Food and Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek, being one of the most captivating treks and adventurous routes of      
Nepal offers an unmatchable experience of food and accommodation representing the intriguing
Himalayan culture and gob smacking raw alpine vistas.
Understanding the options for Food and Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek becomes
very considerable when the trekkers ascend and descend the remote trails of Manaslu Circuit
Area.
More than anything, it is very decisive for foreigners to learn about the ultimate experiences of
Food and Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
So, to engrave the experience in your memory, in this blog we will inquire into the downright
knowledge about the Food and Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Synopsis of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is the adventurous blend of most thrilling trekking routes of Nepal.
Through the distant trails, varying landscapes and the amazing view of Mt. Manaslu (8163m
above the sea level), this trek not only has the striking natural beauty but also provides the
unique cultural experience.
Initiating the journey from the beautiful village of Soti Khola, the route’s secluded trail walks
through forests, terrace farming fields and monumental Tibetan civilization which makes
trekkers rejoice the meaning of natural beauty and cultural immersion.
As aforementioned, the trek routes or passages are remote and distant, you need a good
preparation for the trek with special emphasis on Food and Accommodation.

Food on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Food on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the crucial element that upholds your wholesome trekking
experience. Manaslu Circuit Trek route constitutes of a system varying in numerous ethnic
groups, including Gurungs and Tamangs.
This varied Cultural Heritage is perfectly reflected on the food availabilities on the Manaslu
Circuit Trek, which extremely nourish the trekkers. The ordinary, yet nutritious food on the
Manaslu Circuit Trek fuels the trekkers throughout the ascents and descents of the trek.

 

Food Availabilities on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The adventurous Manaslu Circuit Trek has different types of food facilitators like hotels,
restaurants and teahouses at different level of altitude.
There are sophisticated hotels and restaurants in the places at lower altitude like Machha Khola,
Jagat, Deng and Namrung which provides comfortable living experience and varied menu of
food items relative to local, Indian, Tibetan and Continental cuisines.
Whereas, there are simple but traditional teahouses in the places at higher altitude like
Samagaon, Samdo and Dharamsala which are operated by local households serving great local
dishes.
The local dishes reflects the varied cultural heritage of Alpine Himalayan Nepali culture on the
grassroots. The food availabilities on the Manaslu Circuit Trek are basically categorized on three
meals per day basis. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Note: The choice of food items decreases with the increase in altitude due to less reach and
availability of groceries.

Breakfast

Usually, these are breakfast options available at the teahouses on the way:
– Roti/ Tortilla/ Chapatti
– Tarkari (Curry) and Achar (Pickles)
– Tibetan Bread
– Pancakes
– Boiled/fried Eggs
– Omelets
– Oatmeal/ porridge
– Cornflakes
– Toasts
(Availability of other food items depends on the teahouses’ quality and their reach to
groceries)

Lunch

Usually, these are lunch options available at the teahouses on the way:
– Daal Bhaat (A must try on the list)
– Momo (Tibetan dumplings)
– Tibetan Bread
– Chow Mein
– Pasta
– Vegetables and Salads
– Fried potatoes

(Availability of other food items depends on the teahouses’ quality and their reach to
groceries)

Dinner

Usually, these are dinner options available at the teahouses:
– Daal Bhaat (A must try on the list)
– Momo (Tibetan dumplings)
– Chow Mein
– Pasta
– Pizza
– Thenthuk, Rildhok (Sherpa special dishes)
– Thukpa
– Meat Curry
(Availability of other food items depends on the teahouses’ quality and their reach to
groceries)

Snacks and Drinks

Usually, these are snacks and drinks options available at the teahouses on the way:
– Choco bars
– Dried Fruits
– Energy bars
– Chips
– Biscuits
– Instant noodles
– Tea
– Coffee
– Hot lemon with honey
– Hot chocolate
– Local raksi / Jhai Khatte / rice wine
– Sodas (Coke etc.)
(Availability of other food items depends on the teahouses’ quality and their reach to
groceries)

Dietary Restrictions

 

If the trekkers have any dietary restrictions like being vegan, vegetarian, gluten free or being
intolerant to lactose, it’s very crucial for the trekkers to have detailed information by
communicating with the trek agency or the guide or the cooks.
The menu can be optimized with various options for trekkers who has such type of dietary
restrictions. We suggest the trekkers to carry their preferred snacks on hand to avoid such issues.

