The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a breathtaking experience. The trails that divert from the crowdedness of Annapurna and Everest to much more quiet and serene places. The off-the-beaten route leads to the panoramic views of the Manaslu mountain range. The intricate culture of Tibetan Buddhism woven into the sacred landscapes of the Himalayas is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers the soaring heights where the highest elevation is 5125 m, Larkya Pass, with the trails starting off with the lush green alpine forests accompanied by the Budhi Gandaki River and other tributaries, the unique amalgamation of Nepalese and Tibetan culture and, of course, the stupendous views of the entire Manaslu range along with the Annapurna and Ganesh Himal mountain ranges.
While the journey itself of the Manaslu trek will be very adventurous and enjoyable, to say the least, one of the main concerns going into such trekking destinations is knowing the situation regarding accommodation and food. There will be many questions about how the accommodations are, how the food and drinks are, their costs, and so on. So on this blog, we will give a comprehensive guide on this topic in the hope that it helps you plan your trek to the Manaslu Circuit and Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley with ease and as little doubt as possible.
Food is the source of energy for every living organism. And especially during the trek, eating food with a proper diet is vital. Now let's see the different varieties of food you can get during your trek to the Manaslu Circuit.
Local food is the most available food during the trek. Dal Bhat is the classic lunch and dinner that all Nepalese people, along with foreign trekkers, eat during the trek. It is a great source of fiber, protein, and carbs that gives you energy for hiking throughout the day. As the saying goes, “Dal bhat power, 24 hours.” The dal bhat consists of rice, lentil soup, seasonal vegetable curry, meat curry (optional with extra cost), and pickles. And the best part is all of it is refillable for free (except for the meat curry, of course). So, if you are not satisfied with one round of dal bhat, you can always go for another.
But that is not the only local food you can find during the trek; there are delicious-tasting foods like thukpa, momo, Tibetan bread, chow mein (stir-fried noodles), fried rice, etc. It is a great way to get a taste of the local cuisine and experience the authenticity and love of the local people through food.
Another advantage of eating local food during the trek is that the ingredients used to cook are fresh, especially the vegetables used to make curry and other dishes. Instead of eating food out of a packet, you can get the taste of locally grown crops. Potato dishes, especially, are very famous here.
While the varieties are limited in a sense, you can actually get some Western cuisine if you do not prefer the Nepalese food or just want a change in palate after eating dal bhat so much. You can find food like pizza, pasta, macaroni, spaghetti, etc. While they might not be as good as the authentic food, it is as close as it can get.
For breakfast you can get pancakes, muesli, eggs, toast, etc. You can always ask the hotel owners or browse through the menu and find what you particularly want during that time. But keep in mind that you can find more varieties of food in lower elevations of the Manaslu Circuit compared to the higher elevations, so you might have to compromise a little when it comes to the tea houses having a diverse menu. But of course, you can always satisfy your cravings once you descend lower.
We are aware that many people have dietary restrictions when it comes to food, whether you are a vegetarian, vegan, or allergic to anything in particular. It is a matter that should be taken very seriously. And during the trek, it is easy to find these options but the major thing is letting your guide or the hotel manager know about your restrictions. If you only avoid meat products or any animal-related products as a whole, letting the people who handle your food, and in this case it will be your guide’s job, know is crucial. Especially if you are allergic to anything, you need to be very clear about how your food should be handled and to avoid cross contamination.
The best way to meet your dietary considerations is by communicating with the guide or the hotel managers, who can take into account what you require and avoid any further problems that may arise because of this.
Tea and coffee are something that is consumed multiple times a day when you are on a trek. But more than that, having safe drinking water is crucial during the trek. Keeping your body hydrated will not only give you the energy required for hiking but also help you avoid catching any symptoms of altitude sickness. We recommend you hold out on alcohol, at least till the end of the trek, as it can dehydrate your body and increase the chance of getting altitude sickness.
You can also find some canned fruit juice, which might cost a tad bit more compared to the city price. Opt to drink boiled water or mineral water or carry water purification tablets or a portable water purifier to make it safe to consume. Because the local people are already used to drinking the tap water, which might not be safe for you. It is best to avoid it if possible. While tap water is free, hot water and mineral water will cost an extra charge.
