The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of off-beaten and scenic trekking adventures in Nepal. It takes you around the world’s eighth-highest mountain. The landscapes are dramatic and the cultural experience is authentic. As its remote trek many trekkers often wonder: “What kind of accommodation will I find on the Manaslu Circuit?”
Unlike the Everest or Annapurna regions, the Manaslu trail is not that commercialized. The accommodation is more basic yet authentic. This Accommodation Guide for the Manaslu Circuit Trek explains everything you need to know about staying in teahouses, guesthouses, and homestays. From costs and facilities to comfort levels and booking, it covers everything.
Here is a detailed guide for Accommodation Guide for the Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Table of Contents
Types of Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Accommodation along the Manaslu trail is simple and basic but warmly welcoming. Accommodation is mainly categorized into three types: teahouses, guesthouses, and homestays.
- Teahouses:
They are the most common form of lodging, run by local families. They offer simple rooms (usually with two single beds), shared bathrooms, and meals in a common dining hall. - Guesthouses:
They are slightly more developed versions of teahouses. Guesthouses are only found in larger villages such as Namrung and Samagaun. They may offer private rooms, thicker mattresses, or even attached bathrooms (but rare). - Homestays:
It allow trekkers to stay directly with local families, experience authentic hospitality, and enjoy home-cooked food. These are less in numbers but highly rewarding for cultural immersion.
What to Expect from Teahouse Facilities
The teahouses along the Manaslu Circuit are quite basic, although they are adequate for trekkers. Rooms generally consist of two single wooden beds with thin mattresses, pillows, and blankets. In night time temperatures can drop considerably, bringing your own sleeping bag is better for warmth.
- Heat: Rooms are not insulated, but the common dining area has a stove (usually fueled by yak dung or wood) where trekkers often congregate at night to keep warm and eat.
- Electricity and Charging: Most villages have limited electrical supply, as most villages are reliant on solar energy. Chargers typically cost USD 3-5 depending on the travel gear and charging device you want to use.
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is limited to certain villages, such as Samagaun and Namrung, and is generally very slow.
- Hot Showers: Expect to take your hot showers by way of solar showers or bucket. There may be an additional fee for this service and the fees could be USD 3-5. The higher you go, the hot water becomes less reliable.
Cost of Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit
Accommodations on the Manaslu trek usually cost between USD $5 – $10 per night. Prices depend on the altitude and season. Lower-altitude accommodations are cheaper, while remote places like Dharmasala may be more expensive due to difficulty of transporting food and supplies.
Another important thing to note is that, often, teahouses will combine the cost of the room with meals. If you eat dinner and breakfast at the lodge, the room price might be lower or may even be included in the price of your meals.
During the peak seasons, in October – November and March – April, lodges can fill quickly and prices might be slightly higher than normal due to demand.
Food and Dining in Manaslu Teahouses
A major benefit of staying in teahouses is the opportunity to eat home-cooked, hearty meals. The food in tea houses are mostly local foods, which are energy providing and yummy too.
- One of the most popular meals is dal bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and a pickle), which is refillable. This is a great meal filled with energy for trekkers.
- Other foods that are usually made available are Tibetan bread, fried rice, noodles, pancakes, soups, and potatoes.
- At lower altitude locations, you might find varied menus (even pasta or momo dumplings).
However, higher up the mountain, your menu is mostly limited because it is challenging to carry ingredients. You will generally eat together in the communal dining hall, which is a cozy room where trekkers can sit around the stove together.
Accommodation along the Manaslu Circuit Trek Route
The accommodation along the trek varies depending upon the remoteness. Here’s what you’ll find at the main overnight stopping points:
Machha Khola (869m): Basic teahouses with basic accommodations and shared bathrooms.
Jagat (1,340m): Guesthouses offer slightly improved amenities, small dining rooms, and fairly decent food options.
Deng (1,860m): Very basic teahouses with few services but a warm welcoming attitude.
Namrung (2,630m): The first town where you will find more upscale guesthouses who may even offer a few private rooms.
Syala (3,500m): A lovely place to stop – some teahouses offer stunning views of Himal Chuli and even Manaslu.
Samagaun (3,530): The largest settlement stop point, offering a variety of teahouses and a range of food options and facilities.
Samdo (3,875): A more remote, quiet stop with comfortable but very basic teahouses.
Dharmasala (4,460m): Also known as Larkya Phedi, offers very basic stone lodges, a popular stop during high season.
Bhimtang (3,720m): Surprisingly, the teahouses here offer some comfort, situated amongst a lovely backdrop of mountain scenery.
Dharapani (1,963m): Exit stop with good guesthouse amenities, showers and wifi connectivity.
Comfort Level: Basic vs. Upgraded Teahouses
The Manaslu Circuit has a lower volume of trekkers than other trekking areas. Hence, the guesthouses are fairly basic. Guesthouses often consist of shared bathrooms, wooden beds, and no heating in the rooms.
Trekking in larger places such as Namrung and Samagaun, trekkers may find upgraded teahouses with private rooms, better food, and sometimes attached bathrooms. Trekking options are still very limited compared to the luxury options in the Everest or Annapurna regions. Unlike the Everest or Annapurna areas where you can be comfort driven, this is more about a local experience.
Do You Need to Book Accommodation in Advance?
In general, it is not usually necessary to pre-book accommodation for your trek along the Manaslu Circuit. However, this does not apply during the busy trekking seasons (October -November, March – April), as the more popular villages (Samagaun, Dharmasala, etc.) can become fully booked.
If you are trekking with a guide or agency, accommodations are usually booked for you, so you won’t need to worry about where to sleep. If you have chosen to trek independently, we recommend you try to make it to the villages early in the afternoon so you can secure a place to sleep.
Tips for Staying in Teahouses on the Manaslu Trek:
You can apply some tips and this Accommodation Guide for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This will enhance your experience, and also saves you from some risks or emergencies.
- Make sure to bring your sleeping bag to stay warm.
- Don’t forget to bring some cash (Nepalese rupees) with you as there are no ATMs soon after Soti Khola.
- Remember you may have to pay for charging your devices, hot showers, and Wi-Fi.
- Be culturally-sensitive, remove your shoes before entering, and be courteous with the locals.
- Consider ordering your meals where you stay in support of the teahouse.
Homestay Experience in Manaslu Region
For trekkers wishing to engage more with the local culture, homestay offers a unique option in contrast to teahouses. Staying with a local family will provide you with an opportunity to experience real Gurung, Nubri, and Tibetan influenced lifestyles. As well as you will be able to eat home-cooked meals, access to local villagers, and an understanding of mountain traditions.
Homestays can be found at select villages, and they are particularly rewarding for trekkers wanting to do more than just a trekking experience.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Accommodation for Your Trek
Though accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit may not be luxurious, it is part of the charm of the area. Trekkers should manage their expectations a little as rooms are simple, food is basic and wholesome, and facilities are limited. The experience is made special by the local community and their hospitality.
If you’re on the trek in peak season, plan on booking in advance. If not, enjoy the simplicity of the teahouse experience on the Manaslu Circuit. You’ll have memories of comfortable lodges and welcoming homestays long after the trek is over. This Accommodation Guide for the Manaslu Circuit Trek can also play a huge role in enhancing your trek experience.