Water Facilities and Proper hydration

Proper hydration is essential throughout the ascents and descents of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Dehydration might be the cause of altitude sickness and also can worsen the health issues created
by altitude sickness. But, you can’t drink or carry the water from resources we collide on the
way.
Water purification is necessary while travelling through the distant routes. For your safety, the
tap water and river/lake/stream water is never healthy to drink. There are some techniques to
purify the water.
­

• Ask for the boiled water from teahouses,
•  Use iodine, chlorine and UV treatment to purify the water,
• ­ Use of purification tablets, gravity & squeeze filters, sterilizers along the trail.

Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit trek does have guest houses and tea houses to offer the trekkers a comfortable
living and traditional living experience.
The types of accommodation are:

a) Lodges and guesthouses

 Usually at lower altitude like Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng and Namrung
 Found in larger villages and town
 Larger in space
 Comfortable living experiences
 Attached bathrooms and toilets
 Hot showers
 Variety in food menu esp. English & Western
 Wi-fi and internet facilities

b) Teahouses

 Usually at higher altitude like Samagaon, Samdo and Dharamsala
 Found in smaller villages, main trails/routes
 Smaller in space
 Traditional living experiences
 Communal bathrooms and shared toilets

 Hot showers and Wi-fi depends upon teahouses’ quality for a fee
 Varied Menu depends upon teahouses’ quality
 Simple & traditional
 Like homestays

Rooms and facilities

I. Basic rooms with basic furnishing
II. Shared Dining room/table
III. Blankets and stove/firewood heaters available in dining room
IV. Electricity is available as basic necessity
V. Some of the teahouse provides Wi-Fi connection for some fees/payments. But, the
connection usually remain slow and sometimes inactive.
VI. Laundry facility isn’t available
VII. Very fundamental medical facility might be available like: bandages,
paracetamols, painkillers, joint spray etc. in the teahouses. Self-dependent with
basic medicines is a great aspect.
VIII. Toilets are communal at higher altitude. Toilet papers are available, but
self-dependent with toilet tissues is a great aspect too.

Tips and Advices

A. Book in Advance

Book the trek schedules, packages, guesthouses and teahouses in advance, because at the
final moment you won’t get vacant rooms and great packages for the Manaslu Circuit
Trek. Usually, the Manaslu Circuit routes remain busy during seasons.

B. Carry snacks

Carry preferred snacks like energy bars, dry fruits, instant noodles etc. on hand, which
will fuel you and your trekking ‘will power’ engine through the ascents and descents of
the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Carrying the snacks will be handy if you have some dietary
restrictions.

C. Carry water purifiers

Carry water filters like gravity, squeeze filters and chemical purifiers like iodine,
chlorine, purification tablets and UV sterilizers to purify the water.

D. Cash on hand

ATMs are only available in the main towns and city area, also with lesser access to
network + no reach to internet might affect the e-payment facilities. So, carrying Nepali
Rupees cash on hand will be very helpful throughout the journey.
E. Carry a power bank for self-dependency on mobile charging facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can we get meat on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Yes, you can get fresh meat on the Manaslu Circuit Trek but on the areas at lower
altitude. The places at higher altitude only offers dry meat (Sukuti) because of the
unavailability of storage facilities for fresh meat.

2. How much does food cost in the Manaslu Circuit Trek Region?
On Average, the food on the Manaslu Circuit Trek costs between USD 4 to USD 10 per
dish.
3. What is the cost of accommodation in the Manaslu Circuit Trek Region?
On Average, the cost of accommodation ranges between USD 10 to USD 30 per night.
4. Is it safer to eat the food?
Yes, it is safer to eat the food which are freshly cooked. It’s important for trekkers to
avoid raw vegetables, impure/unfiltered water and dairy products if you’re lactose
intolerant.
5. Are private rooms for single use available?
Yes, but it depends upon which season you are visiting. The trekking season fills up the
teahouses quickly and have no private rooms for single use.
6. Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes, some of the teahouse provides Wi-fi connection for some fees/payments. But, the
connection usually remain slow and sometimes inactive.