Food and Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek
The stunning Manaslu Circuit has earned a reputation as a stunning and slightly more isolated alternative to the popular Annapurna Circuit. While scenically every bit as impressive, the Manaslu trek still sees relatively few foreign trekkers on the trail. This means those who make the journey can trek in untouched culture and wilderness.
However, the more remote nature of the Manaslu Circuit does impact the availability of food and accommodation while trekking. Understanding what to expect in this regard helps ensure proper preparation and packing. With a bit of knowledge, the Manaslu region delivers a richly rewarding and memorable teahouse trekking experience that provides all necessities along the journey.
The Manaslu Circuit walks past rippling glaciers, turquoise lakes, and sweeping valleys shadowed by icy summits. While facilities may be simple, the privilege of witnessing such a sacred corner of the earth makes minor hardships fade away.
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Manaslu Circuit Trek Food/Meal Options
Various food choices are available at lower altitudes along the Manaslu Circuit route, including Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, etc. These charming establishments go the extra mile during peak seasons by employing skilled chefs to ensure a memorable experience. Trekkers can indulge in a diverse range of cuisines, such as Nepalese, Tibetan, Indian, and Continental, satisfying their taste buds with a fusion of flavors.
Manaslu Trekking route you get a tea house, lodge, and hotel which provides you with fresh and delicious foods.
Breakfast
Usually, Tea House Menu items like,
- Eggs (Boiled and Fry)
- Chapati
- Oats
- Tibetan Bread
- Porridge
- Pancakes
- Cornflakes
- Hot drinks like tea/coffee
- Toast
- Muesli
- Granola
- Yak Milk
Note:- Different Tea Houses and Hotels had their different numbers of food.
Lunch
Usually, Tea House Menu items like,
- Momo (Dumplings)
- Chowmein
- Pasta
- Spaghetti
- Dal-Bhat
- Sandwich
- Sherpa Stews
- Potatoes items ( Fried potatoes, Fingers Chips, etc,)
- Dhido Ghundruk (Typical Nepali Food)
- Snack items like prawn crackers and papad
- Meet and Fish curry
Note:- Different Tea Houses and Hotels had their different numbers of food.
Dinner
Usually, Tea House Menu items like,
- Thukpa
- Dal Bhat
- Meat or Fish curry
- Fried rice
- Pasta
- Soup
- Momos
- Dhido Ghundruk
- Pizza
- Salad
Note:- Different Tea Houses and Hotels had their different numbers of food.
The owners of Tea Houses and Hotels try to do their best for you by serving food and delicious food. They typically prepare your food right on the spot in front of your eyes, so you get meals freshly cooked.
Food Cost or Budgeting
The meal costs and budgeting for the Manaslu trek packages are inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided at the tea houses along the route. These meals are already covered in the overall cost of the trek. However, it is important to note that if you wish to indulge in additional snacks, hot drinks, or bottled water, you may need to make separate purchases.
Manaslu Circuit Accommodation Options
Just a few years ago, camping was the only viable option for undertaking the Manaslu Circuit Trek. However, as the region gained popularity and witnessed a significant influx of trekkers, a multitude of tea houses emerged along the trekking routes to cater to their requirements.
Presently, the Manaslu trek is widely acknowledged as a tea house trek, offering trekkers the convenience and comfort of staying in these establishments. Nonetheless, camping facilities are also available for those who prefer a more rustic experience.
Soti Khola
Soti Khola is the next stop after Kathmandu on the journey to the Manaslu region. In case you start your journey early in the morning, you have the alternative of staying in Maccha Khola instead of Soti Khola.
The teahouses situated along the Manaslu circuit offer fundamental services including food and lodging for trekkers. Additionally, they provide communication facilities such as telephones and Wifi connections. Soti Khola has five guest houses where you can find your accommodation.
- Green Valley Guest House
- ABC Guest House
- Tsum Guest House
- Satkar Guest House
- Fulbari Guest House
Machha Khola
On the second day of your journey, after a 6 to 7-hour walk from Soti Khola, you will reach Machha Khola. Apart from providing meals and accommodation, the teahouses, Lodge, and guest houses along the Manaslu Trek also offer convenient amenities such as WiFi, telephone service, and hot showers. It is important to note that there is a fee associated with availing these services. You have the option to choose from four different tea houses available in Machha Khola.
