide basic services, lodges and guest houses emphasize comfort and amenities. You can find them in key destinations such as Machhakhola, Jagat, Lho, and Samagaun. Costlier than the teahouses, lodges and guest houses provide a broader range of services, including additional amenities. You can find new hotels, cottages, and guest houses in Samdo and Lho. Likewise, trekkers had to camp in tents at Dharamshala’s crucial stop. However, you can choose from multiple teahouses and lodges nowadays.
| Location | Guest Houses |
|---|---|
| Machhakhola | Tsum Valley Guest House, Hilltop Guest House, Everest Guest House, Larkey Guest House |
| Jagat | Jagat Guest House, Manaslu Shanti Guest House, Himalayan Tourist Guest House, Rubii Nala Guest House |
| Deng | Sangrila Cottage, New Manaslu Guest House, Windy Valley Guest House |
| Namrung | Namrung Guest House, Nubri Four Seasons Resort, Thakali Hotel |
| Lho | Namaste Guest House, Lama Guest House, Tashi Dalek Guest House, Majestic Manaslu, Hotel Blue Sky |
| Samagaun | Tashi Dalke Guest House, Sama Gaun Guest House, Mount Manaslu Guest House, Peace Heaven Guest House, Nobri Valley Guest House, Gurung Cottage Guest House |
| Samdo | Yak Hotel, Tibetan Twin Hotel, Jambala Guest House |
| Dharamshala | Jambala Guest House, Larkey Guest House |
| Bimthang | Mountain Ponker Cottage, Himalayan Guest House, Ganga Manaslu, Sushma Guest House |
The Manaslu region’s tea houses, lodges, and guest houses are well-equipped to serve basic human needs. Essentials like food, meals, water, beds, toiletries, shower, electricity etc. are provided. However, additional needs, such as hot water, hot shower, WiFi, etc, may cost you additional bucks. Teahouses offer cozy and comfortable stays; influenced by geographical necessities and cultural lifestyles.
The Manaslu circuit trek is a challenging expedition. The terrains are difficult to navigate, with steep slopes throughout the trail. The 16-day long journey demands a significant physical effort. Further, navigating at alpine heights puts you at risk of altitude sickness. The human body starts to consume more energy in order to stay balanced. Hence, consuming enough calories is essential in order to maintain energy, health, and the overall thrill of the journey.
A traditional Nepali dish, Dal Bhat, is available throughout the teahouses in Manaslu. Momo, a fusion of Tibetan-Newari cuisine, is also popular among the trekkers. You might also find authentic Newari dishes in some newly opened eateries. Some guest houses and hotels offer dishes like Gundruk, Dhido, Roti, etc. Almost none of the places serve Western dishes. Traveling through the Manaslu region allows you to taste traditional Nepali dishes.
Most teahouses, guest houses, and lodges offer tea/coffee and bread for breakfast. Coffee is not very prevalent in the Himalayas as compared to city areas. Few eateries offer a variety of tea, such as milk tea, black tea, lemon tea, mint tea, lemon tea, ginger tea, etc. Most locals start their day with a cup of milk tea. As the number of tourists in the region has grown, some places serve toasted bread, omelets, and porridge as well.
Dal and Bhat (rice, lentils, and curry) are the staple food throughout Nepal. Most locals rely on it for lunch and dinner. Teahouses have limited options to choose from. Most of them provide Dal and Bhat with curry and pickles. Some Hotels also provide roti/chapatti and dhindo, a traditional Nepali dish made from wheat/millet flour. Most eateries in the region also serve Momo and chowmein.
Drinks are an essential part of outdoor adventures. Alpine heights pose various physical and mental challenges. Due to exhaustion, the body loses and dehydrates quickly. It is necessary to stay hydrated and energized to combat altitude sickness in the Himalayas. Further,
Staying hydrated is key to a successful expedition of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Alpine heights and rugged terrain can drain you mentally and physically. The human body loses water twice as fast at high altitudes. Hence, it is essential to stay hydrated throughout your journey. We advise the trekkers to carry their own water bottles. Do not drink water directly from the streams and springs. Make sure to either drink boiled water or use water purification pills. Carbonated drinks and energy drinks are available in teahouses. However, they might be expensive due to the remoteness of the trek.
Tea is available in every homestay, teahouse, and eateries in the Manaslu region. Coffee is less prevalent; however, some guest houses serve it in a few places. Trekkers prefer warm herbal tea, such as ginger tea, lemon tea, etc., to stay hydrated and combat altitude sickness.
Alcoholic drinks like local wines and whiskey can be found throughout teahouses and guest houses. However, consuming alcohol increases the chance of altitude sickness. Hence, we strongly recommend not to consume any alcoholic drinks during your journey.
Finding the proper place to rest and spend the night can be challenging in the remote areas of the Manaslu Circuit trek. Most of the region is scarcely populated. Hence, finding the right place to suit your needs can become difficult. Also, most teahouses and guesthouses sell out early during the peak season. The cost of accommodation and meals also increases during autumn and spring.
The logistics cost increases exponentially in the Himalayas due to difficult terrain. As a result, the cost of goods and services increases as you travel to higher regions. The remoteness of these regions increases labor and logistics costs. The cost of basic facilities, utilities, and luxuries also increases in remote areas.
The teahouses are designed to accommodate a limited number of people. Limited seating and space are available in the teahouses. Most of the rooms consist of multiple beds and a shared restroom. Hence, you will have to share the space with the other trekkers. Due to the limited capacity, you may not have complete privacy in your hotel rooms. Likewise, teahouses have a communal dining lounge where all the guests dine together.
Due to the remoteness of the trek, limited services are available on the route. Most of the villagers live a very basic daily life. Teahouses and guest houses offer limited luxuries. Basic human needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, electricity, etc., are well taken care of. Hence, you need to spend the duration of the trek using basic facilities.
Due to the limited number of teahouses and guest houses operating in the region, you must reserve a place in advance. The trail remains extremely busy in the peak season. Hence, start looking for a place before starting the journey. Places might charge in advance for bookings, depending on the policy and season. Finding accommodation without pre-booking during the peak autumn and summer trek season is almost impossible.
We advise the trekkers to carry snacks and energy bars with them. Trekking in the Manaslu region drains out energy quickly. The 16-day long journey tests your physical limit. Hence, you must supply enough calories and nutrients to your body. Carry snacks that are rich in nuts, seeds, and oats in your backpack.
As mentioned, trekking in the Manaslu region is an expedition to the remote villages and terrains. Finding the luxuries of cities is impossible in villages. Villagers in the Manaslu region live daily on basic facilities and amenities. Hence, visitors should also expect to spend their time in such facilities.
Manaslu Circuit trek is filled with natural wonders and cultural uniqueness. The amazing views of Manaslu and Annapurna and the simplicity of the villages make it an authentic Himalayan experience. The alpine terrain and geographical remoteness affect the food and accommodation in the Manaslu circuit trek. As the journey deepens into the Himalayas, daily life becomes simpler and basic. Hence, trekkers get to experience the beauty of the Himalayan lifestyle in Manaslu Circuit Trek.
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