Having a good place to sleep for the night determines how well rested you will wake up the next day. A cozy room and a functioning bathroom will be plenty enough when you have reached among the highest mountains. Here is what accommodation facilities are like on the trails of the Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Like most trekking trails, you will get a basic room with twin-sharing beds equipped with bedding, a blanket, and a pillow. While we recommend you carry your own sleeping bag to make sure to keep you warm, you can always ask for extra blankets in case you need them. Most of the tea houses have the same layout, with some rooms with 4-5 beds as well to accommodate a big group. The tea houses at lower altitudes will have better facilities compared to the ones in higher elevations.
One thing you need to prepare for is not having electricity outlets in your rooms. If you wish to charge your electronics, you will have to do that in the dining hall along with everyone else. The rooms also will not have air conditioning or heaters, so you have to rely on bringing portable heat pouches or other optional items.
During the peak season of spring and autumn, it is better to pre book the room, especially in villages like Dharapani, Namrung, Lho, Samagaon, Samdo, and Bhimthang, where most trekkers stop for the night.
Bathrooms and toilets are mostly separated and used by everyone. They will be for common use, so it is better to wake up a bit early to avoid lining up in the morning. While some tea houses do offer a room with a private attached bathroom, it can cost more than a normal room, and it's not something all tea houses offer either. And like most facilities, the higher you ascend, the more basic it becomes. So, you might need to compromise in some cases. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is located along some of the rural places of Nepal to begin with, so do not have high expectations when it comes to facilities.
Dining halls are the backbone of teahouses. It is a place where you not only fill your stomach and get energy but also a place where you can meet other fellow trekkers and the owner of the teahouse as well. Some of your best memories will be made in the four walls of this room, where you meet different kinds of people while keeping yourself warm by the fireplace.
Forgetting the rigorous hours of hiking and the cold outside, the dining hall is the safe space where you enjoy a peaceful cup of hot tea along with lunches and dinners. The dining hall is set with enough tables and chairs to accommodate a large number of people at a time, so it will be spacious but cozy.
You can get pretty good extra facilities for an extra price. Amenities such as electricity, wifi, and hot showers are all available, but it is not something that is a package deal. Charging your electronics and getting access to wifi will be an extra charge, as some places depend on solar power. It is better to get a power bank and a local SIM card to buy an internet data pack, which is more functional and cheap.
You might have a very different image in your head when the word hot shower is mentioned, but hot shower in the mountains means the teahouse will give you a bucket of hot water for a hot shower. So, it is best you take a hot shower only if you really need it.
While things will have a constant price, such as rooms and three meals a day, for other things spending money depends totally on you. Since you most likely will be going through a company package, they cover the expenses of three meals a day along with accommodation. Anything extra from that will be out of your own pocket. Most amenities will also be of extra charge and are excluded from the package. That being said, here’s a rough breakdown of the cost for food and accommodation during the Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Trek Package Cost: $1000 USD to $1500 USD
Basic Room Cost:
Lower elevation: $7-$10 USD
Higher elevation: $10-$15 USD
Lunch and Dinner: $5–$10 USD
Breakfast sets: $4–$8 USD
Tea/Coffee: $1–$4 USD
Bottled water: $1–$3 USD (higher prices at higher altitudes)
Hot showers: $2–$5 USD
Wi-Fi (if available): $2–$4 USD
Charging devices: $1–$3 USD per hour/device
Blanket rental (if needed): $1–$2 USD
Food and accommodation during the Manaslu Circuit Trek make up a big percentage of the trekking experience. It is a matter of comfort and ease when trekking to the mountains. The Manaslu Trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the heaven-like natural landscape along with the rich Tibetan culture of the Manaslu region. Embarking on this adventurous journey is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Set apart from the popular trails of Everest and Annapurna, the Manaslu Circuit Trek provides a much more authentic look into the lives of ethnic communities along with the spectacular views of the Manaslu range and the wildlife that it supports. So, if you plan to go on this odyssey, we can take you there! Contact us through WhatsApp or email at +977 9851175531 or info@alpineramble.com
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