- Larkey Guest House
- Hilltop Guest House
- Everest Guest House
- Tsun Guest House
Jagat
After a challenging and adventurous journey of a 7-hour hike from Maccha Khola, you will finally reach Jagat on the third day of your Manaslu Circuit Trek. Here, it also has a check post where you will register your permit. Remember to present your permit and complete the registration process at the checkpoint. In Jagat, you will find four guest houses that offer you facilities including satellite phones, wifi, hot showers, etc.
- Manaslu Santi Guest House
- Jagat Guest House
- Himalayan Tourist Guest House
- Rubi Nala Guest House
Deng
This is the starting point of the restricted area of the Manaslu region. On your way to Deng, it is mandatory to submit or register your permit for verification at a designated checkpoint. While WiFi is accessible in the tea houses located in the Manaslu Circuit Trekking area, hot showers are not available. In Deng, you will find three hotels where you can stay during your trek.
- Windy Valley Guest House
- Sangrila Cottage
- New Manaslu Guest House
Namrung
Your journey from Deng to Namrung will bring you closer to your destination.
After approximately 6-7 hours of climb from Deng, you reach Namrung. These teahouses offer modern amenities such as hot showers and WiFi, ensuring a comfortable stay. To assist you in choosing the perfect teahouse, here is a list of available options
- Namrung Guest House
- Nubri Four Season Resort
- Namrung Thakali Guest House
Lho Village
In Lho Village, there are few tea houses. You have access to wifi, satellite phone, and hot shower facilities here. The tea houses in Lho Village are
- Namaste Guest House
- Majestic Manaslu
- Lama Guest House
- Tashi Dalek Guest House
Sama Gaun
To get Sama Gaun, it is a small village at a height of 3530 meters. During the Manaslu Circuit Trek, there are few guest houses in Sama Gaun. all of them provide you with a hot shower, wifi, and satellite phone. The guest houses are
- Gurung Cottage Guest House
- Norling Guest House
- Norbi Guest House
- Sama Gaun Guest House
- Peace Haven Guest House
- Tashi Dalek Guest House
- Norbi Valley Guest House
Samdo
Following a 4-hour hike from Sama Gaun, You will reach the charming village of Samdo after trekking. This is a small village so you will find some guest houses and hotels. They are
- Yak Hotel
- Tibetan Twin Hotel
- Jambala Guest House
Dharmasala (Larke Phedi)
Before you cross Larkya La Pass, Dharamsala is the final stop in Manaslu Circuit Trek. There are only a few guest houses where you will only get charging facilities. They are
- Jambala Guest House
- Larkey Guest House
Bimthang
After crossing the Dharmasala you will enter Bimthang, and you will spend the night there. Around this Manaslu Circuit Trek area, tea houses provide hot showers, wifi, etc. They are
- Sushma Guest House
- Mountain Poker Cottage
- Ganga Manaslu
- Apple Garde
- Himalayan Guest House
Accommodation Cost Or Budget
The price of lodging is not fixed and is influenced by both the trekking season and the altitude achieved during the trek. In peak season, accommodations at lower altitudes range from $3 to $5 US dollars. However, as you continue your ascent, the cost of lodging gradually rises to around $7 to $10 US dollars. During the off-season, hotels at lower altitudes can be obtained for $2 to $3 US dollars, but as you climb higher, the price elevates to approximately $5 to $7 US dollars.
Final Say
While the natural beauty and adventure are a huge draw, understanding what to expect regarding food and accommodation is key in planning a successful trek here.
Overall, trekkers can find basic but hearty and nourishing food options along the more populated lower sections of the route. As the trail ascends into more remote high-mountain areas, the food becomes more limited but provides enough fuel to keep energy levels high. Most accommodation on the circuit is in simple, locally-run teahouses. They offer twin-share rooms and common toilet facilities but provide a comfortable base along the trail.
Keep an open mind, travel with a spirit of adventure, walk slowly to allow proper acclimatization, and fuel up properly between each walking day. Packing lightweight but warm layers is also a smart move. Follow these tips, and the Manaslu Circuit is bound to exceed your expectations and provide memories to last a lifetime.
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